Applications Open for Zakat-Funded Local and Overseas Master’s and PhD Scholarships
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef (R) with a student who was awarded a zakat-funded scholarship in 2025 | Photo: Maldives Zakat House
Maldives Zakat House has opened applications for higher education scholarships and special scholarship opportunities for Maldivian students seeking to pursue advanced studies both locally and abroad.
According to the announcement, the programme includes scholarships for Master’s (Level 9) and PhD (Level 10) studies in various Islamic disciplines. The fields include Islamic Shariah, Qur’anic Sciences, Islamic Education, Islamic Research and Publications, Islamic Journalism, Aqeedah, Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, and Islamic Leadership and Management.
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Local study opportunities are available at institutions including Maldives Islamic University, Maldives National University, Villa College, Avid College and Zikura College.
International scholarships are available at institutions such as Al-Azhar University, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), INCEIF, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), and International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).
A total of 30 scholarships will be offered under the scheme, with 10 allocated for studies in the Maldives and 20 for overseas studies.
The programme also includes special scholarship schemes. These include five stipend-based opportunities for students currently studying in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as well as five special scholarships intended to train female doctors in areas related to women’s health.
Applicants must be Maldivian citizens aged 18 or above, demonstrate financial need and meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen programmes. Candidates must also be enrolled in full-time courses accredited by the Maldives Qualifications Authority and should not already be receiving financial assistance from other government or institutional sources.
The announcement stated that applicants may also propose additional fields of study beyond those listed, provided the programme contributes to the development of Maldivian Islamic society.
Applications must include academic transcripts, completed application forms and relevant certification approvals. The evaluation and selection process will be carried out by the committee responsible for higher education assistance under the Zakat Fund.
The deadline for applications is 16 July 2026 at 2:00pm. Applications must be submitted via email to scholarship@zakathouse.gov.mv.The full announcement is available on the Government Gazette.
