Delayed Loans, Low Stipends Spark Uproar Among Maldivian Students Abroad

Complaints against the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development have sparked widespread discussion on social media, after an anonymous compilation highlighted issues including delayed loan disbursement, insufficient stipends, and a lack of transparency from the ministry.

The compilation, published yesterday, drew on 33 submissions from students who received loans between 2019 and 2025, although many did not specify the year. It followed an online form posted on Tuesday by X user @jubraanshareef, which invited Maldivian students abroad to share their experiences with government-funded study programmes.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

 “Consent was sought out for publicising 𝕏 DMs. Messages with those who did not consent are not included in this compilation,” the publication noted.

Compilation of Complaints about the Ministry of Higher Education (@MoHEmv).

🔗: https://t.co/GpBVLGuTYA#StudentsInCrisisMv— js #StudentsInCrisisMv (@jubraanshareef) December 24, 2025

However, local news reported yesterday, prior to the publication of the compilation, that the ministry stated it had not received any complaints from Maldivian students abroad regarding unpaid student loan stipends.

In the anonymous submissions, students reported repeated delays in receiving loans and stipends, sometimes lasting several months beyond the scheduled dates. These delays have caused missed university intakes, blocked access to courses and results, and, in some cases, the cancellation of scholarships. Communication from the ministry was described as slow, inconsistent, or absent, leaving students to rely on WhatsApp or personal follow-ups to obtain information.

Several submissions highlighted that stipend amounts have not been updated for years and do not cover actual living costs in countries such as Malaysia, the UK, and Australia. Some stipends reportedly fall below minimum financial requirements for visas, and inconsistencies in exchange rates and bank charges further reduce the funds received. Students also reported receiving no official breakdown of payments and being repeatedly asked to resubmit documentation.

Administrative failures extended to tuition payments and mandatory fees, which were frequently delayed, blocking student access to university systems and delaying academic progress. Complaints also described multiple errors in agreements and approvals, including inconsistent amounts and missing signatures. Some students alleged that loans were awarded based on personal connections rather than academic merit.

The delays and administrative challenges have created significant financial and personal stress, forcing students and their families to cover tuition, visa, and living costs out of pocket. Many reported exhaustion, frustration, and anxiety over their academic futures. Outdated policies, fixed stipend rates, limited coverage for visas or travel expenses, and fluctuating exchange rates have exacerbated these difficulties, particularly for students enrolled in multi-term or multi-year programmes.