Government Spending on Student Loans Falls By Around 20 Percent This Year
tudent loan allocations fall 20 percent in 2025 compared to 2024 | Photo: The President’s Office
Government spending on student loans has declined by around 20 percent this year compared to the same period in 2024, according to official figures.
The government allocated MVR 768 million for the student loan scheme in 2024. Data from the Ministry of Finance’s Weekly Fiscal Developments report show that MVR 540.8 million had been spent as of 11 December, the latest date covered in the report, representing about 70 percent of the total allocation. This marks a 20.4 percent decrease from the MVR 672.3 million spent during the corresponding period last year.
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The Weekly Fiscal Developments as of 11 December 2025 has been published on our website and can be accessed through the link below: https://t.co/DsbQq5WiuC pic.twitter.com/gPB6vV4LKQ— Ministry of Finance and Planning (@MoFmv) December 17, 2025
Statistics released by the Ministry of Higher Education in September indicate that more than MVR 1 billion has been disbursed through the student loan scheme since last year. During this period, 964 students have completed their studies with support from the scheme, including 382 graduates this year. A further 1,733 students are currently pursuing studies under government loan schemes in 40 countries, including the Maldives.
Despite the lower level of expenditure, concerns have persisted throughout the year over delays in student loan payments and slow responses to correspondence. Students have repeatedly reported delays in receiving stipends and tuition fee payments, with those studying overseas facing particular difficulties.
Parents and students abroad have also raised complaints, while recent social media posts have alleged that some students have missed educational opportunities due to delays in loans and scholarships.
Addressing the issue on Sunday, Higher Education Minister Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed said efforts were underway to resolve delays in issuing stipends to students studying at government expense, with the government aiming to clear the outstanding payments within the week.
