Gov’t Increases Education Investment to Support More Than 11,000 Students, Says Minister

The Maldives has significantly increased its investment in higher education over the past two years, allocating more than MVR 1.9 billion to schemes designed to broaden learning opportunities for students across the country.

The figures were outlined by the Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, during a recent appearance on PSM News’ Hafthaa 104 programme, held to mark the government’s two-year anniversary. He detailed the Ministry’s progress and highlighted priorities for the coming years.

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A substantial portion of the funding has been directed towards scholarship programmes, student loan schemes and the first-degree scheme, all intended to support academic pathways that align with national development objectives. The Minister noted that the student loan scheme has performed particularly well, with all eligible applicants over the last two years receiving opportunities to study, including in specialised fields deemed essential for the country’s long-term growth.

He also underscored the importance of financial accountability, stating that loan repayment remains a core component of the scheme. A policy paper has been submitted to the President’s Office to introduce measures that will encourage and support graduates in meeting their repayment obligations.

A major policy decision announced by the Minister includes the President’s directive to allocate at least two-thirds of student loan scheme funding to highly technical fields such as engineering and medicine. This priority is expected to remain consistent in future years.

In relation to international scholarships, the Ministry has strengthened partnerships with several countries over the past two years. While many opportunities have been secured, the Minister acknowledged that some scholarships remain underutilised due to limited uptake from Maldivian students. He said that efforts are ongoing to expand scholarship availability through continued engagement with partner nations.

According to the Ministry, a total of 699 scholarships and loans have been issued to 2,108 students during the past two years. The first-degree scheme has supported a further 8,445 students, bringing the total number of individuals who have gained access to higher education opportunities to 11,252 within this period.