Ministry Reports Over 10,000 Students Enrolled In Gov’t-Funded Higher Education Programmes

The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development has reported that more than 10,000 students are currently enrolled in higher education programmes funded by the government.

Government funding is provided primarily through three schemes: the student loan programme, scholarships, and the free first degree programme.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Since 2024, the government has spent over USD 65.5 million on student loans, USD 22.7 million on scholarships, and USD 16.2 million on the free first degree scheme. During this period, 1,159 students began their studies under the student loan scheme, with 964 of them graduating. Loans have been awarded to 2,051 students, and 1,676 students are currently studying in 40 countries, including the Maldives.

Scholarship data show that 268 students have travelled abroad on government scholarships since 2024, with 357 graduating during the same period. The government has announced plans to award scholarships to 1,177 more students, while 607 students are presently pursuing higher education in 20 countries, including the Maldives.

The free first degree programme has recorded 4,300 new enrolments since 2024, with 5,568 students graduating during this time. There are currently 8,357 students enrolled in the scheme.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has instructed the relevant ministries to provide student loans to all eligible applicants under this year’s government loan scheme for higher education, both in the Maldives and abroad.