News Desk
The government will open student loan applications throughout the year, removing the long‑standing deadline that has often prevented students from applying in time. The decision was announced by the Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr Ali Haider Ahmed, at a press conference at the President’s Office, where he described the change as a practical step to make higher education more accessible.
Haider said many students had struggled to meet the previous cut‑off dates, losing their chance to secure funding even when they had a confirmed place to study. He said the new system would keep applications open all year, allowing students to apply as soon as they are ready. He added that the shift resolves a recurring problem that had affected hundreds of young people.
Applicants will now be required to submit all documents at the time of application. This includes placement letters, the fee structure and the Maldives Qualifications Authority approval confirming that the chosen programme meets national standards. Courses that require licensing from a regulatory agency must also show proof of recognition. Haider said that complete documentation will allow loans to be processed faster than in previous years.
The minister noted that the reform aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to convert all student loans into Islamic Sharia compliant financing. Students will not pay a service charge when repaying their loans. The policy has been in effect since last year and has eased the financial burden on families seeking higher education opportunities.
Haider said the loan scheme will reopen next week after the holidays. In the first two months of the year alone, more than MVR 54 million has been disbursed across government schemes supporting higher education. The ministry said the funds were released between 1 January and the end of February.
According to official figures, MVR 556,174 has been provided to 46 students enrolled in first‑degree programmes. More than MVR 20 million has been issued to 2,001 students under the loan scheme, while MVR 33.9 million has been disbursed to 105 students studying on government scholarships.
The ministry has also launched the Kuri Portal, a single e-platform designed to streamline disbursement for students under scholarship, free‑degree and loan schemes. To support Maldivians studying overseas, WhatsApp contact numbers have been assigned to 25 countries. The ministry responds to an average of 480 messages a month through this service. A call centre has also been established and is handling more than 1,100 calls monthly.
Haider said the government has begun reviewing stipends for students abroad. The review will consider the financial requirements set by host countries for student visas and the rising cost of living in major education hubs. The first adjustments will focus on countries with the largest number of Maldivian students. He said the administration is committed to strengthening services for young people seeking higher education, describing the reforms as part of President Muizzu’s broader effort to widen opportunity and ensure that support reaches students when they need it.
