The government has committed more than USD 22.31 million to higher education scholarships since the beginning of 2024, in a strategic bid to strengthen human capital and extend academic opportunity. Administered by the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, the programme reflects the state's broader ambition to nurture a skilled and globally competitive workforce.
According to official data released by the ministry, the investment has been distributed across 93 scholarship schemes to date. Within the current calendar year, USD 6.18 million was allocated, supporting 45 students, 34 women and 11 men. The programme's impact is also reflected in its graduate figures. So far in 2025, a total of 48 students have completed their studies under the initiative, including 30 women and 18 men.
Scholarship participation spans geographic borders, with 607 students currently pursuing tertiary education across 20 countries, including within the Maldives. Among them, 268 remain actively engaged in coursework, comprising 176 women and 80 men.
Since the launch of the initiative, 357 students have graduated under these schemes, according to ministry data. The group includes 220 women and 137 men, signalling steady growth in the nation's academic achievement.
Students benefit from a variety of award channels, including High Achievers Scholarships administered directly by the government, special Presidential Scholarships, and grants provided by foreign governments and international partners.