Ministry of Higher Education has published the preliminary list of those who received student loans to attain higher education from the Maldives and abroad.
As per the preliminary list published by the higher education ministry, a total of 1,176 applications were received, while 417 students are being given the loan. The ministry has opened the list for complaints until June 1. The ministry revealed the final list will be published on June 10.
Application for the loan scheme was opened in February this year. The loan scheme has 770 slots, including 471 slots for current students and 290 slots for students beginning their studies.
This year's loan scheme includes 20 slots for post-graduate medicine as well. This includes 10 slots for new students and 10 slots for current students.
Speaking at the press conference held to announce the preliminary list of those who received the student loan, Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim Hassan said unlike other years, a period of 18 months will be given to begin studies this year. The minister added the period was extended from 12 months to 18 months due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister revealed USD 8.89 million allocated for the loan scheme will be released for the students, noting the remaining amount will be given to 65 students completing MBBS and 16 students undergoing pilot training. He stated another round of loan openings is highly unlikely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.