MVR 282.4 million spent on student loans this year

The government has made MVR 282.4 million in loan disbursements for students so far this year, according to statistics released by the Higher Education Ministry.

The statistics released by the Higher Education Ministry on Sunday shows the government has made total MVR 982.7 million in student loan disbursements since last year for 1,151 students.

This includes MVR 282.4 million in loan disbursements to 274 students since January this year.

The budget allocation for student loans this year is MVR 768 million.

Total 863 students who took out student loans have successfully graduated since last year, including 281 who graduated this year.

There are 1,642 students studying under the state-funded loan scheme at present.

???? Student Loan Scheme Higher Education Statistics 2024–2025

Updated: 17th July 2025 pic.twitter.com/AGE14VyTIz

— Min. of Higher Edu, Labour and Skills Development (@MoHEmv) July 20, 2025

There have been persistent complaints from Maldivian students overseas over delays in the disbursement of financial aid they are entitled to by the state, specifically stipend and tuition fees, as well as delays in response to letters and emails sent by students inquiring about the delay.

When questioned about this at Parliament back on April 30, Higher Education Minister Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed acknowledged “delays sometimes” in disbursement of financial aid to Maldivian students overseas, but said that the delays were often because the ministry is not provided all information it needs to process disbursements.

He added that the ministry is also working on creating a portal to manage student information. He said that the portal is expected to go live in October – which will make the process easier for both students and the ministry.

The government also faces the issue of failure of students to repay their loans.

Back in May, Haidar told the Parliament that only 40 percent of students make regular repayments for their student loans.

He said that the Higher Education Ministry was engaged in discussions regarding the issue, and would reach a decision soon.