The Ministry of Higher Education, Labor and Skills Development has opened the opportunity for those who wish to pursue higher education in the Maldives and abroad to apply for loans.

In an announcement made on Saturday, the Ministry of Higher Education, Labor and Skills Development revealed that they have opened 500 opportunities for studying from Level 5 to Level 10 of the Maldives National Qualifications Framework, as well as for studying to obtain licenses.

The ministry noted that the opportunity to apply for loans will be available for both new students and those currently studying.

New students are considered to be those who have not registered or paid tuition fees at a higher education institution by the deadline given for submitting applications for the loan opportunity in the announcement.

In addition to this, students currently studying under government loans can also apply under the announcement if they wish to take a top-up. The maximum amount for top-ups is MVR 700,000.

The student loan opportunity has been opened amid delays and concerns expressed by many people regarding the matter. Students who have completed high school in the Maldives and are waiting to go abroad for higher education, as well as their families, have been expressing their feelings.

Under the Student Loan Scheme, the government initially announced 500 loans last year as well. However, the government later decided to give loans to all eligible applicants.

In line with the decision, out of 1,709 students who applied, it was decided to give loans to 1,153 students. The only eligible students who were not given loans were some students who applied to study piloting.

Out of 148 students who were eligible for the pilot license slot, the government decided to give loans to 10 students.