Applications open for 2026 student loans

Applications have been opened for the student loan scheme to pursue higher education and training opportunities both within the Maldives and abroad.

The Ministry of Higher Education opened this opportunity on April 1, 2026.

Under this scheme, applicants can apply for programs ranging from Level 5 to Level 10 of the Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF). Furthermore, the Ministry noted that loan opportunities are also available for professional licensing programs, medical specializations, and medical fellowship programs.

At a ceremony held to open applications for higher education and training loans for studies both in the Maldives and abroad, the Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed, announced that the application window for this year’s loan scheme will remain open year-round without a fixed deadline.

The Minister further stated that opportunities will be established to ensure all eligible students receive access to loans.

Under this scheme, the administrative charges or commissions added to student loans in previous years have been completely abolished, with the introduction of Shari’ah-compliant financing. According to the Ministry, arrangements have been made to ensure that students are not required to pay any amount beyond the original principal disbursed.

As President Muizzu’s administration marks its second year in office, numerous complaints have surfaced regarding delays in disbursing funds to students studying abroad under government loan schemes and scholarships. Students have brought these grievances to the attention of government ministers as well as President Muizzu himself.

The year 2025 concluded without a satisfactory resolution to the issue, as the government’s stance continued to shift inconsistently.