163 slots have been opened for students interested in taking loans to study for a higher education abroad.

In a press release, the higher education ministry stated that any student that fits the criteria under their policy will be able to apply.

The deadline for loan application is June 24, 1:30pm, stated the ministry, adding that it will provide the opportunity for students to correct mistakes in their applications if they apply at least three days before the deadline.

The ministry is allowing the opportunity to apply for loans for a second time after many of the students who submitted their applications earlier were disqualified.

In March, 993 students applied for 242 slots but only 79 were accepted. The ministry stated that 106 applications were rejected for applying for a loan to study in Maldives, 192 applications were rejected for writing down unlisted countries, and 271 were rejected for not submitting prints of both sides of their certificates.

The ministry has faced backlash over the matter.