The Ministry of Higher Education has revealed their decision to facilitate loans for 514 students who applied for them to pursue higher education.

This was revealed by the ministry during a virtual press conference on Thursday, where Higher Education Minister Dr. Ibrahim Hassan revealed that loans were approved for 48 slots in Diploma, 264 slots in Bachelor’s Degree, 160 slots in Master’s Degree and 27 slots in Ph.D.

In addition to these, 15 students were also approved loans for different licensed programmes.

Over 1,000 students had applied for the loan when the opportunity was opened earlier this year, revealed the minister.

Further, the minister asserted that studies must commence within a year after the loans are issued and if it is not done under circumstances, the ministry must be informed.

He added that the loan scheme has been linked to the national training need analysist list compiled under the first 100 days of the administration.

He added that changes were brought to make sure students from all over the country were included in the scheme and to ensure equal distribution. Loans will be facilitated for those registered in the Zakat list.

It had also been revealed that the chances are slim for more loan opportunities within this year, due to the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis. Despite this, human resources development programmes will be held, said the ministry.