Government’s Student Loan Spending Drops Amid Stipend and Fee Delays for Overseas Students

Government spending on student loans has declined by 20 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the latest fiscal report. The government allocated MVR 768 million for the student loan scheme in 2024, with MVR 540.8 million spent as of 11 December, representing 70 percent of the budget. This marks a significant drop from the MVR 672.3 million spent during the same period in the previous year. Statistics from the Higher Education Ministry reveal that over MVR 1 billion has been disbursed in student loans since last year, supporting 964 graduates, including 382 this year. Currently, 1,733 students are studying under government loan schemes in 40 countries, including the Maldives. However, delays in stipend and tuition fee payments have caused frustration among overseas students and their families, with some losing educational opportunities due to these delays. Higher Education Minister Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed acknowledged the issue and assured that the government is working to resolve the delays within the week.