High Achievers Scholarship Now Offers $390 Extra to Students Who Stay in Maldives

Top-performing Maldivian students on the High Achievers Scholarship will receive an additional monthly allowance of USD 390 if they choose to remain in the country for their studies. The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development announced the policy change, aiming to encourage the nation's brightest academic talents to build their futures locally. State Minister Abdulraheem told PSM News that the decision is a strategic step to retain top students within the Maldives while they pursue their education. The move addresses concerns over brain drain by providing a significant financial incentive for scholars to stay connected to the local community and economy during their academic years. The ministry has also revised the eligibility criteria for the prestigious scholarship. Applicants must now achieve high grades of at least four As and one A* across five subjects, which must include SSC Dhivehi or Islam. A minimum pass of a C grade in English is also required. This marks an adjustment from the previous, more stringent requirement of an A grade in all five subjects, potentially broadening the pool of eligible high-achieving students.