The Ministry of Higher Education, Employment, and Skills Development has revealed that over 1,700 students submitted applications for loans intended for higher education, vocational training, and international study opportunities. The ministry initiated the opportunity on February 29.
Providing details, the ministry disclosed that a total of 1,709 students submitted their applications by the specified deadline, May 2 at 1330hrs. It stated that the next phase of the process will include reviewing the applications. Despite the government's initial plan to allocate student loans to 500 students, during the Ahaa forum, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu opted to modify this decision and extend loans to all eligible students.
The loan program provides opportunities for students to pursue studies from any university, in fields which play a pivotal role for the nation's advancement. Such fields include the infrastructural industry, the aviation industry and the agricultural sector, as outlined in the manifesto of President Dr. Muizzu.
Furthermore, decisions have been made by the government to provide loans to students with disabilities and special needs as well. Additionally, the ministry unveiled that students currently enrolled in courses will also have the opportunity to cover other expenses under the loan scheme, while the students enrolled in free degrees can also request for loans to cover additional expenses.