The government of Maldives has granted 438 students who applied for students loans, specified under the government's higher education pledge. Minister for Education Dr. Aishath Shiham, Director General of Department of Higher Education Dr. Abdul Raheem Hassan and State Ministers of Education Ministry participated in the function held to award the loans.
Speaking as the guest of honor, Minister Aishath Shiham highlighted the importance of student loans and said that such loans are essential for the development of the future of the country. She noted the higher education opportunities will develop the human resource sector and allow the growth of the economy of Maldives.
The granted loans include areas such as MBBS, culinary, interior designing, pilot training and marine services. Over 80 percent of the students who applied were granted the loans, according to the Education Ministry. This year along with SAARC countries, students can choose universities in Thailand, Malaysia, China and Philippines to pursue higher education programmes.
When he resumed office in 2013, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom had pledged to award 1000 higher education loans.