The government has decided to provide student loans for pursuing higher education in the Maldives and overseas to all eligible applicants.
A total of 500 loans were offered this year.
The government decided to issue loans if the applicants meet the eligibility criteria, Higher Education Minister Dr. Mariyam Mariya said on Monday night at the Ahaa (Ask) program, a public forum for posing questions to ministers.
The deadline for applying for student loans expires at 1:30 pm next Thursday (May 2).
Applications can be submitted under the loan scheme to study from diploma to masters level in the Maldives and from diploma to PhD level in other countries.
Students pursuing bachelor's degrees in the country under the Maldivian government's tuition-free first degree scheme could also apply for coverage of other expenses not included in the tuition fee.
Under this year's scheme, the government also offered top-up loans for students who were unable to complete their courses due to reasons beyond their control.
