Some Maldivians studying overseas on government scholarships and student loans are struggling to pay rent and tuition fees without funds from the Higher Education Ministry.
The Higher Education Ministry stopped sending money to some students in June, Adhadhu has learned. Students faced serious difficulties because the money was not deposited, leaving some unable to cover course fees, rent and daily expenses.
"It's been three weeks now since I even applied for the money. The ministry has not given any response so far. There's no way to pay rent and things. If the [semester] fee is not paid, that [semester] has to be deferred. Then again I'd lose many days," a student in Australia said on the condition of anonymity.
Adhadhu understands that stipends have not been deposited for some students on the presidential scholarship either.
"I have to get money from someone when the money isn't sent. There are some students at the point where they have to leave their house because they can't pay rent. It'll be very difficult too to find a place again," a student on a presidential scholarship said.
Speaking to Adhadhu on the issue, Higher Education Minister Dr. Mariyam Mariya said there were delays in depositing funds to students due to a dollar shortage. However, the Higher Education Ministry was working with the Finance Ministry to send the funds as soon as possible, she said.
"We are releasing funds as the highest priority to students who need it right now. We wouldn't want to keep them in hardship either, would we? We know as well that they need money immediately. This delay is because of the dollar shortage," Mariya said.
A large number of Maldivians are studying abroad on scholarships and student loans.
