More than 1,300 applications have been submitted for the annual student loan scheme to pursue education and training in Maldives and abroad.

Higher Education Minister Ali Haidar said the student loan application forms are currently being evaluated and details will be announced soon.

“About 1,300 students have applied. We are currently evaluating the application and will officially announce the details very soon,” Haidar said.

The government opened applications for 500 student loans on March 29. The deadline for applications ended on Wednesday.

Students who wish to top up their existing loans were allowed to apply to top up with a maximum amount of MVR 700,000.

Meanwhile, the ministry has faced criticism for delays in disbursing funds to students in international universities.

The ministry claimed that the reason for delays in depositing funds for student loans and scholarships is incomplete bank account information.