There are 1,740 students currently studying under student loan in the Maldives and in 36 countries, with MVR 548.16 million disbursed last year, official figures have shown.

According to statistics from the Higher Education Ministry, 1,072 are female students and 688 are male students.

Last year, 596 students registered for student loans and 660 graduated. So far, 1,438 students have registered for student loans and 1,211 have graduated.

Although more female students are registered for loans, more male students have graduated. A total of MVR 1.24 billion has been spent from the state budget on student loans.

Figures show that 602 students are currently studying in 20 countries. There are 388 female students and 214 male students.

Last year, 205 students registered for scholarships and 180 graduated. Statistics show that more female students register and graduate under scholarships.

A total of MVR 471.08 million has been allocated from the state budget for the scholarships. MVR 222.17 million was disbursed for scholarships last year.

The Higher Education Ministry said that out of 6,640 students who enrolled under free degrees till last year, 4,370 were female. The remaining 2,270 students are male.

MVR 151.30 million was allocated for free degrees last year alone. A total of MVR 301.66 million was disbursed for free degrees.