More than MVR 151 million was disbursed under the Government’s Free Degree Scheme in 2025, according to the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development.

The ministry said a total of MVR 151,302,259 was spent on the programme last year. Cumulatively, expenditure under the Free Degree Scheme has reached MVR 301.6 million over the past two years.

Statistics released by the ministry show that 2,798 students were newly enrolled in first-degree programmes in 2025. During the same year, 3,286 students graduated under the scheme. At present, 8,680 students are pursuing degree programmes through the initiative, comprising 5,486 female students and 3,194 male students.

The ministry further noted that a total of 5,863 students have registered for the Free Degree Scheme over the past two years, while 6,640 students have completed their courses during this period.

The Free Degree Scheme is aimed at developing human capital in fields where there is demand within the Maldives’ labour market. The Government said the initiative has enabled students to pursue higher education without financial barriers, supporting national goals related to skills development and employment.