The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, in collaboration with the Bank of Maldives (BML), has further strengthened its support for Maldivian students residing abroad by addressing two of the most pressing challenges they face: foreign currency limitations and stipend access.

The Government has consistently worked to ensure the well-being of students studying overseas. A major step forward is the increase in the foreign spending limit to USD 1,200. This revised limit applies to all students pursuing A-level qualifications and above, including those on Government tertiary education loans as well as privately funded students.

Foreign currency support now covers tuition fees through Telegraphic Transfers (TT) made directly to the student’s university or higher education institution. To qualify, students must submit a valid invoice or supporting document that includes the names of the student and institution, the amount payable, the level of education, and the university’s banking details.

In addition to tuition fees, students can also access a monthly stipend and accommodation payments via TT to their bank accounts in the country of residence. According to BML, stipend amounts are based on rates published by the Ministry and can be disbursed up to three months in advance.

One of the newly introduced measures is the advanced stipend support for newly enrolled students. They are now eligible to receive a one-month stipend before departure, either in USD cash or credited to a USD account or card. The remaining stipend payments will be processed via TT once the student is settled abroad. This measure is intended to ease the transition and give students time to set up a bank account in their host country.

For students living in rental accommodation, the Government is also providing support through advance payments of up to 12 months of accommodation costs, processed via TT. This is available upon submission of a valid tenancy agreement, and payments will be made directly to the accommodation provider’s account. The maximum amount disbursed will be capped at 12 months’ worth of stipend, as per MOHE’s official rates. Students receiving this support will not be eligible for additional monthly stipend disbursements during the covered period.

To access these financial supports, students must provide:

In early July, the Government also announced that it would cover the additional cost incurred by Maldivian students in Malaysia due to the introduction of a 6 per cent service tax on private education services for international students, which came into effect on 1 July 2025. Students who are required to pay over RM 60,000 in course fees have been asked to submit the required forms to the Ministry via email.

These initiatives reflect the Government’s continued commitment to supporting Maldivians pursuing higher education abroad, ensuring that they have timely and secure access to the foreign currency needed for tuition and essential living expenses.