More than MVR 54 million has been disbursed to students under various Government schemes for higher education between 1 January and the end of February this year, the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development has revealed.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the President’s Office, Minister of Higher Education Dr Ali Haidar said the funds were provided through different schemes aimed at supporting students pursuing higher education.

The Minister also noted that the Ministry has established a call centre to improve the quality of services provided to students. The centre responds to an average of 1,135 calls each month.

In addition, dedicated WhatsApp numbers have been introduced for students studying abroad in 25 countries. Through these channels, the Ministry responds to an average of 480 messages per month.

Minister Dr Haidar said the Ministry has also launched a portal to streamline the process of disbursing funds to students studying under scholarships, free degree programmes and the student loan scheme. The portal has now begun providing services.

Providing further details, the Minister said MVR 556,174 has been disbursed to 46 students enrolled in first degree programmes during the period from January to the end of February.

Meanwhile, more than MVR 20 million has been provided to 2,001 students studying under the student loan scheme, while MVR 33.9 million has been disbursed to 105 students studying under Government scholarship programmes.

The Minister also revealed that work has begun to review stipends provided to students studying abroad. The review will initially focus on countries with the highest number of Maldivian students.

Minister Dr Haidar said the review will take into account the financial requirements imposed when issuing student visas as well as changes in the cost of living in those countries.