The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development has reported that more than MVR 222 million was spent in 2025 under various government-funded scholarship programmes, reflecting sustained investment in higher education and skills development.
According to statistics released by the ministry, 205 new students were awarded government scholarships during the year. Of those enrolled, 120 were female students and 85 were male. During the same period, 180 scholarship recipients successfully completed their studies and graduated.
The ministry said that over the past two years, covering 2024 and 2025, a total of 411 students benefited from government scholarship schemes. Women accounted for the majority of recipients, with 262 female students compared to 149 male students. During the two-year period, 441 students completed their studies under these programmes.
At present, 602 students are pursuing higher education through government scholarships across 93 different programmes in 20 countries. This group includes 388 female students and 214 male students, continuing a trend of higher female participation in overseas and local scholarship opportunities.
The ministry highlighted several key scholarship schemes offered by the government. These include the High Achievers’ Scholarship Scheme, awarded to students who obtain five A grades or more in A Level or Higher Secondary Certificate examinations, including Dhivehi and Islam._toggle. The Presidential Scholarship, regarded as the most prestigious government-funded award, is granted to students who achieve five A* grades in the same subject categories.
In addition to national schemes, students also have access to scholarships funded jointly by the Maldivian government and foreign governments. Officials said these programmes play an important role in expanding access to higher education, building a skilled workforce, and supporting long-term national development goals.
