The government has disbursed more than USD 5.51 million so far this year under its free degree programme, according to the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development.
The government’s free degree programme has made higher education more accessible, and encourages students to pursue degree-level studies without the burden of financial hardship.
According to statistics released by the Ministry of Higher Education, 1,100 students have newly enrolled in the free degree programme and are currently receiving financial assistance so far this year.
While 2068 students have graduated under the scheme so far this year, 8086 students are currently studying for their degrees under the programme, including 5047 female and 3039 male students.
So far this year, the government has spent USD 5,543,330.15 on the free degree programme. Since the current administration took office in November 2023, USD 15.3 has been spent on the programme. Over the past 19 months, 3,888 students have enrolled in the programme, while 5,412 students graduated from the programme.
The programme is designed to build a skilled workforce in key sectors where there is a high demand for jobs in the Maldives.
