President prioritises scholarship payments over fuel, staple imports
Students have reported delays in tuition fee payments and stipend disbursements, with some universities issuing notices due to non-payment.
President Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Ministry of Finance has been instructed to prioritise the release of tuition fees and stipends for students studying abroad under government scholarship schemes before authorising payments for fuel and staple goods.
Speaking in his latest Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast on Thursday, the President addressed concerns raised by scholarship students, particularly those studying in the United Kingdom, during his recent visit. Students have reported delays in tuition fee payments and stipend disbursements, with some universities issuing notices due to non-payment.
Among the concerns raised were:
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Delays in responses to student queries via email
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Delays in the disbursement of stipends and tuition fees
President Muizzu stated that measures are being implemented to resolve these issues. The Ministry of Higher Education will establish dedicated WhatsApp business numbers for each country where Maldivian scholarship students are based. A designated staff member will manage communication through each number.
He also confirmed that the Ministry of Higher Education has been given responsibility for managing student communication and coordination.
The President said that coordination between the Higher Education Ministry and the Ministry of Finance would be improved.
He confirmed that the Ministry of Finance has been instructed to give payment priority to student-related expenses—including loans and scholarships—over routine payments for fuel and essential imports such as staple foods.
According to the President, the decision reflects the government’s intention to ensure continuity in the education of Maldivian students abroad.
