New rules limit pres scholarship to priority areas
Previously, recipients were allowed to choose any field of study.
New regulations have been introduced for the President’s Scholarship, restricting its use to selected fields identified as national priorities.
Under the revised policy, students who achieve top results in Higher Secondary examinations will be required to pursue studies within a list of approved sectors.
Previously, recipients were allowed to choose any field of study. From next year, courses must fall under the ‘Training Needs Requirement List’.
The list includes 27 sectors, including healthcare, education and tourism.
The regulations state that students may select any course within these sectors.
Changes have also been made to the destination of study. Students will now be required to study in countries that maintain diplomatic relations with the Maldives and are considered safe.
Students who choose to pursue higher education within the Maldives will receive a monthly allowance of MVR 6,000.
Eligibility criteria remain based on academic performance. Applicants must obtain A* grades in five subjects at Higher Secondary level, including Dhivehi and Islamic Studies.
They must also have achieved at least a C grade in English at GCE O-Level or an equivalent examination.
