More than USD 42.22 million has been earmarked in next year’s budget for higher education loan facilities, Hassan Zareer, the Minister of Finance And Public Enterprises, announced while presenting the proposed budget allocations for the education sector.
Under the government’s proposed financial roadmap, USD 8.84 million has been designated to sustain the national free degree programme, operating alongside the primary student loan facility exceeding USD 42.22 million for students pursuing higher education.
Infrastructure development across the education sector has been established as a central priority for the coming year, Minister Zareer noted, outlining targeted plans to construct new classrooms and multipurpose halls while equipping higher learning institutions with essential laboratories and specialised equipment.
"Ensuring that every child has access to high-quality education is essential to impart the skills and knowledge required to build a prosperous nation," Minister Zareer stated. "To help achieve this objective, educational infrastructure development projects are scheduled to be carried out across various islands in the Maldives under this budget."
Addressing learning diversity, Minister Zareer underscored that every child learns differently and must be granted the opportunity to reach their full potential. To achieve that mandate, the government plans to strengthen the national inclusive education framework by incorporating dedicated budget line items to deliver required tools, resources, and institutional support for children with disabilities.