The Maldives Zakat House has confirmed the renewal of its higher education scholarship programme for the current academic year, financed through the Zakat Fund. The initiative provides financial assistance to students pursuing studies both within the Maldives and abroad, covering Islamic disciplines as well as other fields regarded as essential to community development.
The programme, reinstated last year after a seven-year suspension, marked a significant revival of the fund’s educational role. Prior to its renewal, no scholarships had been awarded since 2018.
In an interview with PSM News, Sheikh Imthithaau Abbas, Director General of the Zakat House, said applications would open within the coming month. He noted that the scope of the programme extends beyond Islamic education, supporting academic areas critical to the nation’s broader progress.
“We are currently undertaking significant transformational initiatives. We are drafting new regulations and guidelines, alongside advancing the core functions of the fund. Upon the completion of these frameworks, we will ensure that Zakat disbursements are executed in a strictly sustainable manner,” Sheikh Imthithaau said. Legislative amendments under the Zakat Act are expected to reinforce the long-term sustainability of scholarship funding, he added.
The reach of the initiative was considerable during the previous academic year, when the Zakat Fund opened 50 scholarship opportunities. Of these, 20 supported study within the Maldives, while 30 were allocated to international placements in Malaysia, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and several South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation member states. Within this cohort, 17 scholarships were specifically designated for Malaysia and Brunei. In total, 17 students received full scholarships in Islamic studies, while seven were granted specialised awards.
The Zakat Fund also remains a significant contributor to public health. Sheikh Imthithaau disclosed that more than USD 1.30 million was disbursed last year to subsidise medical treatments for citizens, including USD 162,178.81 directed towards bone marrow transplants, underscoring the fund’s dual commitment to academic advancement and essential healthcare.