The Higher Education Ministry says its new mobile application, designed to streamline complaints and requests from government-funded students studying abroad, will be completed this month.
The app, called the Higher Education Management System, was originally scheduled for launch in October. It was first announced by Higher Education Minister Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed on May 13, who said the app would offer a modern solution to address student concerns and ensure faster responses.
However, the app was not launched by the October deadline. When contacted by Sun, the ministry said the app is currently in its testing phase and will be completed within November.
Before the app’s launch, the ministry plans to set up dedicated WhatsApp numbers to receive complaints. Countries with more than 50 Maldivian students will be assigned separate contact numbers.
The student loan scheme remains a major concern for students studying abroad. In February, pilot students in Spain sent a letter to the ministry expressing frustration over delays in top-up loans and insufficient funding to complete their courses.
The government spends MVR 1.5 billion annually on student loans, disbursed every six months. This year’s budget allocates MVR 768 million, while next year’s proposed budget includes MVR 776 million. According to the Finance Ministry, only MVR 453 million has been disbursed so far this year, lower than last year’s expenditure.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (R) shakes hands with Higher Education Minister Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed (L). (File Photo/President's Office)
The ministry has pledged to shorten the disbursement stages and seek external support to avoid delays. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has also called for the “Islamicization” of student loans, ensuring students repay no more than the original loan amount.
Despite these assurances, concerns persist among students and parents. According to the ministry, 1,642 students are currently pursuing higher education under the loan scheme.