The deadline to apply for higher education scholarships under the Zakat Fund- both in the Maldives and overseas— has been extended. While the original deadline for submitting applications was 15 May, the new deadline for applications has been extended until 29 May.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs said the Higher Education Scholarship Application Form no longer requires the stamp of Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). Instead, applicants may submit the form along with MQA’s response to their Application for Recognition of the Intended Programme.
Out of the 50 scholarships offered by the Zakat Fund, 20 opportunities have been designated to study within the Maldives, while 30 opportunities are available for study abroad. Opportunities to study abroad are available from Malaysia, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and SAARC countries. A total of 17 opportunities are available for Malaysia and Brunei.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs said 13 of the 30 international scholarships are special scholarships for higher education. This includes scholarships from Al-Azhar University in Egypt, Medina University in Saudi Arabia, Qasim University, Umm Al-Qura University, Abha University and King Abdulaziz University, as well as in selected SAARC countries.
In addition, one opportunity is open to train as a super specialist in urology, urological surgery, pediatric neurology and neurology.

The Ministry also announced 10 stipend opportunities for students pursing Sharia, Al-Qadha, Tafseer, Hadith, Uloom al-Quran,Arabic, Usooluddin and Islamic subjects. These stipends are intended to assist with expenses that are not covered by the institutions where they are studying.