The Ministry of Higher Education announces that its new mobile app aimed at simplifying complaints and requests from government-funded students studying overseas will be finished this month.

The application, named the Higher Education Management System, was initially set to be launched in October. Higher Education Minister Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed announced on May 13 that the app would provide a contemporary solution to resolve student issues and guarantee quicker responses.

Nonetheless, the app did not release by the October deadline. When reached out to by Sun, the ministry stated that the app is presently in its testing phase and will be finished by November.

Prior to the app’s release, the ministry intends to establish specific WhatsApp numbers for handling complaints. Nations hosting over 50 Maldivian students will receive distinct contact numbers.

The student loan program continues to be a significant issue for students pursuing education overseas. In February, student pilots in Spain wrote to the ministry expressing dissatisfaction with delays in top-up loans and lack of funds to finish their courses.

The government allocates MVR 1.5 billion each year for student loans, distributed biannually. The budget for this year designates MVR 768 million, whereas the proposed budget for next year comprises MVR 776 million. The Finance Ministry reports that only MVR 453 million has been allocated this year, which is less than the spending from the previous year.

The ministry has committed to expediting the disbursement process and pursuing outside assistance to prevent hold-ups. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has similarly urged for the “Islamicization” of student loans, guaranteeing that students repay only the original loan sum.

The ministry has committed to reducing the disbursement phases and pursuing outside assistance to prevent delays. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has likewise advocated for the “Islamicization” of student loans, guaranteeing that students return only the original loan sum.

Even with these reassurances, worries remain among students and parents. The ministry reports that there are 1,642 students currently engaged in higher education through the loan program.