Government expenditure on Maldivian students studying overseas via state-funded loan programs has significantly decreased this year, with spending in the initial two months reduced by 28 percent compared to the equivalent time last year.

The Finance Ministry reported that MVR 79.1 million had been utilized for student loans by February 27. This represents 10.2 percent of the MVR 776.6 million set aside for student loans in the national budget.

In the same timeframe last year, the government allocated MVR 109.9 million for higher-education students through the loan program, reflecting a 28 percent change compared to the previous year.

The government allocated MVR 768 million for student loans last year. As of December 18, total spending had بلغ 548.2 million MVR, which represents 71.4 percent of the yearly budget. At that time, spending was 20.4 percent lower compared to the prior year, when student-loan disbursements were at MVR 689 million.

Data published by the Higher Education Ministry in September indicates that over MVR 1 billion has been allocated in loans to students seeking higher education since the previous year.

The reduction in spending occurs alongside ongoing grievances from students and parents regarding delays in stipend payments, tuition reimbursements, and replies to official communications. These delays have posed significant difficulties for students who are studying overseas.

Higher Education Minister Dr. Ali Haidar had earlier recognized the issues, stating that the government was addressing delays in providing funds to students funded by the state.