Zakat Fund of Maldives, on Wednesday, opened applications to seek financial aid for self-financed student pursuing higher studies.
In an announcement by Ministry of Islamic Affairs, students currently pursuing their studies, as well as students whose education was interrupted for various reasons, will be eligible to apply for financial aid from the Zakat Fund, latest by August 30.
The criteria for application includes completion of 50 percent of any course related to Islamic notions.
According to the ministry, there are 53 students designated to receive financial aid from this fund, with 36 students studying locally and 17 internationally. The international students are docketed to receive MVR 100,000, while the local students are pending reception of MVR 20,000.
Zakat Fund plans to aid the tuition fees of the selected students as well as all additional payments implemented by the university.
Furthermore, the ministry noted that the payments will only be made upon receiving the invoice from the institution, and that the payment will be made directly to the institution itself.
Prior to this, the Zakat Fund did not fund students with on-going studies. However, this new amendment to the Zakat Fund policy enables those who are currently studying as well, to seek financial aid.