Zakat Fund to offer higher education scholarships

Zakat Fund will open applications this week for scholarships to support higher education, Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced on last night.

The scheme will provide funding for Master’s and PhD programmes in key areas of Islamic studies, as well as support for medical specializations where the country currently lacks experts.

Minister Shaheem said the fund will also assist Maldivian students who are self-financing their Islamic studies in countries such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Describing the growth of the Zakat Fund as a “victory for Islam,” the minister said the support of the public had made it possible to expand educational and religious initiatives.

The fund will also back projects to promote Quranic education and train Hafiz (those who completely memorize the Quran).

A regulation introduced late last year increased the scope of Zakat Fund support for higher education. This week’s scholarship opportunity is the first to be opened under the revised framework.

Priority will be given to applicants registered as poor or financially disadvantaged, and those who have demonstrated academic merit or public service.

The scholarship will cover; travel to and from the study destination, tuition fees, visa, a monthly stipend and a booking and accommodation allowance.

To be eligible, applicants must:

- Demonstrate financial need

- Not have means to self-fund their education

- Not currently be receiving a scholarship from the Zakat Fund or any other government-funded scheme

- Not have defaulted on any previous government-funded study bond

In addition to education, the Zakat Fund also supports medical expenses for those in need, including treatment for serious conditions such as kidney and bone marrow transplants, and lung cancer, Minister Shaheem said.