Speaking with Mihaaru News on Thursday, Minister Mariya said that priority in disbursements is given to students with nearer departure dates.
Higher Education Minister Dr Mariyam Mariya said today that all funds for students awarded higher education loans have been disbursed.
This statement comes after students raised concerns last September over significant delays in receiving their loan payments. The ministry said that these delays were due to the high volume of loan applications.
Speaking with Mihaaru News on Thursday, Minister Mariya said that priority in disbursements is given to students with nearer departure dates.
The Minister said that a system is set in place to prioritize those who need to leave for studies first, and funds are disbursed weekly accordingly.
She highlighted that delays also arise from incomplete or incorrectly submitted documentation by students. However, as of October, there is no backlog of pending payments from last year, Mariya added.
This year, the ministry received 1,709 applications for 500 loan slots but has opted to extend loans to all applicants, including some students who were already studying abroad a.t their own expense.