Scholarships have been introduced by the Maldives Zakat Fund to support higher education in key Islamic fields

By Abdullahi Yusuf

In a significant move to enhance the nation’s educational landscape, the Maldives Zakat Fund has unveiled 50 new scholarship opportunities under its Higher Education Assistance Policy.

This exciting initiative, officially launched at the Islamic Center, promises to open doors for students aspiring to make a meaningful impact in both Islamic studies and key sectors like healthcare.

Of the 50 scholarships, 30 will offer international opportunities.

Thirteen of these will send students to some of the most prestigious universities across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the wider region.

The selected students will have the chance to study at renowned institutions like Al Azhar University in Egypt, and esteemed Saudi universities such as Medina University, Qassim University, and King Abdulaziz University, among others.

Scholarships are also available for students wishing to study in other countries within the SAARC region.

The remaining 17 scholarships will support students heading to Malaysia, Brunei, and other countries to continue their education.

Notable institutions include the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), and Universiti Brunei Darussalam, among others.

These scholarships cater to various levels of study, including undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD placements.

Locally, the scholarships will help students pursuing Master’s degrees at the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), particularly those studying fields of Islamic sciences.

The scholarships are comprehensive, covering return airfare, tuition fees, visa costs, accommodation allowances, and monthly stipends, ensuring that the recipients can focus on their studies without financial burdens.

The initiative comes as part of the Maldives government’s broader effort to build a stronger educational and healthcare system.

Special scholarships will also be allocated for medical professionals looking to further their expertise in specialties like urology, pediatric neurology, and neurology.