President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that increasing the number of educated young people, as well as educated citizens across all age groups, is vital to the diversification and long-term prosperity of the Maldivian economy.
The President made these remarks on Thursday morning whilst delivering the Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of the 20th People's Majlis for the year.
In his address, the President highlighted that Maldives Polytechnic conducted a series of training programmes over the past year, with a strong focus on Maldivians and priority fields identified by the Government for national development. He said these efforts form part of broader initiatives, including the introduction of an inclusive employment policy and the development and publication of the Maldives’ first National Human Capital Need Index Analysis.
The President further noted that scholarship and student loan schemes were expanded in line with national development priorities, with 852 scholarships awarded and 880 students benefiting from student loan facilities.
Addressing workforce development, he said the Government has begun revising technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes to better align them with the needs of key economic sectors. He also announced the introduction of vocational education streams and the opening of the Maldives’ first vocational high school.
The President emphasised that, for the first time in the nation’s history, projects to establish higher education institutions in all atolls without such facilities have commenced. He noted that 26 projects of Maldives National University are under way across 16 atolls, while 12 projects of the Islamic University of Maldives are being implemented in 10 atolls. In addition, projects to establish technical and vocational centres in 10 atolls and 14 projects to develop Dhanaal on-campus student accommodation facilities are currently in progress.
The President stated that an additional 2,728 students were enrolled under the first-degree scheme last year. Overall, 11,252 students received financial assistance amounting to MVR 92.6 million. He further announced that, for the first time in Maldivian history, administrative fees for student loans have been abolished.
In support of students studying abroad, the President said the monthly card limit has been increased to USD 1,200. He also announced the launch of the Kuri portal on 3 February 2026, describing it as a modern, automated system designed to replace manual processes.
The President explained that the portal will provide a permanent, system-based solution to challenges related to student funding, enabling direct linkage with the financial system and eliminating the need for manual payment vouchers. Once required documentation is completed, funds will be disbursed without delay.
He added that students achieving the highest academic results will be selected through a one-click automated process via the portal, with successful candidates receiving course selection letters directly, removing the need for manual scholarship application procedures.
