A policy has been formulated to provide higher education opportunities through the Zakat Fund for those lacking financial means. The “Policy for Providing Higher Education Assistance from the Zakat Fund” outlines ways to provide Zakat Fund scholarships, special scholarships, and assistance to current students. Previously, the policy only covered scholarships and assistance for current students.
Zakat Fund scholarships will be given for studying Islamic fields from diploma level up to PhD. Under this policy, scholarships will only be given for courses validated by the Maldives Qualification Authority and to institutions recognized by that authority. For overseas studies, priority will be given to OIC countries as specified and announced under this policy.
According to the policy for providing higher education assistance from the Zakat Fund, priority in awarding scholarships will be given to those registered in the registry of the poor and needy, those lacking financial means, educational qualifications, and duration of service to the nation. Eligibility criteria for the scholarship include lack of financial means, inability to self-finance education, not having previously received a free opportunity to study through the government or other state institutions, not currently studying on a Zakat Fund scholarship, and not having failed to complete a bond after studying on free aid/paid leave or loan opportunity provided by or through the government.
However, exceptions will be made for students seeking to pursue a higher level of education than their current qualifications and those wishing to study an Islamic concept-related course in their field of study. Those who have secured educational opportunities through the Maldivian government, other state institutions, or free aid from other parties will not be eligible for this assistance.
