Zakat Fund supports 24 Islamic higher ed students

After a seven-year hiatus, scholarships from the Zakat Fund were disbursed this Saturday evening to 24 students pursuing higher education in Islamic fields.

The Vice President, Hussain Mohamed Latheef, presented certificates to the scholarship recipients at a ceremony held at the Islamic Center.

The Islamic Ministry reported that among the 24 students awarded scholarships under the Zakat Fund, 17 received full scholarships, six received stipends, and one student received tuition fee assistance.

In addition to the Maldives, the scholarship program enables students to study in Egypt, Brunei, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.

Applications for 50 scholarships under the Zakat Fund were opened by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs on April 14.

These 50 scholarship opportunities comprise 20 for study within the Maldives and 30 for study abroad. The Ministry noted that 13 of the 30 international scholarship opportunities are designated as special scholarships for higher education.

For studies within the Maldives, these scholarships are available for master's courses at the National University of Maldives and the Islamic University of Maldives.

The Zakat Scholarship, funded by the Zakat Fund, aims to support financially disadvantaged students pursuing studies in legitimate fields crucial for strengthening Maldivian society, which requires skilled professionals.

Three categories of financial assistance for higher education are provided through the Zakat Fund: scholarships for higher education, special scholarships for higher education, and financial aid to complete higher education.