The Higher Education Ministry has announced that the government will bear the cost of a newly imposed tax on Maldivian students studying in Malaysia under scholarship programmes. The ministry also confirmed that efforts are underway to extend the same support to students who are pursuing their studies in Malaysia through student loans.

Starting this month, Malaysia has introduced a six per cent tax on college tuition fees for foreign students enrolled in private institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities. The tax applies to institutions charging annual tuition fees exceeding RM 60,000 and is expected to be collected from these educational providers.

In a post shared on X, the Higher Education Ministry stated that it is currently dispatching funds to students studying in Malaysia and other countries through the usual channels. The ministry assured that the newly levied tax will also be paid on behalf of Maldivian students receiving scholarships, once the tax amount is reflected in their respective invoices.

The ministry further noted that discussions are ongoing to ensure that students who are studying in Malaysia through loan assistance will also receive the necessary financial support to cover the tax.