Sixteen Maldivians receive Australia Awards Scholarships for 2025

Sixteen Maldivian students have been awarded the prestigious Australia Awards scholarships to pursue master’s degrees in Australia starting in 2025. The recipients will focus on critical areas of study, including finance and economics, social work, criminal law, public health, and gender in development.

In celebration of the new scholars, Australian High Commissioner David Jessup hosted a reception, which was attended by National Security Advisor Ibrahim Latheef, a distinguished Australian alumnus, as the Chief Guest. The event also brought together over 100 members of the Maldives-Australia Alumni community, Australia’s Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds, and three Australian students currently studying in the Maldives under the New Colombo Plan.

This year’s scholarships mark an increase from 12 recipients in 2023 and eight in 2022, showcasing a deepening commitment to educational collaboration between Australia and the Maldives. Since the 1960s, more than 700 Maldivians have benefitted from Australian scholarships, solidifying Australia’s reputation as a favored destination for higher education among Maldivians.

The event also underscored the strengthening academic ties between the two nations. Earlier that day, the Maldives National University and the University of Melbourne signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance research collaboration.

The Australia Awards programme continues to equip Maldivian professionals with the knowledge and skills to tackle critical national challenges and contribute to the country’s development.