The Ministry of Higher Education said on Thursday that it will accept applications for 150 scholarship slots for chartered professional accountants.
Dr. Ibrahim Hassan, the higher education minister, stated at a news conference on Thursday that the Maldivian accounting industry employs a big number of expats, noting that the scholarships announced were part of the government’s attempts to produce more local chartered professional accountants.
The higher education minister stated that spaces in the accounting area had been reserved under the student loan initiative launched earlier this year.
He went on to say that the 150 scholarships offered comprise 50 for the public sector and 150 for the private sector. But if the 50 public-sector scholarships do not receive enough applicants, the scholarships would be shifted to the private sector, he noted.
According to the minister, the scholarships provide a key solution to the government’s difficulty of creating local certified professional accountants.
Scholarships are available for ACCA Skills Level, ACCA Professional Level, CIMA Management Level, and CIMA Certificate Level courses. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
The higher education minister commended the Institute of Chartered Accountants for their assistance with the project, noting that the scholarship plan was launched following negotiations with the ICA, and that promotional efforts for the scheme will be performed in coordination with the institute.
According to the higher education ministry, the scholarships will cover registration fee, annual subscription fee, exemption fee (for those who qualify), exam fee, book allowance, and tuition fee.
