On 23rd May 2023, a Departure Briefing Session was held for the President's Scholarship and High Achievers’ Scholarship awardees. The purpose of this Session was to orient and brief the students on things to be mindful when going abroad and student life in a University setting. 
Speaking at this Session, held at Umar Zahir Office Building, Higher Education Minister Dr. Ibrahim Hassan highlighted on the importance of students returning home after completing their studies to serve the nation. Minister highlighted that the investment the country is entrusting on each of the student will only bear fruit once the students return and serve the nation. The Minister also urged the students to proudly represent our country, our culture and religion while studying abroad. 
MoHE’s Senior Policy Director Shurfa Hussain presented a talk on ‘Going Abroad and Settling Down’, where she spoke from her experience as a student in Malaysia and Australia; the visa process, getting a sim card, finding accommodation, using public transport system, researching about the culture and Do’s and Don’t’s in each country etc.
MoHE’s Senior Policy Director Sonath Abdul Sattar talked about ‘University Life and Study Skills’ from her experience as a student in India and Thailand; the importance of having a study-life balance, taking advantage of research, internship and other areas of interest apart from the study program, like learning local language and local cuisine cooking classes, the importance of getting support and help from friends, mentors and professors to deal with homesickness, anxiety and stress effectively etc.
MoHE’s Assistant Director Mariyam Samrath briefed the students on the portal - https://myedu.egov.mv/ and explained the Policy of both President's Scholarship and High Achievers’ Scholarship. MoHE’s Assistant Accounts Officer Aishath Nisha briefed the students on the financial details which would be required from the students during their study abroad.
Furthermore, panel of 5 past President's Scholarship and High Achievers’ Scholarship awardees who studied in Australia, United Kingdom and Malaysia participated in sharing their experiences with the current awardees. 
The Session ended with tea and after an open discussion of general Questions and Answers to the Panel and to MoHE staff. 
The President's Scholarship and High Achievers’ Scholarship Awarding Ceremony was held on the 15th of this month where 17 students received the President's Scholarship and 138 students received the High Achievers’ Scholarship.