RIYADH: The Takaful Charitable Foundation announced the dates of online registration for students benefiting under the subsidized education program for the next academic year.

The foundation will start receiving applications from March 27, and the last date for application is April 28, said Mohammed Al-Aqeeli, the foundation’s secretary-general.

The program is aimed at extending benefits of subsidies to male and female students who are in need of government support.

“It is aimed at removing the financial barrier for needy students seeking a good education,” said Al-Aqeeli.

The foundation provides SR800 in financial aid to students each semester as well as meals for all students throughout the Kingdom, he revealed, adding it also provides a range of programs and various supplies needed by students through its partnership with several government organizations.

The foundation enjoys considerable support from the Ministry of Education, and the minister of education chairs the board of trustees of the foundation.

Takaful receives generous support from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, and is currently operating on the budget allocated by him which is around SR500 million per year.

Last year, government schools approved about 370,000 students from various parts of the Kingdom making them eligible for subsidies for the current academic year.

The foundation was established to support financially disadvantaged students in public schools to continue and succeed in receiving a proper education. The enterprise system and regulations of Takaful were approved in 2010. It is officially registered with the Ministry of Social Affairs.