Higher Education Minister, Ligia Amada Melo, reached an agreement with President Fernandez whereby the government will provide the funds required for 498 Dominican students to continue their undergraduate and graduate studies abroad and to duplicate the number of beneficiaries in 2006. Diario Libre reports that funds are estimated at RD$1.5 billion and will be allocated in the 2006 budget for the Presidency as there are no funds allocated for international scholarships.