The Peruvian leader noted that the program's primary objective is to have professionals who contribute to the country's development.

Other goals are to provide more than 5,000 scholarships this year and offer postgraduate scholarships abroad, Humala said during a ceremony where he handed over symbolic certificates and checks to a number of students.

"May this effort costing the state millions of soles be worthwhile," he said while addressing students gathered at the front yard of the Government Palace in Lima.

(END) GCO/GCO/EEP