The Maldivian higher education system includes public universities such as Maldives National University (MNU) and Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), public sector institutes and colleges, private providers such as Villa College and Avid College, and recognized study-abroad pathways. A higher education institution (HEI) must be registered, and its programme must receive Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) accreditation before delivery. MQA maintains the MNQF and the QRM, which records the institution, campus, awarding body, qualification title and type, field, MNQF level, credits, duration, study mode, delivery method and accreditation status. A listing should be checked for its current validity rather than treated as permanent. The qualification ladder usually runs from a Level 5 Diploma, often lasting about one year, to a Level 6 Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma, often lasting about two years. A Level 7 Bachelor's Degree commonly takes three to four years, although some professional programmes take five years. Level 8 includes postgraduate certificates and diplomas, Level 9 includes Master's Degrees, and Level 10 includes Doctoral Degrees or PhDs. Typical master's programmes take one to three years and doctoral programmes three to six years. Credits, duration, entry requirements and award titles depend on the programme and institution; qualifications at the same MNQF level are not automatically identical. Articulation pathways and recognition of prior learning may support progression when the institution and programme rules allow it. Programmes cover fields such as business, accounting, education, health, information technology, engineering, hospitality, tourism, maritime studies, law, Islamic studies, media, climate, agriculture, sport and public safety. Students may study full-time or part-time through face-to-face, distance, e-learning or blended delivery. Teaching may take place on campus, on an island or online, and the language may be English, Dhivehi, Arabic or a programme-specific combination. Standalone language courses do not belong to this higher education scope, but language requirements and language support integrated into a tertiary programme do. Admission combines the MQA Minimum Entry Criteria with the requirements of the HEI and the chosen programme. Degree entry commonly requires GCE A Level, HSC or an equivalent qualification. Foundation Studies, an MNQF Level 4 pathway or a related qualification may provide another admission pathway. Subject grades, English ability, an interview, medical examination or portfolio can apply in particular fields. IUM checks attested certificates and eligibility and may select applicants by merit when applications exceed available places. MNU uses an online registration process followed by a portfolio and attested documents. Overseas certificates may require accreditation evidence from the relevant register or an MQA qualification assessment. Meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee a seat. Fees are charged in Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) and vary by institution, programme, qualification level, study mode and campus. Registration, examinations, materials, transport, accommodation and living costs can add to tuition. There is no single national fee schedule. Current course notices and QRM information should be compared with the institution's published course, semester or total fees. Funding can include the MoHELSD First Degree Scheme or grant, the Higher Education Loan Scheme, the President Award Scholarship, the High Achievers Scholarship, corporate scholarships and funding for overseas study. Eligibility, approved countries, stipend, bond, deadline and covered costs depend on the current notice. The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development (MoHELSD) handles policy oversight, higher education registration, scholarships, loans and statistics. MQA handles quality assurance, accreditation, audits, the MNQF, the QRM and domestic or foreign qualification recognition. HEIs set admission rules, curricula, fees, teaching, assessments, student services and awards. MNU commonly uses two academic terms beginning around January or February and July or August, but other institutions may use different calendars. The study cycle normally runs from application and selection through registration, induction, teaching, coursework, examinations, practical work or research, progression and graduation. Institutions may provide student affairs services, accommodation, libraries, portals, learning-management systems, e-learning, clubs, sports, complaints procedures and appeals. MNU provides a prospective-student portal and campus network, while IUM provides institution-specific application, registration and induction services. Level 5 or 6 study may lead into a bachelor's pathway, a bachelor's degree may lead to postgraduate study at Levels 8 or 9, and a master's degree may lead to doctoral study subject to entry and supervision rules. Professional employment and licensing depend on the relevant regulator. Foreign qualifications are assessed case by case, and an overseas programme should receive intended-programme recognition before funding or travel plans are finalized.
Study in Maldives
Higher education in the Maldives covers recognized tertiary programmes offered by universities, colleges, institutes and approved foreign providers. The Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF) places qualifications from diplomas at Level 5 through doctoral degrees at Level 10, while each programme sets its own duration and entry requirements. Applicants should check the programme's status in the Qualifications Register of Maldives (QRM), admission rules, total costs and available funding before enrolling.
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