Higher Education In The Maldives

The Maldives has recognized education as a rudimentary right for all its citizens. Although the government has established primary and secondary schools for students, expanding the higher education sector in the country is challenging.

Before 2011, any student in Maldives who wanted to pursue universities or complete secondary studies had to go abroad. They had to utilize foreign scholarships or depend on personal resources. However, after 2011, with the introduction of new institutes, there have been improvements in the higher education sector.

The Higher Education System Of Maldives

In January 2011, the National University Act established the first-ever university in the Maldives. The Maldives National University, previously known as Maldives College of Higher Education, offers 95 percent post-secondary education.

Following that, there are currently seven private institutions in the Maldives that offer tertiary and university education:

• Madhu College
• Cyrix College
• MAPS College
• Villa College
• Avid College
• Ixcel Center for Professional Studies
• Maldives Business School

Programs at a post-secondary level that lead to a diploma are as follows:

1. Diploma (level 5 of the MNQF or Maldives Qualification Authority) takes one year to complete for higher secondary graduates or MNQF level 4 holders.
2. The diploma takes two years to complete for lower secondary graduates or MNQF level 3 holders.
3. Other programs such as an advanced diploma, an associate or a foundation degree (MNQF level 6) typically last for two years.
4. The bachelor's degree (MNQF level 7) requires three years of full-time study.
5. The master's degree (MNQF level 9) requires two years of full-time study and one year for an advanced professional diploma.
6. A doctoral degree (MNQF level 10) takes two to five years to complete.

Challenges For Establishing A Proper Higher Education System In The Maldives

Yet, despite establishing private and national institutions for higher education, Maldives has a low higher education enrolment. The Maldives' gross higher education enrolment (GER) is about 6 percent. It is equivalent to countries like Nepal and Pakistan, which have less developed education systems.

The low higher education enrolment rate is due to the country's limited access to higher education opportunities. There is also a shortage of degree-level programs in the Maldives. This issue has compelled residents to travel abroad and seek overseas universities in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and more.

The government of Maldives is seeking to expand and diversify the higher education sector for the following reasons:

• Having difficulty understanding non-verbal and verbal communication like sarcasm or making eye contact
• There is demand for higher education in the Maldives as the population of youth who have completed secondary education is rising steadily.
• The country's per capita income is increasing.
• Employers in sectors such as public and private are looking for aspirants with critical skills for their companies.
• Higher education courses and programs are transforming due to global technological changes.

The government of Maldives has several policy options to promote public-private partnerships and establish proper higher education and training for students.

The impact of higher education in the Maldives will positively impact both the public and private sectors. It also has economic benefits such as higher earnings and technological development and non-economic advantages like increased health welfare and social cohesion.