Study in Maldives

Who this applies to

Students at Maldivian universities & colleges. Dhivehi + English (English widely used in higher education). Small public + private system.

Governing authority

Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development; Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA).

Degree system

Foundation/diploma · Bachelor 3–4 yrs · Master · (limited) PhD. 2 universities + several private colleges; MNU dominant.

Admission

How

Secondary-school certificate (GCE O/A-Level via Cambridge/Edexcel) + foundation programs; international students apply directly.

Language

Dhivehi + English (English in most HE programs).

Tuition

Public

State-funded/subsidized at MNU (free first-degree scheme for nationals in recent years).

Private

Fee-paying colleges.

Note

Small island nation; many Maldivians study abroad (Malaysia/Sri Lanka/India/UK/Australia) on government loans/scholarships.

Student visa & residence permit

Student visa for non-nationals.

Scholarships

Government loan & scholarship schemes (heavy study-abroad funding).

Sources & references

• MNU — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maldives_National_University (2026-06-12)
• institutions list — https://www.eclbs.eu/post/list-of-universities-in-maldives (2026-06-12)