The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) has issued a strong advisory to students planning to pursue higher education abroad, urging them to verify the recognition status of foreign institutions and academic programmes to avoid receiving invalid or unrecognized qualifications.
In a statement released this week, the authority emphasized that students must obtain a ‘Recognition of the Intended Programme’ document before departing the country. This document confirms that the selected institution is accredited by relevant authorities in its home country, the academic programme is officially registered, and that it aligns with the Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF).
MQA warned that failure to complete this process may result in the student’s qualification being rejected upon return, especially if the foreign institution is not listed among MQA-approved providers. The authority added that it will not assume responsibility for any academic or financial losses arising from such oversight.
“This verification process is essential to ensure that the qualifications obtained abroad meet the standards required in the Maldives,” the statement read. “Students are strongly advised to initiate this step before committing to overseas study.”
Students who are already studying abroad without securing prior recognition are encouraged to apply for verification immediately to avoid complications with degree validation later on.
The advisory also included a specific alert concerning institutions in Sri Lanka. MQA noted that Metropolitan College and all campuses operated under the ESOFT brand have been suspended by Sri Lanka’s Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC). As a result, Maldivian students currently enrolled in these institutions are urged to contact MQA directly via email at [email protected], while those considering enrolment are strongly discouraged from proceeding.
The MQA emphasized that the advisory is part of its broader mandate under the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development to uphold academic quality, protect students, and preserve the value of Maldivian qualifications.
As more Maldivians look overseas for academic opportunities, authorities are placing renewed focus on ensuring that international education pathways meet national standards and do not compromise students’ future prospects.
