The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) has issued a stern warning that certificates from certain programmes offered by Sri Lankan universities in partnership with foreign institutions will not be recognized if they fail to meet the authority’s standards.
In an official statement released today, the MQA highlighted concerns over Sri Lankan universities that attract a significant number of Maldivian students. Some of these institutions are running joint programmes with international partners. Certificates from such programmes, if not compliant with recognized standards, will be deemed invalid in the Maldives.
MQA has advised students to carefully confirm whether the institutions and programmes they plan to enrol in are recognized under the national qualifications framework. The authority emphasized the importance of obtaining an “intended document” from MQA before pursuing further studies abroad.
“This step ensures that students’ qualifications will be recognized in the Maldives,” the agency stated.
According to MQA, Sri Lanka’s Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) approves programmes below the higher diploma level, while the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education oversee postgraduate programmes.
Despite these regulations, some centres are reportedly offering higher-level courses in collaboration with foreign institutions without proper authorization.
The MQA cautioned that certificates obtained from programmes conducted in violation of approved standards will not be recognized domestically. Institutions are also urged to exercise due diligence before entering agreements with foreign partners to deliver MQA-accredited programmes abroad.
“This measure protects the integrity of Maldivian qualifications and ensures students’ efforts are formally acknowledged,” the authority said.
