މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލިފިކޭޝަން އޮތޯރިޓީ

Overview

The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) is the national regulatory body responsible for ensuring the quality and integrity of post-secondary education in the Maldives. Established by Presidential Decree on August 14, 2000, as the Maldives Accreditation Board (MAB), it was restructured and renamed as MQA on May 17, 2010. The authority operates under the Maldives Higher Education and Training Act (7/2021) and is tasked with overseeing the accreditation of higher education institutions, the recognition of qualifications, and the implementation of the Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF).

Historical and Legal Framework

The origins of MQA trace back to August 14, 2000, when it was initially established as the Maldives Accreditation Board (MAB) through Presidential Decree 1-D/22/2000/225. In 2010, the institution underwent restructuring and was officially renamed as the Maldives Qualifications Authority under the Maldives Higher Education and Training Act (7/2021). This restructuring aimed to enhance the quality assurance mechanisms in the higher education sector and align with international standards.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives — Role in Higher Education

Mission: To assure the quality of post-secondary qualifications awarded in testimony of educational attainments.

Vision: To be a leading authority in ensuring quality and transparency in the Maldives' higher education sector.

Objectives:

• To develop and implement the Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF).
• To accredit higher education institutions and their programs.
• To recognize and validate foreign qualifications.
• To conduct institutional audits to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• To promote lifelong learning and facilitate access to education.

Through these objectives, MQA plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of higher education in the Maldives, ensuring that institutions meet established standards and that qualifications are recognized both nationally and internationally.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

MQA operates as an independent statutory body under the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development of the Republic of Maldives. The authority is governed by a board comprising members with expertise in education, law, and public administration. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) leads the day-to-day operations, supported by various divisions responsible for accreditation, recognition, institutional audits, and policy development. This governance structure ensures that MQA functions autonomously, with a focus on maintaining the integrity and quality of the higher education system.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

MQA is responsible for accrediting higher education institutions and their programs, ensuring they meet the standards set forth in the Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF). The accreditation process involves:

• Reviewing and approving program proposals from institutions.
• Conducting institutional audits to assess compliance with quality standards.
• Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of accredited programs.

Additionally, MQA has implemented guidelines that require students to achieve at least 50% in controlled, supervised assessments to pass their courses, aiming to enhance academic integrity and improve student capabilities.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

MQA actively participates in international networks to align the Maldives' higher education standards with global practices. It is a member of the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN), which fosters quality assurance in higher education across the Asia-Pacific region. Through these memberships, MQA engages in collaborative efforts to share best practices, participate in joint initiatives, and contribute to the development of international quality assurance frameworks.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

MQA's initiatives have a significant impact on the higher education sector in the Maldives. The implementation of the Maldives National Qualifications Framework provides a structured approach to qualifications, facilitating recognition and mobility for learners. The accreditation processes ensure that institutions uphold quality standards, leading to improved educational outcomes. Looking forward, MQA aims to further enhance the quality assurance mechanisms, expand international collaborations, and promote lifelong learning opportunities to meet the evolving needs of the society and economy.

Summary

The Maldives Qualifications Authority plays a pivotal role in shaping the higher education landscape of the Maldives. Through its accreditation processes, recognition of qualifications, and active participation in international networks, MQA ensures that the higher education system meets national and international standards. Its efforts contribute to the development of a skilled workforce capable of addressing the challenges and opportunities in a globalized world.

FAQs

• What is the Maldives Qualifications Authority?

  The Maldives Qualifications Authority is the national regulatory body responsible for ensuring the quality and integrity of post-secondary education in the Maldives.

• When was MQA established?

  MQA was established on August 14, 2000, as the Maldives Accreditation Board and was renamed on May 17, 2010, under the Maldives Higher Education and Training Act (7/2021).

• What is the Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF)?

  The MNQF is a unified structure developed by MQA to bring all recognized qualifications into a single framework, facilitating quality improvement, quality assurance, and private sector participation in post-secondary education.

• How does MQA accredit higher education institutions?

  MQA accredits institutions by reviewing and approving program proposals, conducting institutional audits, and monitoring the implementation of accredited programs to ensure compliance with quality standards.

• Is MQA involved in international collaborations?

  Yes, MQA is a member of the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN) and engages in international collaborations to align the Maldives' higher education standards with global practices.

Organization Name

މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލިފިކޭޝަން އޮތޯރިޓީ

Maldives Qualifications Authority

Acronym

MQA

Year of Establishment

2009

Control Type

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

H. Fulidhooge 4th Floor
Malé
Maldives

Phone

+960 334 4078

Fax

+960 334 4079

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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