މޯލްޑިވްސް ކޮލިފިކޭޝަން އޮތޯރިޓީ

The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) is the national regulatory body responsible for quality assurance, accreditation, and validation of qualifications in the Republic of Maldives. Established as a statutory authority under the Ministry of Higher Education, it serves as the primary institution overseeing the standards and quality of post-secondary education and training programs throughout the archipelagic nation.

Historical Development and Legal Framework

The origins of the Maldives Qualifications Authority 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. The institution underwent restructuring on May 17, 2010, when it was officially renamed as the Maldives Qualifications Authority under the Maldives Higher Education and Training Act (7/2021). This legislation establishes MQA's statutory powers in maintaining quality standards and conducting accreditation processes.

Organizational Structure and Governance

The MQA operates as an autonomous statutory body headquartered in the Umar Zahir Office Building in Hulhumalé. Its professional staff includes Senior Accreditation Officers and Validation Officers who execute technical aspects of accreditation. The authority maintains a structured framework to effectively regulate the national qualifications system.

Core Functions and Responsibilities

The MQA's comprehensive mandate includes:

• Institutional Accreditation: Evaluating higher education institutions to ensure they meet quality standards
• Programme Accreditation: Systematic approval of academic programs against national standards
• Foreign Qualifications Validation: Recognizing overseas qualifications for employment purposes
• Quality Assurance: Regular monitoring of institutions through reviews and evaluations

Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF)

Developed in 2001, the MNQF provides a structured system for organizing qualifications across education levels. This framework ensures consistency in standards and facilitates international recognition of Maldivian qualifications. It serves as a reference point for educational progression and qualification comparability.

Higher Education Accreditation

The MQA accredits various institutions including:

• Maldives National University (flagship public university)
• Maldives Polytechnic (technical/vocational education)
• Maldives Business School
• Private colleges and international branch campuses

Quality Assurance Mechanisms

MQA implements rigorous evaluations covering:

• Academic standards and teaching quality
• Student support services
• Research capabilities
• Institutional governance

Qualifications Register

Maintained under Section 20 of the Higher Education Act, this official register provides transparency about accredited programs. It serves as a reliable reference for students, employers and stakeholders to verify qualification authenticity.

International Recognition and Partnerships

MQA maintains memberships in:

• Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN)
• International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE)

These affiliations help align Maldivian standards with global best practices.

Offshore Programme Regulation

MQA strictly regulates offshore programs, requiring institutions to obtain approval before offering MQA-accredited programs abroad. This ensures consistent quality standards for students studying outside the Maldives.

Student Support and Protection

The authority safeguards student interests by:

• Providing information on accredited programs
• Ensuring qualifications meet employment needs
• Monitoring institutional compliance

Challenges and Future Directions

As a small island nation, the Maldives faces unique challenges in:

• Geographic dispersion across islands
• Limited educational resources
• Keeping pace with technological advancements

MQA continues to adapt its approaches to maintain rigorous standards amid these constraints.

Impact on National Development

The MQA contributes to national development by:

• Building human capital through quality education
• Supporting economic diversification
• Enhancing the Maldives' reputation as an educational destination

Conclusion

The MQA serves as the guardian of higher education quality in the Maldives. Through its regulatory framework and accreditation processes, it ensures the continuous improvement of the nation's education system while protecting student interests and maintaining international standards.

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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