Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) CEO Mariyam Fizaana Rasheed stated on Wednesday that no college in the Maldives currently meets the criteria to be granted university status.
Her remarks follow the recent approval of a bill by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on November 9, 2025, amending the Higher Education and Training Act. The amendment allows colleges operating for at least 15 years to apply for university status.
Mandhu College head Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) criticized the move in a social media post, revealing that the Higher Education Ministry had sent him a draft of the Regulation on Private Universities on Tuesday, requesting feedback by Thursday. He alleged that the process was designed to elevate Villa College to university status while preventing other institutions from qualifying.
"I've worked across all levels of the education sector for many years and remain closely connected with experts in the field. I haven’t heard anyone say this is a good idea," Ibra wrote. He added that even the Higher Education Ministry had opposed the bill during committee discussions.
Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) (C) exits Mandhu College. (File Photo/Sun/Yoosuf Sofwan)
Sharing Ibra’s post, Fizaana reiterated that no college in the country currently meets the standards required for university designation. She expressed regret that Parliament had overlooked input from MQA and other stakeholders when passing the bill.
Fizaana also noted that the Maldives' two existing universities, the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), still require significant improvement.
Under the new criteria, colleges seeking university status must offer programs in at least three of the following MQA Framework areas at Level 7 and Level 9:
Arts and Humanities  
Engineering and Technology  
Life Sciences and Medicine  
Natural Sciences  
Social Sciences  
Additional requirements include:
A minimum of 1,000 students enrolled in MQA-accredited Level 7 and above programs  
Participation in international university rankings or a proven track record of running university-level programs for at least five years  
At least five years of membership in both an international university organization and an international quality assurance body  
Demonstrated international standards in research and management, with experience collaborating with foreign universities and organizations  
At least 10% of academic staff must hold PhDs to ensure quality