The Malaysian government's decision to introduce a 6% service tax on tuition fees paid by international students in private educational institutions will not apply to Maldivian students, according to the Maldives’ Ministry of Higher Education.
The amended Sales and Service Tax, set to take effect on July 1, will impact fees at private schools, colleges, and universities in Malaysia. However, a senior official from the Higher Education Ministry told Dhiyares that efforts are underway to secure exemptions for Maldivian students through bilateral consultations with Malaysian authorities.
“We are coordinating closely with relevant agencies in Malaysia to ensure this tax does not affect Maldivian students,” the official said, assuring that the government is committed to safeguarding the interests of its students abroad.
The tax measure is part of Malaysia’s broader fiscal reforms to strengthen its national revenue.
Malaysia remains the most popular higher education destination for Maldivian students, with hundreds enrolled in various programs across the country.