President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified an amendment to the Higher Education and Training Act that allows colleges operating for at least 15 years to be granted university status, provided they meet a set of academic and institutional benchmarks.
The amendment, passed by Parliament on Wednesday with 55 votes in favor, aims to expand access to higher education and support the growth of local institutions capable of delivering university-level programs.
Under the new law, a college seeking university status must meet the following criteria:
Operational history: At least 15 years of continuous operation.
Offer programs in at least three fields from Level 7 to Level 9 of the Maldives National Qualifications Framework, including: Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Student enrollment: A minimum of 1,000 students enrolled in MNQF Level 7 or higher programs.
Global recognition: Must be ranked or rated in an international university ranking system, or have run programs equivalent to a university for at least five years.
International affiliations: At least five years of membership in both an international university organization and an international quality assurance body.
Research and management standards: Demonstrated experience in research and academic management aligned with international university norms.
Faculty qualifications: At least 10 percent of academic staff must hold PhDs.
The government says the amendment will help elevate the quality and competitiveness of Maldivian higher education institutions, while creating more opportunities for students to pursue advanced degrees locally.