Applications for doctoral programmes at the Islamic University of Maldives have experienced a notable increase, with more than 100 scholars currently enrolled across four faculties, university administrators announced. Prospective candidates can pursue doctoral studies in Usul al-Fiqh at the Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, Shari'ah and Law at the Kulliyyah of Shari’ah and Law, administration at the Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Studies, or research at the Kulliyyah of Education.
Demand has surged, Dr Aishath Shina, dean of the Kulliyyah of Education, observed on the PSM News programme 'Raajje Miadhu', noting that 30 prospective students applied for five placements last semester. "I frequently receive inquiries from prospective candidates expressing that they applied but were not selected," Shina said. "It is indeed accurate that the Kulliyyah of Education alone received 30 applications for merely five available positions during the previous semester."
Because the research-rooted process evaluates familiarity with proposals, admissions remain competitive, Shina explained. While the Kulliyyah of Education is the only division opening slots this semester, ongoing programmes continue institution-wide, Dr Mohamed Solih, an assistant professor at the Centre of Research and Publication, noted, stating that doctoral opportunities generally remain accessible across all four faculties.
University administrators confirmed that applications are open until 31 July for 67 second-semester courses, including 15 master's, 16 bachelor's, and various diploma and certificate tracks. Delivery extends to campuses in Ungoofaaru, Naifaru, Fonadhoo, Thinadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Meedhoo, and Maradhoo Feydhoo via face-to-face, online, or blended modalities.