The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) has decided not to allow students to pursue full-time PhD studies while working full-time.
The decision aims to maintain the quality of doctoral programmes offered by the Maldives’ higher education and training institutions, in line with international standards.
The decision was taken on the advice of the MQA Advisory Board on implementing doctoral degree programmes conducted locally and in collaboration with international centres.
Under the Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF), full-time doctoral study must last a minimum of three years, while part-time study must be at least twice the duration of full-time programme.
A doctoral programme requires 360 credits, equivalent to at least 3,600 hours of full-time study over three years. While the programme requires extensive research, MQA said it is not appropriate to pursue full-time PhD studies while employed full time.
The authority said those seeking to pursue PhD while employed may do so on a part-time basis, while those who are not employed and fully dedicated to their studies may enrol as full-time PhD students.