In a move to broaden access to higher education, the Ministry of Education has announced relaxed admission requirements for students entering grades 11 and 12, aiming to significantly increase the number of students pursuing A-levels in the country.
A circular issued by the Education Ministry on Monday outlines new rules, specifying three pathways for A-level admission: academic streams, vocational education, and workplace learning apprenticeship programs. Each pathway has specific conditions for entry.
Academic Stream Admission Requirements:
A minimum 'C' pass in Dhivehi or Islam, and at least 'C' passes in two stream subjects.
A minimum 'C' pass in Dhivehi or Islam, at least 'C' pass in Mathematics, and at least 'C' passes in two stream subjects.
A minimum 'C' pass in Dhivehi or Islam, at least 'C' passes in two stream subjects, and at least 'C' pass in an optional subject relevant to the student's desired field of work.
A minimum 'C' pass in Mathematics or English, and at least 'C' passes in two stream subjects.
A minimum 'C' pass in Mathematics, a minimum 'C' pass in a stream subject, and a minimum 'C' pass in an optional subject related to mathematics and the stream subject.
A minimum 'C' pass in English, a minimum 'C' pass in a stream subject, and a minimum 'C' pass in an optional subject related to the stream subject.
Students completing the secondary school examination under an Individual Curriculum Plan must have completed secondary school and obtained at least a 'C' pass in any two subjects in the examinations.
Pearson BTech International Level 3 Diploma, Pearson BTech International Level 3 Extended Diploma, and TVET Course Entry Requirements:
At least a Pearson BTech International Level 2 Diploma or a School TVET course pass.
A minimum 'C' pass in any three subjects from IGCSE, GCE O-Level, or SSC examinations.
Conditions for Admission to Workplace Study or Apprenticeship Programs:
At least a Pearson BTech International Level 2 Diploma or a School TVET course.
A minimum 'C' pass in any one subject from IGCSE, GCE O-Level, or SSC examinations.
The Ministry of Education will make final decisions regarding admissions to the Pearson BTech International Level 3 Diploma, Extended Diploma, School TVET course, and workplace learning apprenticeship programs.
For enrollment in Key Stage 5 of schooling, the ministry will consider SSC, IGSC, GCE O-Level, and BTech examination results from the past two years. Students who are not yet 18 by the new academic year or December 31st will be eligible for Key Stage Five entry.
However, in atolls where higher secondary education is offered, students who do not meet these requirements may be granted admission with ministerial permission.
The government is also launching a special program to boost A-level student numbers. Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu stated that 23 schools in the atolls have already been equipped to offer A-level studies. The minister previously noted a more than 70 percent increase in students beginning A-levels this year.
Despite significant state expenditure on education, Dr. Shafeeu highlighted a concern regarding low examination pass rates. He stated that the pass percentage for A-level students has decreased from 60 percent to 50 percent. The minister has previously indicated that despite government spending MVR 4 billion, desired educational outcomes are not being achieved.