MQA Warns Unauthorised Online Programme Certificates Will Not Be Recognised

The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) has warned that it will not recognise certificates issued through online programmes conducted without proper approval.

In an announcement issued yesterday, the authority stated that it has received reports of several training centres operating online programmes in violation of the National Competency Standards. MQA clarified that it has not approved online delivery for any programmes conducted under these standards.

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As a result, the authority stated that certificates issued by any online programme that has not been authorised by the National Competency Standards Authority will not be accepted.

Under the Higher Education and Training Act, MQA is mandated to monitor the quality of higher education and training institutions, ensure that programmes comply with national standards, and oversee accreditation and audit processes.

The authority noted that operating programmes and issuing certificates without approval has been a recurring issue. In previous instances, some centres conducted programmes without undergoing mandatory audits, leading to students being issued certificates that were later rejected by MQA. The authority recently issued notices to three centres instructing them to stop such unauthorised programmes.

MQA also highlighted the growing problem of fake certificates, stating that the issue has escalated to the extent that employers now frequently request verification of staff qualifications.

In addition, the authority identified cases in which centres conducted mobile programmes in rural areas using the names of previously approved programmes, despite lacking the required permissions and audits. Certificates submitted from such programmes will not be accepted.

Earlier, MQA decided not to accept certificates issued by 101 higher education and training centres that failed to complete the mandatory re-registration process.