Maldives Opens First Vocational High School
Maldives opens first higher secondary vocational school | Photo: Education Ministry
The Maldives has officially opened its first school dedicated to providing vocational education at the higher secondary level, welcoming 60 students in its inaugural intake.
The school, established at the Polytechnic, was inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Dr Ismail Shafeeu, in a ceremony held at the institution.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
މާލޭ ވޮކޭޝަނަލް ހައި ސްކޫލް ހުޅުވުމުގެ ރަސްމިއްޔާތު މިނިސްޓަރ ޑރ. އިސްމާޢީލް ޝަފީޢު ޝަރަފްވެރިކޮށްދެއްވުން. pic.twitter.com/DskNCgKgbu— Ministry of Education (@MoEdumv) November 27, 2025
Admission to the school was offered to students who completed Grade 10 in the last academic year or the current year and were under the age of 18 as of 31 December of the previous year.
The Ministry of Education stated that graduates of the Vocational High School will be eligible to pursue Diploma and Degree level courses at universities. Students who choose to enter the workforce upon completing their studies will also have direct employment opportunities.
The school will initially offer five vocational programmes and will operate in a single session. In addition to vocational subjects, the curriculum includes Islam and Dhivehi. Students achieving an A* in these programmes and subjects will be eligible to compete for the President’s Scholarship.
Minister Shafeeu noted that previously, students were largely limited to the academic pathway, which often posed challenges for those with lower academic results. The introduction of a vocational pathway will provide alternative routes for higher education and career development.
Following the opening in Malé, the Minister announced plans to expand vocational education to other islands. The first phase of this expansion will see R. Alifushi begin offering vocational training, utilising resources available on the island.
