MQA Clarifies Free Availability of Academic Recognition Documents for Students

The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) has stated that mandatory academic recognition documentation required for overseas study is available free of charge, in an effort to discourage students from relying on third-party intermediaries that charge high fees.

The authority clarified that the “Recognition of the Intended Programme” document, which confirms compliance with the national qualifications framework, has always been provided as a free service. Students can obtain the document directly through email or by visiting the MQA offices.

Officials noted that the clarification comes amid reports of students using external services and later facing visa complications, which in some cases have resulted in missed enrolment deadlines and inability to attend scheduled classes abroad.

In parallel, the government has moved to further streamline access to higher education funding as part of ongoing reforms to the national student loan system. The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development has confirmed that the student loan programme remains open throughout the year.

The ministry has also lifted restrictions on access to funding for studies in priority technical fields, with at least 50 per cent of annual loan allocations now reserved for these areas.

Under newly gazetted regulations, application deadlines have been removed, allowing students to apply for financial assistance as soon as they secure an institutional placement, an approved fee structure, and the official programme recognition letter from MQA.

Officials said the changes are intended to remove administrative barriers and reduce confusion between new and continuing students, ensuring that financial support is available when students are ready to begin their studies.