MQA Drafts New Regulation to Authorise Local Courses Abroad

The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) is in the process of drafting a special regulation aimed at enabling locally approved courses to be conducted overseas, in a move to address ongoing breaches and tighten oversight.

Currently, it is prohibited to run locally approved courses abroad without formal authorisation from the MQA. However, the authority has received reports indicating that some courses are being offered outside the country in violation of this rule.

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MQA Chief Executive Officer Mariam Fizana Rasheed stated that certain educational programmes are being conducted in foreign institutions without prior approval. She cautioned that appropriate action will be taken against those found to be in breach of the regulations.

Fizana confirmed that a draft version of the new regulation has been submitted to the Attorney General’s Office for review. The proposed framework is intended to provide a legal mechanism for Maldivian institutions to offer MQA-approved courses abroad with official clearance.

She noted that the regulation would help prevent issues related to the delivery of courses through foreign universities not recognised by the MQA, ensuring that only approved locations and institutions are involved.

In addition to these developments, Fizana raised concern over a rising number of cases involving forged academic certificates. So far this year, five such cases have been reported to the police, following nine similar incidents reported last year. She also expressed concern regarding delays in police investigations into these cases.