MQA Urges Compliance with Programme Accreditation Guidelines

The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) issued a reminder to students and higher education institutions about the status of academic programmes previously authorised but not accredited under the updated ‘Programme Accreditation Guidelines.’

އެކްރެޑިޓްނުކޮށް ހުރި ޕްރޮގްރާްތަކާއި ގުޅޭ pic.twitter.com/Pd4xHAXkov

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— Maldives Qualifications Authority (@mqamaldives) January 8, 2025

In a statement, yesterday, the MQA clarified that programmes not accredited in line with the revised guidelines will become invalid. The authority introduced the updated guidelines in August 2022 to ensure that educational programmes meet consistent quality standards.

Since the implementation of the new framework, many higher education institutions in the Maldives have worked to accredit their programmes. However, some institutions have yet to submit all their programmes for accreditation under the updated rules.

The MQA highlighted that the Programme Accreditation Guidelines, gazetted in August 2022, will remain in effect until 27 October 2027. Programmes approved by the MQA before the guidelines’ introduction will lose their validity unless accredited under the new criteria.

For programmes still undergoing the accreditation process, the MQA confirmed that intakes will be permitted until 1 January 2027, with these programmes continuing until their completion. Additional intakes may also be accommodated once accreditation is granted.

The MQA emphasised the importance of submitting previously approved programmes for accreditation without delay to avoid disruption to academic offerings. Programmes failing to meet the requirements will become invalid after the 2027 deadline.

Additionally, programmes accredited under the revised guidelines will require re-accreditation before the expiration date in 2027. The MQA advised institutions to plan proactively to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of their academic offerings.

The MQA stated that it continues to monitor adherence to the updated accreditation framework and has already taken action against several institutions found in violation of the regulations. Institutions are encouraged to comply fully with the guidelines to maintain the integrity of the Maldives’ higher education sector.