Maldives launches free undergraduate education

MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldivian government has begun implementing a new policy to finance undergraduate degrees, making public university education free for eligible students and extending partial funding to private institutions, in one of the country’s most significant higher-education reforms in recent years.

The initiative was formally launched on Thursday at Maldives National University, where authorities outlined plans to cover tuition fees for all degree programs offered by public universities, including Maldives National University and the Islamic University of Maldives. Under the scheme, the government will also subsidize a substantial portion of course fees at private colleges operating in the country.

According to the Higher Education Ministry, the funding framework will extend beyond local institutions to include foreign university programs conducted within the Maldives, bringing transnational education providers under the same policy umbrella. Officials said the aim is to widen access to higher education while reducing financial barriers faced by students and families.

The government has allocated 50 million Maldivian rufiyaa ($3.2 million) for the program’s initial phase. However, details on how payments will be disbursed to institutions, eligibility criteria for students, and long-term financing mechanisms have yet to be publicly clarified.

Education analysts note that while the policy could significantly expand access to tertiary education in the island nation, its success will depend on sustainable funding, transparency in implementation, and safeguards to maintain academic standards.