Maldives Qualifications Authority to Take Action Against Unauthorized Online Courses

The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) has announced that it will take stringent action against institutions running online courses without obtaining the necessary permissions. This declaration follows numerous complaints about unauthorized e-learning programs being advertised by higher education institutions.

In a statement published in the official gazette, the MQA emphasized that all permissions previously granted to higher education institutions for conducting e-learning programs were revoked following the publication of the Program Accreditation Rules and Guidelines for E-Learning on May 16, 2022. Institutions must now submit their programs for approval in accordance with these new rules and guidelines to continue offering e-learning modules.

The MQA highlighted the importance of ensuring that higher education institutions are registered with the Ministry of Higher Education, Labor and Skills Development. Additionally, programs must be MQA-approved, and their delivery modalities verified by the Qualifications Registry on the Authority's website. The MQA has made it clear that certificates obtained from unaccredited programs will not be recognized or accepted, and the Authority will not take responsibility for such qualifications.

The statement further warned that any institution found advertising or operating programs in violation of the standards set by the MQA would face repercussions under Chapter 30 (H) of the Program Accreditation Rules. The MQA has also provided a qualification registry list of programs that are accredited and previously approved by the Authority.

This move by the MQA is part of a broader effort to maintain the quality and integrity of higher education in the Maldives. By enforcing these regulations, the MQA aims to protect students from enrolling in substandard programs and ensure that all qualifications awarded by Maldivian institutions meet recognized standards.

The MQA's announcement serves as a stern reminder to higher education institutions to comply with the established regulations and seek necessary approvals before offering online courses. The Authority remains committed to upholding the standards of education and ensuring that students receive valid and credible qualifications.