Probe launched into unauthorized courses being taught abroad

Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) has launched an investigation into cases where courses approved to be taught in Maldives were administered at foreign institutions, with certificates issued to foreign students.

In a statement issued yesterday, MQA said that certificates had been issued to foreign students after courses approved only to be taught in Maldives were conducted abroad by a registered Maldivian higher education institution. This prompted authorities of these countries to verify the credibility of the certificates.

Officials from three foreign countries have requested MQA to confirm the validity of the qualifications. MQA clarified that no Maldivian higher education institutions are permitted to conduct courses or issue certificates outside the country.

The courses in question were reportedly taught abroad by a Maldivian college/university, although MQA did not specify the institute.

“The act committed by a higher education institution in Maldives shall be held responsible for the damage caused to foreign students,” the statement said.

Last year, a Maldivian college was investigated for advertising courses that had not been approved by MQA. The authority has advised students to ensure that any course they intend to study abroad is recognized by MQA before enrolling.

MQA cited a recent incident involving a college called Apex Ed in Sri Lanka, which issued certificates not authorized by the country’s TIVET. The institute was suspended for the violation but has since been reauthorized.