Study abroad
Study in the Maldives
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in the Maldives
The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. As a small country, it has a limited number of higher-education institutions, mostly based in and around Malé, so it is worth checking exactly which programmes and levels of study are offered locally.
Students interested in tourism, maritime trade and conservation may find the local context especially relevant, and many also compare regional institutions or programmes delivered with partners abroad. Teaching is often in Dhivehi. English is also widely used. The sections below explain subjects, intakes, costs, funding and visa steps.
Why study in the Maldives?
What makes the Maldives worth considering depends on what you want from your studies. Its location in the Indian Ocean, the local language and the subjects on offer all shape the experience, alongside your budget and career goals.
- Industry context: Tourism, maritime trade and conservation matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Maritime & Shipping and Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, with options differing between universities.
- A close community: study is centred on Malé, and a small country can mean smaller classes and a close-knit student community.
- Culture and language: living in the Maldives means everyday contact with Dhivehi and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
Top subjects to study in the Maldives
Choosing a subject is the first big decision. For the Maldives, the areas below are a sensible place to begin; they reflect local strengths such as tourism, maritime trade and conservation, not a league table.
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Maritime & Shipping
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Business & Management
Because tourism, maritime trade and conservation matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for the Maldives on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Universities in the Maldives
The choice of institutions in the Maldives is relatively small, which makes it important to confirm exactly which courses and levels are available. Institutions include:
- Maldives National University
This is not a ranking or a complete list. When comparing universities, look at the content of the specific programme, entry requirements, the language of teaching, location, support for international students and whether the qualification is recognised where you plan to work.
Some institutions offer preparatory or foundation courses, placements or joint programmes with partners abroad; these can change the length and cost of your studies.
Scholarships to Study in the Maldives
Finding funding for the Maldives takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by the Maldives
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Eligibility, the amount of support and deadlines vary, and competition can be strong. Apply to several suitable options and confirm what each award covers. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in the Maldives
There is no national intake date for the Maldives: each university or college sets its own calendar.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in the Maldives
The cost of studying in the Maldives depends on the institution, the programme, the level of study and, sometimes, your nationality.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in the Maldives
Rules on studying in the Maldives as a foreign national depend on your citizenship and course, so the first step is to find out which category applies to you.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of the Maldives in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in the Maldives
Living costs in the Maldives depend a great deal on where you live and how you live.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
On islands and in remote areas, imported goods can raise everyday prices. Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in the Maldives
What are the advantages of studying in the Maldives?
It depends on your goals. The Maldives offers a small, close-knit study environment, a location in the Indian Ocean and study in Dhivehi (with some English-taught options). Students interested in tourism, maritime trade and conservation may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in the Maldives?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Maritime & Shipping, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Education, PGCE & Teaching. The subjects page for the Maldives lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in the Maldives?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in the Maldives?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in the Maldives?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of the Maldives.
Are scholarships available for international students in the Maldives?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in the Maldives?
Most higher education is based in Malé. Compare housing options and living costs there alongside your course choice.
Can I study in English in the Maldives?
Many courses are taught in Dhivehi. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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