The Maldives National University (MNU) has officially announced the introduction of three new undergraduate healthcare programmes — marking a significant milestone in the advancement of higher education and healthcare workforce development in the Maldives. The new programmes address critical gaps in the country’s healthcare system and reflect MNU’s continued commitment to producing highly skilled professionals capable of transforming healthcare delivery across the nation.
Three New Programmes, One National Purpose
The newly introduced programmes are:
- Bachelor of Science in Paramedic Sciences (3 years)
- Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (Honours) (4 years)
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) (4 years)
The introduction of these programmes aligns with the presidential pledges of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and reflects national priorities aimed at strengthening capacity in sectors critical to the country’s development. The Maldives currently faces a shortage of qualified professionals in speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and pre-hospital emergency care. These three programmes have been designed specifically to address those gaps — creating clear, structured pathways for the development of a skilled local workforce capable of supporting and enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide.
What Each Programme Offers
Bachelor of Science in Paramedic Sciences (3 years)
This programme prepares graduates for the demands of pre-hospital emergency care, with particular emphasis on advanced life support and emergency interventions required prior to hospital admission. Students will develop the critical clinical skills needed to respond effectively in high-pressure emergency healthcare settings. Candidates applying for this programme will additionally undergo mental and physical fitness assessments as part of the selection process.
Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (Honours) (4 years)
This programme equips students with the specialised knowledge and clinical skills required to assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders across all age groups addressing one of the most underserved areas of allied health in the Maldives.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) (4 years)
This programme prepares graduates to support individuals in regaining, developing, and maintaining the skills needed for daily living and independence. Occupational therapists play a vital role in rehabilitation and community health — a role that is increasingly in demand across the Maldives.
All three programmes are accredited by the Maldives Allied Health Council, enabling graduates to become eligible for professional licensure to practice in the Maldives upon successful completion of their studies.
Investing in People, Shaping the Future of Healthcare
Speaking at the press conference announcing the new programmes, Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam underscored the national significance of the initiative:
“This initiative is not simply about introducing new academic programs; it is about shaping the future of healthcare in the Maldives. By creating pathways for specialized education in areas where national demand is greatest, we are investing in our people, strengthening our healthcare system, and building a generation of skilled professionals who will transform lives and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.”
The announcement also highlighted that MNU is actively developing future postgraduate programmes at the Master’s and PhD levels across a range of disciplines, including Maritime Studies, Social Sciences, Engineering, Law, and Business Administration reflecting the University’s long-term commitment to advancing research and postgraduate education in the Maldives.
Applications Now Open
Applications for all three new programmes are now open. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early.
Application Deadline30 July 2026 at 14:00 hrsHow to ApplyMNU Student Portal portal.mnu.edu.mv For EnquiriesMNU Hotline: 1445
Note: Applicants for the Bachelor of Science in Paramedic Sciences will be required to complete mental and physical fitness assessments as part of the admissions process.
Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals
The introduction of these three programmes reflects MNU’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — by directly addressing critical shortages in the healthcare workforce and creating qualified professionals in paramedic sciences, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy who will improve health outcomes and expand access to specialised care across the Maldives.
SDG 4: Quality Education — by establishing new, accredited degree pathways in allied health that meet international standards and provide students with the knowledge, skills, and professional credentials needed for meaningful healthcare careers.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — by creating clear and structured professional pathways in high-demand healthcare disciplines, contributing to a stronger, more self-sufficient national healthcare workforce and reducing dependence on expatriate professionals.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities — by expanding access to specialised healthcare education and, through the graduates these programmes produce, improving the reach and quality of healthcare services for communities across the atolls.
Tags: New Programmes | Healthcare Education | Paramedic Sciences | Speech-Language Pathology | Occupational Therapy | MNU | Allied Health | Applications Open | SDG 3 | SDG 4 | SDG 8 | SDG 10
