Student Mental Wellness Support

MNU ensures that students have access to comprehensive academic and pastoral support as outlined in its Academic and Pastoral Support Policy (2023). The policy establishes a structured support system at both the faculty and central levels, ensuring consistent and quality provisions for student well-being. Through this framework, MNU provides a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that fosters students’ mental and physical well-being, encourages the development of confident and resilient individuals, and upholds confidentiality and respect in all student matters. By prioritizing care, guidance, and early support mechanisms for those in need, the university reinforces its commitment to promoting student health and holistic development in line with global best practices.

Link to policy:  https://mnu.edu.mv/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Academic-and-Pastoral-Support-Policy.pdf

As part of the student orientation program, the NIARES students of School of Nursing organized “Coffee with Seniors”, a friendly and interactive session designed to welcome new students and help them settle into university life.  Through casual conversations over coffee, junior students connected with senior peers, discussing academic life, university culture, and tips for success. The session also provided a safe space for new students to ask questions, seek guidance, and build lasting peer connections. This initiative promotes a supportive learning environment and strengthens the sense of community within MNU,  by fostering student engagement, mentorship, and emotional well-being.

The School of Nursing at the MNU implements a Peer Support Programme aimed at enhancing student well-being, academic adjustment, and sense of belonging within the medical school community. Through this initiative, senior students are paired with junior peers, providing a safe and informal platform for sharing experiences, offering academic guidance, and promoting emotional support.

To ensure MNU students feel supported throughout their academic life, MNU provides a range of services designed to promote mental wellness, resilience, and overall well-being.

Our Fortnightly Help and Guidance Sessions offer students a safe, confidential space to share concerns, seek advice, and receive personalised support. Twice a month, students will receive an email inviting them to register if you feel the session could benefit you.

In addition to these sessions, MNU’s Student Support Services provide professional counselling, wellbeing guidance, and stress-management assistance. You can also reach out at any time by emailing studentsupport@mnu.edu.mv—our team is always here to listen and help.

Through these services, MNU reinforces its commitment to strengthening student mental wellness and fostering a supportive, compassionate university environment where every learner can thrive.

The Faculty of Health Sciences has established the Support Squad, a peer-led mental health and well-being initiative that aims to enhance emotional resilience, social connectedness, and mutual support among students. The Support Squad operates under the Guidelines for Conducting Peer Support Groups within FHS, endorsed by the Faculty Management Committee. These guidelines provide a structured framework for organizing peer support meetings, ensuring that all sessions are conducted in a safe, inclusive, and confidential environment. Trained peer facilitators lead regular group sessions focusing on experience sharing, psychoeducation, wellness activities, and social engagement. Each session is designed to promote empathy, understanding, and empowerment among peers while encouraging help-seeking and self-care practices. The initiative reflects FHS’s commitment to fostering a supportive learning community and promoting student well-being through peer connection and professional guidance.

Peer Support Guidline

In celebration of World Mental Health Day, Crossroads Maldives successfully hosted an insightful and collaborative event for two key faculties of The Maldives National University: the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS) and the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS). The mental health session, conducted by the University, was designed for all participants, including staff from Crossroads Maldives, to prioritize mental wellbeing at workplace. The day began with a focused information sharing session where both faculties exchanged crucial insights and updates centered on mental wellbeing and effective strategies for eliminating work related stress. The event concluded with a well deserved, dedicated rest and relaxation session for everyone involved.

The School of Medicine (SM) at The Maldives National University (MNU) implements a structured Mentoring Programme designed to provide continuous academic and personal support to students throughout their medical training. Each student is assigned a dedicated faculty mentor, ensuring individualized guidance and professional development. The programme includes two mandatory Mentor–Mentee meetings per semester, with additional sessions held as needed to address academic challenges, career planning, and personal well-being.

As part of the World Mental Health Day celebrations, lecturers from the Faculty of Health Sciences conducted crisis management for mental health sessions for lecturers and students at MNU Thinadhoo Campus. The sessions focused on recognizing early signs of mental distress, effective response strategies, and fostering supportive academic environments. This initiative reinforced the importance of mental health awareness and capacity building within the university community.

The School of Nursing, in collaboration with the Society for Health Education (SHE), organized a Mental Health Ambassador Training to equip nursing students with skills to promote mental health awareness and advocacy. The program covered stress management, peer support, and self-care, using interactive workshops and role plays. A cohort of Mental Health Ambassadors was established to lead awareness campaigns and support peers, strengthening mental health literacy in the Maldives

MNU Dhigu Hingun is a wellness initiative organized by The Maldives National University to promote a healthy lifestyle among students and staff across its five campuses. Every Friday at 6:00 AM, participants take part in a 5 km walk, encouraging physical activity, well-being, and a sense of community throughout the university.