In March 2026, The Maldives National University (MNU) successfully passed the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education’s (QAA) rigorous mid-cycle review for International Quality Accreditation (IQA), thereby maintaining the accreditation initially awarded in 2023.
The Maldives National University (MNU) is proud to announce the continuation of its international accreditation status following the QAA’s comprehensive mid-cycle review. This recognition is granted by Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the United Kingdom’s independent authority responsible for safeguarding and enhancing quality standards in higher education worldwide.
The IQA is a prestigious global accreditation awarded to international institutions that meet QAA’s stringent quality benchmarks. The process benchmark universities against internationally recognized quality standards outlined in Part 1 of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).
Accreditation is conferred for a five-year period, subject to a satisfactory mid-cycle review. The QAA review team confirmed that MNU has made commendable progress since its initial accreditation in October 2023, extending the validity of its IQA status until October 2028.
The mid-cycle review highlighted that since 2023, the University has undergone significant institutional restructuring. According to the findings, these changes have strengthened decision-making processes, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced strategic oversight across both academic and administrative functions.
Piers Wall, QAA’s Head of International Quality Assurance and Enhancement, stated:
“It is a great pleasure working with our colleagues at The Maldives National University, and we very much look forward to continuing this very positive and productive relationship.”
Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam, Vice-Chancellor of MNU, expressed that:
“At The Maldives National University, we place the highest value on quality across all aspects of teaching, learning, and research. This recognition from QAA reaffirms our commitment under the MNU Strategic Plan 2026–2030 to develop ‘Quality People’ who are not only academically competent but also equipped with the skills, values, and attributes necessary to make transformative contributions to society and actively support nation-building. Every student who graduates from MNU is assured a high-quality, internationally recognized education, shaped by our graduate attributes, which emphasize critical thinking, innovation, ethical responsibility, leadership, and global awareness. By continually strengthening our institutional quality assurance systems and academic practices, we ensure that MNU remains at the forefront of academic excellence, producing graduates capable of driving positive change and contributing meaningfully to the Maldives and the wider world. By sustaining this prestigious global accreditation, MNU reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class education and strengthening its position as a leader in academic excellence in the Maldives and beyond. This achievement also secures MNU’s full international membership within the QAA community”.
The full report and its findings are available via the QAA website and through official MNU channels.