MNU Medical School Faces Record International Demand, Plans Major Expansion

The Maldives National University (MNU) Medical School has seen a surge in international interest, with a remarkable 500 applications from one country alone for this year’s intake. This was revealed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development, highlighting a growing trend of foreign students seeking to study in the Maldives.

State Minister for Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development, Dr. Abdulla Nazeer, spoke of the achievements under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership, particularly efforts to strengthen the country’s human capital. He emphasized the growing appeal of the Maldives as a higher education destination, noting that Maldivian students are also increasingly looking abroad for study opportunities.

Due to space limitations and high demand, the MNU Medical School has focused on enrolling Maldivian students first. However, the government is addressing this challenge by planning the construction of a larger, state-of-the-art medical school in Hulhumalé, which will allow for more local and international student enrollments.

To further encourage global participation, Dr. Nazeer mentioned the introduction of international student visas and new accommodation facilities in Hulhumalé. The government aims to boost the number of foreign students in the Maldives to 5% of the 20,000 students currently studying at local institutions over the next five years.