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MQA CEO Mariyam Fizana Rasheed at a meeting

Unaccredited programmes invalid, MQA warns

Institutions offering programmes that were approved prior to the new guidelines must take immediate steps to secure accreditation.

13 hours ago

Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) on Wednesday issued a reminder to students and higher education institutions regarding the status of academic programmes that were previously authorised but not accredited under the new 'Programme Accreditation Guidelines.'

The MQA's latest statement highlights that these programmes will become invalid if they are not accredited as per the revised guidelines.

In August 2022, the MQA introduced updated Programme Accreditation Guidelines, which are aimed at ensuring that educational programmes meet the necessary standards for quality and consistency.

Since then, many higher education institutions in the Maldives have been working to gain accreditation for their programmes under these new criteria.

However, some institutions have yet to submit all their programmes for accreditation under the updated rules.

  • Expiry of the Programme Accreditation Guidelines: The MQA has clarified that the Programme Accreditation Guidelines, which were gazetted in August 2022, will expire in five years, specifically on 27th October 2027. Any programmes approved by MQA before the implementation of the guidelines will no longer be valid unless they are accredited under the new framework.

  • Programme Intakes Up to 2027: For programmes that were previously approved but are still undergoing the accreditation process, the MQA has specified that intakes up to 1st January 2027 will be allowed to continue until the conclusion of the respective programmes. These programmes may also accommodate additional intakes after they receive accreditation.

  • Immediate Action Required: The MQA strongly advises that higher education institutions submit their previously approved programmes for accreditation as soon as possible to avoid any disruption to academic offerings. Failing to meet accreditation requirements will render these programmes invalid after 2027.

  • Accreditation Renewal Post-2027: Programmes accredited under the new guidelines since 2022 will also require re-submission for accreditation before the expiration date in 2027. Institutions are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure uninterrupted delivery of these programs.

In addition to its warnings, the MQA has been monitoring compliance with the accreditation guidelines and has already taken action against several institutions that have violated the established regulations.

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