Overview of the General Education System

The education system in the Maldives is shaped by a rich and intricate blend of influences, including the traditional Islamic educational practices that have been a foundation of the society for centuries. In these longstanding systems, madrasas have played a pivotal role in emphasizing religious teachings and Arabic literacy. The arrival of British colonial rule introduced a new layer, as they incorporated Western educational models and formal schooling structures that aimed to align with global standards. This transition marked a significant shift. It introduced subjects like English language, science, and mathematics into the curriculum.

Initially, education was delivered informally through the Edhuruge system, where children as young as two learned to read and write in Dhivehi and Arabic script to recite the Qur’an. This informal religious instruction set the foundation for early childhood education and significantly shaped student learning styles. As mentioned, British involvement led to the introduction of Western-style English-medium education with the establishment of the first boys' school in Malé in 1927 and a girls’ school in 1944. Following independence, reforms gained momentum, with the Ministry of Education (MoE) introducing the first national curriculum in 1980 and adopting English as the primary medium of instruction in public schools.

The Maldivian school structure follows a 5-2-3-2 model comprising of five years of primary, two years of middle, three years of lower secondary, and two years of higher secondary education. Formal education is delivered through three parallel types of institutions such as Islamic religious schools (makthabs), Dhivehi-language schools, and English-language schools. The latter is the primary pathway to secondary education.

Public, private, international, and religious schools coexist, and nearly all children aged six to 15 attend school. Tertiary education is limited, with students often seeking higher education abroad due to the limited availability of domestic programs. The Ministry of Education and the Department of Higher Education are the main governing bodies overseeing the system.

As of 2022, the tertiary gross enrollment rate was 49.95%, and the primary male gross enrollment was 96.67%. Despite a literacy rate of 97.86% in 2021, down slightly from previous years, the government continues to implement national development plans and inclusive education strategies, including Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and support for learners with special needs.

In the Maldives, compulsory education begins at the age of five, continues through ten years of formal schooling, and concludes at the age of 15. This structure covers five years of primary education, followed by five years of middle-level education. Although early childhood education is not mandatory, it is widely encouraged and supported by government initiatives such as the “First Steps” campaign and ECCD policies. Preschool enrollment rates are high, with national plans consistently targeting a net enrollment rate of over 85%. Pre-primary education is offered through both community-based and formal preschool settings, often run in tandem with traditional Edhuruge classes.

Transitions within the compulsory system are clearly defined. Students move from primary to middle school after Grade 5, then continue through to the end of lower secondary. At the completion of Grade 10, students may proceed to higher secondary, Grades 11–12. Unfortunately, enrollment declines in this stage due in part to geographic disparities and limited access to advanced schooling, particularly in outlying islands.

Meanwhile, the dual-language approach of using Dhivehi and English ensures students are equipped with linguistic tools for both domestic and international educational pathways.

Maldives' higher education system is composed of two public universities and seven private institutions. The Maldives National University (MNU), established in 2011, evolved from the Maldives College of Higher Education and offers a broad array of programs including education, engineering, law, health sciences, and Shariah studies. The Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) serves as the second public university. Private institutions such as Villa College, MAPS College, and Maldives Business School offer specialized diplomas and degrees.

Programs range from diploma (MNQF Level 5) to doctoral degrees (MNQF Level 10). Diploma programs can be one to two years, depending on the student’s prior education, while bachelor’s programs generally require three years, and master’s degrees take one to two years. Doctorates take two to five years to complete.

Higher education governance is overseen by the Department of Higher Education and the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA), which ensures the quality of programs and institutional accreditation.

Despite infrastructure and policy efforts, the Maldives faces challenges in higher education access. With a tertiary gross enrollment rate of just 6%, many students pursue degrees abroad in countries like Malaysia and Australia. However, increasing demand due to rising secondary graduation rates, a growing youth population, and economic development pressures the government to expand and improve local tertiary education.