The Maldives National University achieves global quality accreditation

The Maldives National University has achieved global quality accreditation from QAA after successfully completing its International Quality Review (IQR).

IQR is a rigorous process which benchmarks global higher education institutions against international quality assurance standards set out in Part 1 of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).

The review was performed between 27 and 30 June 2022 by three independent reviewers appointed by QAA who found that The Maldives National University had met 8 of the 10 ESG Standards and Guidelines. Following submission of an action plan and additional evidence by The Maldives National University (MNU) on 18 July 2023, the review team concluded that all 10 of the European Standards and Guidelines were met.

QAA identified the following areas of good practice for the University:

• The University’s close links with industry exemplified by the systematic inclusion of external stakeholders in Faculty Advisory Committees and the improvement to programmes as a result.
• The YouTube channel showing an ‘Introducing MNU Admission Portal’ video which is useful and informative.
• The positive engagement in external review and audit processes and a positive attitude towards these exercises which MNU uses as opportunities to self-reflect and learn.

The Maldives National University’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Mohamed Shareef, said: 'I am incredibly proud of our MNU community for attaining this phenomenal global recognition - an absolutely outstanding achievement. It is truly an honour for me, as the Vice-Chancellor of The Maldives National University, to receive this recognition as the first higher education institution in the Maldives. This accomplishment holds immense significance as obtaining international accreditation for MNU has been my top priority since assuming office. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all the staff and students at MNU who have diligently worked towards the successful completion of every step in this accreditation journey, which commenced in 2021. This remarkable feat showcases the unwavering dedication of the MNU community to maintaining service quality and upholding international standards in line with MNU's mission.'

Chris Bland, QAA’s Head of Accreditation and Consultancy, said: ‘We are delighted to announce that The Maldives National University has achieved its global quality accreditation. We thoroughly enjoyed working with our colleagues in the Maldives and look forward to working with them again in the future.’

The Maldives National University’s IQR accreditation will be valid for five years and subject to a satisfactory mid-cycle review. The University can now display QAA’s Accreditation Badge, showing that their quality assurance processes are comparable with international best practice. The institution is now eligible to become a QAA International Member.

By securing global accreditation from QAA, international institutions can clearly spotlight their quality standards internationally, and more easily start a dialogue with institutions outside their own country.

You can read The Maldives National University’s full IQR report on our website. You can also find out more about the IQR process and QAA International Membership. If you are interested in your institution signing up and wish to discuss this further, contact the QAA Global team at accreditation@qaa.ac.uk