The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) has issued an advisory to Avid College for conducting accredited programmes in violation of its accreditation conditions.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the MQA said Avid College had conducted MQA-accredited programmes through two institutions in Sri Lanka, Amazon College and Alzet University, without the required approvals. This was found to be in breach of regulations governing the delivery of Maldivian accredited programmes overseas.

The issue came to the Authority’s attention after several students who completed these programmes submitted their qualifications to the MQA for verification and recognition. Upon review, the MQA identified irregularities related to the overseas delivery of the programmes.

The Authority further noted that it has become aware of several institutions in Sri Lanka, including Chester College of Higher Education, Imperial Wisdom Graduate Campus, Innovatus Campus, Ceylon College of Applied Studies, and Between Campus, advertising programmes linked to Maldivian providers. According to the MQA, these institutions are not registered with Sri Lanka’s recognised higher education authorities, such as the University Grants Commission, the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, or the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

The MQA said Avid College had been instructed as early as 29 August 2024 to cease conducting accredited programmes abroad without approval. However, based on documents submitted by the institution and information gathered by the Authority, the college continued to offer such programmes through various Sri Lankan institutions over the past year without obtaining the necessary permits.

The Authority said such practices risk harming students, discouraging international enrolment in Maldivian higher education institutions, undermining confidence in the quality and standards of Maldivian education, and damaging the international reputation of the country’s higher education sector. The MQA also expressed concern that qualifications issued under such arrangements may not be recognised.

As a first enforcement step under the regulations governing the conduct of accredited programmes abroad, the MQA said it has formally issued an advisory to Avid College following a recommendation by its Advisory Board. Under the regulations, continued non-compliance could result in financial penalties of MVR 8,000 at the second stage and MVR 10,000 at the third stage.