The Government aims to have international students make up five per cent of the student population in higher education institutions across the Maldives.

Speaking on MMTV's Bodu Khabaru programme, State Minister for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr Abdulla Nazeer, outlined this ambitious target, explaining that the Ministry is prioritising simplified student visa processes and more streamlined stays for international students.

Dr Nazeer also outlined the Government’s plan to establish higher education institutions in every atoll of the Maldives, accompanied by student accommodation. He emphasised that international students will be able to settle easily in the centres where they wish to pursue higher education and training.

The State Minister stressed that increasing the number of international students to five per cent will be a significant step in boosting the contribution of higher education to the Maldivian economy.

Currently, there are two Government universities and 11 private colleges in the country, with approximately 13,000 Maldivian students enrolled in higher education.