The Ministry of Higher Education has revealed it has received 500 applications from international candidates seeking to study at the Maldives National University (MNU) medical school.

State Minister Dr Abdulla Nazeer shared with Mihaaru News that the influx of applications followed the opening of admissions in January. However, the ministry has not disclosed the country of origin for these applications. Additionally, he addressed that capacity constraints have prevented foreign admissions this year with many Maldivians also applying.

Dr Nazeer highlighted the potential for increased opportunities with the expansion of the MNU medical school and its teaching hospital in Hulhumalé.

"Currently, the medical school at MNU can accommodate 40 students. Once the teaching hospital in Hulhumale' is completed, it will have the capacity for 400 to 500 students," said Dr Nazeer.

The Government is actively working to increase the proportion of international students in the Maldives to five per cent by the end of the year. This effort extends beyond medical studies to include fields such as hospitality and aviation.

"We are working to attract international students to the Maldives. Hospitality and aviation are particularly in demand. The Maldives is a global brand, and we are confident students will be drawn to study hospitality here," said Dr. Nazeer.