The Ministry of Higher Education has announced a surge in international interest to study medicine at the Maldives National University (MNU) medical school, with over 500 applications received from a foreign country earlier this year.

Speaking to Mihaaru News, State Minister Dr. Abdulla Nazeer highlighted the overwhelming demand after applications opened in January, though he did not specify the origin country. Despite the enthusiasm, the university is unable to accommodate foreign students due to capacity constraints, as many Maldivian students have also applied.

Dr. Nazeer emphasized the growing interest among foreign students in studying in the Maldives, paralleling Maldivian students seeking education abroad. He pointed out that the upcoming teaching hospital in Hulhumalé will significantly expand capacity for medical education in the Maldives.

“Currently, MNU’s medical school can accommodate 40 students. Once the teaching hospital is completed, it will have the capacity to host 400 to 500 students, enabling us to welcome more foreign students,” said Dr. Nazeer.

The Maldives government aims to increase the proportion of foreign students to five percent by the end of the year. This initiative extends beyond medicine to fields like hospitality and aviation, leveraging the Maldives’ global reputation.

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

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to developing educational opportunities in the Maldives, ensuring that the nation becomes a hub for diverse academic disciplines.