The Maldives is working towards becoming a hub for higher education and an exporter of academic services, Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed has said.

Speaking on MM TV, the Minister said transforming the Maldives into an education exporter is a key national goal and that significant groundwork is required to realize this vision.

He said that he had met with universities and higher education institutions to discuss important steps to open up the Maldives to international students.

According to the Minister, attracting foreign students would generate additional revenue for the country. He noted that foreigners coming to Malé for higher education would contribute to the economy and described the initiative as an important step forward.

Ali Haider added that students from African countries had previously expressed interest in studying in the Maldives, particularly in fields like nursing. However, he said existing regulations had prevented such opportunities from being realized. The government is now working to remove these obstacles.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s higher education sector and position the Maldives as a competitive regional education destination.