Maldives National University
Male, Maldives • Founded 2011
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 2011, The Maldives National University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Malé (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of the Maldives, The Maldives National University (MNU) is a coeducational Maldivian higher education institution. The Maldives National University (MNU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
MNU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
The geographic and contact details below cover where Maldives National University is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.
Academic Details
Enrolment scale, staff balance, and accreditation context for Maldives National University are below. Female student percentage signals admissions reach and shapes the student-life environment.
Academic Structures
Maldives National University's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
Unit 9 items
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering Technology
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies
- Faculty of Islamic Studies
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Sharia and Law
- MNU Business School
Degrees
The full range of degrees Maldives National University awards is grouped by level below. Awards typically map to recognised qualifications frameworks, easing credit transfer abroad.
Associate 1 program
Associate-level programmes deliver applied, career-ready training across vocational and technical fields.
- Primary Education
Bachelor's 34 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Architecture
- Business and Commerce
- Civil Engineering
- Education
- English
- Environmental Management
- Foreign Languages Education
- Health Administration
- Hotel Management
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Islamic Law
- Islamic Studies
- Islamic Theology
- Journalism
- Laboratory Techniques
- Law
- Mathematics Education
- Native Language
- Native Language Education
- Nursing
- Physical Education
- Political Sciences
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Psychology
- Religious Education
- Secondary Education
- Social Work
- Special Education
- Teacher Training
- Tourism
Master's 9 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Business Administration
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Testing and Evaluation
- Islamic Law
- Native Language
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Social Policy
Doctoral 1 program
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Applied Linguistics
Diploma & Certificate 2 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Education
- Higher Education
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of the Maldives.
Foundation Studies (Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Business and Commerce
- Natural Sciences
Maritimes Studies (Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Marine Engineering
- Marine Transport
- Primary Education
Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aquaculture
- Fishery
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science and Oceanography
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
- Journalism
- Native Language
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Policy
Education (Faculty) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Education
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Testing and Evaluation
- Foreign Languages Education
- Mathematics Education
- Native Language Education
- Physical Education
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering, Science and Technology (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Clinical Psychology
- Health Administration
- Laboratory Techniques
- Nursing
- Occupational Health
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Social Work
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Hospitality and Tourism Studies (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cooking and Catering
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Hotel Management
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Tour Operator
- Hospitality Manager
- Travel Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Shari'ah and Law (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Islamic Law
- Islamic Studies
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Economics
- Human Resources
- Management
- Marketing
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Maldives National University's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.
166 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Maldives
Bachelor's Degree 79 programmes
Showing 10 of 79.
Honours Degree 9 programmes
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
Doctorate 18 programmes
Showing 10 of 18.
Diploma 34 programmes
Showing 10 of 34.
Postgraduate Diploma 3 programmes
How to apply to Maldives National University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Maldives National University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Research programmes at Maldives National University
Use the programme finder to browse Maldives National University's 166 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Programme-level requirements at Maldives National University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Lodge your application
Maldives National University processes applications through mnu.edu.mv. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +960 3345 101. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maldives National University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Maldives National University, drawn directly from institutional records.
How old is Maldives National University?
The institution opened in 2011 (approximately 15 years ago).
Where is Maldives National University located?
Maldives National University is located in Male, Maldives.
Is Maldives National University public or private?
Maldives National University is a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Maldives National University?
Student enrolment at Maldives National University is around 3,180.
What programmes are available at Maldives National University?
Maldives National University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
What is Maldives National University's academic structure?
Maldives National University is organised into 9 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Maldives National University?
Yes, Maldives National University is recognised by Maldives Qualifications Authority.
What is Maldives National University's official website?
Maldives National University's official website is mnu.edu.mv.
Faculties at nearby universities
Beyond Maldives National University, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.
Universities Compared with Maldives National University
Faculty mobility between Maldives National University and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.
Study abroad guides and resources
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