One of the most prominent aspects of the relationship between the Maldives and Malaysia today is the number of Maldivians who live in or travel to the country. While Malaysia holds particular significance for Maldivians for several reasons, the large number of Maldivian students studying there is undoubtedly one of the main factors.
The Maldives and Malaysia established diplomatic relations in 1968. With Muslims forming a large share of Malaysia's population, close ties gradually developed between the two countries. Although these relations extend across various sectors, education has become one of the areas that most strongly reflects the relationship.
Many Maldivian students who complete secondary and higher secondary education and decide to pursue higher education overseas choose Malaysia as their destination.
Statistics illustrate the significant role Malaysia now plays in the education of Maldivians. Figures shared by the High Commission of the Maldives in Malaysia show that more than 2,270 Maldivian students are currently studying in the country. Of these, 1,965 are pursuing higher education.
The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development has said Malaysia is one of the countries most frequently chosen by Maldivians pursuing higher education. The Ministry said 1,433 Maldivian students are currently pursuing higher education in Malaysia at Government expense.
The Ministry has also stated that Malaysia is the country where the largest number of Maldivians have obtained master's degrees and PhDs.
Strong educational ties between the two countries
The number of Maldivians travelling to Malaysia in South-East Asia for education and higher education began increasing from the latter part of the 1990s.
By around 2010, some of Malaysia's leading universities had begun efforts to offer places to Maldivian students and subsequently expanded those efforts. Scholarship opportunities available to Maldivians also increased through universities and various overseas organisations.
While links between individual universities and educational institutions continued to develop, the Maldives and Malaysia formalised their higher education relationship in 2017 by signing an agreement to establish cooperation in the sector and make arrangements easier for students.
The two countries signed the agreement during an official visit to the Maldives by former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to strengthen cooperation in higher education. The agreement paved the way for Maldivian students travelling to Malaysia to receive greater concessions and access more convenient opportunities.
The Maldives National University opened its School of Medicine in 2018 and began teaching in 2019 using a curriculum from the National University of Malaysia. The School of Medicine has since produced four batches of Maldivian doctors who have entered national service.
Government works to expand opportunities for Maldivians
Building on this foundation, the current Government has continued its efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries.
In addition to working to secure greater concessions for Maldivian students living in Malaysia, further opportunities have been made available for Maldivians to pursue their studies in the country. Among the most notable are 561 scholarship opportunities to study in six fields in Malaysia.
An agreement covering the scholarships was signed in 2024 with Education Malaysia Global Services, which operates under Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education.
During President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's official visit to Malaysia last year, he held discussions with the Malaysian Government on securing concessions for Maldivian students studying in the country.
During the visit, President Dr Muizzu also officially inaugurated an association for Maldivian students studying in Malaysia. The Maldivian Government arranged the assistance required for the association to operate.
Today, Malaysia stands as a hub of higher education for Maldivians. With a wide range of opportunities available, the country has become an important part of the journey of Maldivians working towards building the nation.