The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has announced a new round of scholarship opportunities for Maldivians seeking higher education in banking, finance, economics and law, offering fully funded programmes at several leading Malaysian universities.
The scholarships, available for the 2026 academic year, cover undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes and are aimed at developing skilled professionals who can contribute to the Maldives’ financial and economic sectors.
According to details released by MMA’s Institute for Research and Training, successful candidates will have the opportunity to pursue studies at institutions including the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), University Islam Selangor (UIS) and the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF).
Among the programmes on offer is a three-year Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) degree at UIS, which also includes a six-month internship and a pathway to obtaining the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) Certificate Proficiency qualification.
At the postgraduate level, applicants can pursue a range of Master of Laws (LLM) programmes at IIUM, including specializations in Islamic Banking and Finance, Business Law, Administration of Islamic Law and International Law. These programmes are designed to be completed within one year of full-time study.
MMA is also offering scholarships for a two-year Master of Economics programme at IIUM, targeting individuals interested in advancing their expertise in economic policy, research and financial analysis.
For those pursuing academic and research careers, doctoral opportunities are available at INCEIF University. Candidates may choose from PhD programmes in Islamic Finance or Applied Muamalat, with study options based on coursework, dissertation or research.
The central bank stated that scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis, with selections determined by academic performance, educational background, professional experience where applicable and interview assessments.
Recipients will be required to maintain satisfactory academic standards throughout their studies and comply with the regulations of their respective institutions.
As part of the scholarship conditions, students must return to the Maldives upon completion of their studies and contribute to national development. Scholarship recipients will also be required to serve in the Maldives for five years after graduation under a bonding arrangement.
MMA further noted that applicants must secure admission to their chosen university before a scholarship can be formally awarded. Prospective students have also been advised to obtain pre-approval from the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) before commencing their studies.
The announcement comes as the Maldives continues to invest in building local expertise in key sectors such as finance, economics, law and Islamic banking, areas considered increasingly important as the country’s financial services industry expands.
Officials said the scholarships are intended to strengthen the pool of qualified professionals capable of supporting the development of the Maldives’ banking sector, financial institutions and broader economy in the years ahead.
Interested applicants can obtain further information through the MMA Institute for Research and Training by contacting [email protected] or calling 3012113.
