Maldives (MV)

The Maldives is the world's most geographically dispersed country — a chain of 26 coral atolls and 1,192 islands stretching 900km across the Indian Ocean, of which only about 185 are inhabited.

Capital: Malé

Region: Asia

Language: Dhivehi

Currency: MVR (Rf)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 55)

Emergency: 119

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Maldives.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Private Nursery / Playgroup MVR 2,000–5,000/month (MVR 3,500 average in Malé)

Age: 6 months – 3 years

Apply directly to private nurseries in Malé or Hulhumalé. Waiting lists can be 3–6 months for quality facilities. Documents needed: birth certificate, immunisation records, passport copies of parents, residence permit.

⏱️ Apply before arriving if possible. Popular nurseries fill quickly. Resort-based expat families often rely on in-house childcare provided by the resort or arrange nannies.

Dhivehi Preschool (Ages 3–4) MVR 500–1,500/month (government subsidised for Maldivians)

Age: 3 – 5 years

Subsidies are for Maldivian citizens only. Foreign children pay full fees.

Registration at local government school or private preschool. Some schools accept foreign children; confirm English instruction availability.

⏱️ Most government preschools prioritise Maldivian nationals. Private preschools (e.g., Maldives International School preschool wing) are the practical option for expat families.

🏫 Schools

Public / Government Paid

Sarukaaree School (Government School)

Ages: 6 – 12 years (Grades 1–7) · Language: Dhivehi (primary) with English taught as a subject from Grade 1

Government schools are zoned by island. Register at the nearest school with birth certificate, previous school records, vaccination booklet, and parent/guardian residence documents. Foreign children may be accepted in international sections where available.

Government schools follow the Maldivian National Curriculum. Teaching quality varies significantly between schools. Urban Malé schools are better resourced than outer atoll schools. Most expat families prefer international schools — government school instruction is predominantly in Dhivehi.

International / Cambridge IGCSE Paid

International School

Ages: 11 – 18 years · Language: English

Apply directly to the school with academic transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of residence, and enrollment fee. Most international schools in Malé have limited capacity — apply 6–12 months in advance.

Cambridge O-Level and A-Level programmes are widely taught. Most international schools follow British or international curricula. Schools operate on a September–June or January–December academic year.

International Schools

Malé hosts several international schools serving the expatriate community. Maldives International School (MIS) is the largest, offering Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level programmes for ages 3–18; fees MVR 25,000–55,000/term. Billabong High International School Maldives offers CBSE (Indian) curriculum; fees MVR 15,000–35,000/term. Treetops School (British curriculum). Hulhumalé also has international school options, particularly serving the growing residential community there. Resort-based families: some operators have on-site schooling facilities or provide education flights to Malé. For atoll postings outside Malé, homeschooling or boarding arrangements in Malé are common solutions for expat families.

University

Tuition fee

MVR 8,000–25,000/semester (Maldives National University). International students: USD 3,000–8,000/year at private colleges.

Semester fee

MVR 500–2,000 (admin, library, and facility fees at MNU)

Student visa

Student visa issued by Maldives Immigration. Duration: typically 1 year renewable. Requires admission letter from an accredited institution, health certificate, police clearance, and proof of financial support. Students may not work without separate work authorisation.

Health insurance

No state health coverage for foreign students. Private health insurance mandatory and must be arranged independently. Budget USD 50–150/month for a basic plan.

Application process

Apply through MNU (Maldives National University) admissions portal or directly to private institutions. Foreign students require a student visa in addition to standard application. English proficiency (IELTS 5.5+) typically required.

🗣️ Language Courses

Dhivehi Language Course (Basic)

Provider: Maldives National University (MNU), private language centres in Malé · Duration: 6–12 weeks · Levels: Beginner, elementary

MVR 500–2,000 per course

No mandatory language integration course exists in the Maldives. Learning basic Dhivehi significantly enhances daily life on inhabited islands. English is widely understood in Malé and resorts but not always on outer atolls.

English Language Training

Provider: Various private language schools in Malé; Maldives National University · Duration: 8–16 weeks · Levels: A1 to C1

MVR 1,000–5,000 per course

Offered for Maldivian nationals improving English for career advancement. Not targeted at foreigners. Some expats use these courses to build local networks.

Premium Section

Education & Schools

Unlock the complete Education & Schools guide for Maldives — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.

Become a Supporter

Support the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere