The former Department of Higher Education on the 9th of January 2018 has announced that prior approval is required by the organizers to host any higher education fairs or expos in the Maldives. This has been further reminded by the Ministry's announcement made on 9th of January 2019. In the announcement, it has been reiterated that it is advisable for all students and participants to check if the event is being conducted with the prior approval of the Ministry. Furthermore, it has also been advised to confirm if the institutions and courses advertised during these events are approved by the Maldives Qualification Authority. If a particular profession requires a license to practice, it is also important to ensure that such licensing bodies approve the programme being advertised in the Maldives.

It has come to the notice of the Ministry that few unapproved courses which do not fit into the Maldives National Qualifications Framework and/or by the licensing authorities are advertised during the expos and fairs. Similarly, few complaints have also been lodged at the Ministry where the agents are charging unacceptably high fees for their service.

The Ministry hence, advises strongly to the potential higher education opportunity seekers to ensure that the programs advertised in such fairs and expos are approved by MQA and the relevant licensing bodies in the Maldives. Also, to verify if the fees charged by the agents/agencies are approved by the respective college/university conducting the specific course programme.

20^th November 2019