A Level studies for this year have begun with 3200 students.

In an interview given to Public Media, Minister Dr. Ismail Shafiu said that with the many opportunities the government is providing for higher education, out of 6500 students who completed O Levels this time, 3200 students have started studying A Levels.

"In 2023, out of 6700 students who completed O Levels, only 2100 students wanted to study A Levels. However, this has now changed, with 3200 students starting A Levels out of the 6,500 students who completed O Levels this time. The number of students has increased from 32% to 49%," the Minister said.

With this change, A Level studies have started in 13 additional schools this year, and there are now about 66 schools in the Maldives that teach A Levels.

"Previously, A Levels were not seen as very important. But now that perception has changed," Shafiu said.

The government has decided to divide this stage into two parts: academic and vocational education. The Minister said that practical work on these will begin very soon.

The government has recently taken many steps to increase the number of students studying A Levels.

As such, the criteria for admitting students to Grades 11 and 12 have been lowered to provide A Level study opportunities to as many students as possible in the Maldives.

Under the current system, three ways to enter A Levels have been established. These are the Academic Stream, Vocational Education conducted in schools, and the Apprenticeship Program in the work environment.

The Minister provided detailed information about the various criteria for entering A Levels through these streams, including specific grade requirements in O Level subjects and alternative pathways for students with different academic backgrounds.