MoU signed to extend Fulbright programme

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the United States embassy today to extend the prestigious Fulbright scholarship programme for an additional five years.

In addition to scholarships for graduate studies in the US, the programme also allows for the exchange of US academics to conduct research or to teach in the Maldives.

“Since the Maldives program was initiated in 2003, 21 Maldivians have completed graduate studies in the United States, including at the University of Pennsylvania, Williams College, and at the University of Minnesota.  During that same time, American scholars have taught and undertaken research in Maldives on issues ranging from education to tourism,” the American embassy said in a press statement.

“This renewed Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maldives underscores our commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Maldivians,” Ambassador Michele Sison said at the signing ceremony with Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon, who signed the MoU on behalf of the Maldives.

“We are proud to offer an exceptional academic programme that invests in the citizens of Maldives, and allows Fulbrighters to apply their research for the greater benefit of the Maldivian people.”

According to the embassy, more than 325,000 scholars representing 155 countries have participated in the programme worldwide since its inception in 1946, including 40 Nobel Laureates, and 28 heads of state or heads of government.