Universal opens 37 scholarship opportunities in 5 fields

Universal Enterprises, a leading company in Maldives' tourism scene, has opened up 37 scholarships in five fields.

Universal Foundation, which operates under the Universal company, introduces seven opportunities to study in the medical field and 30 in the tourism field.

The foundation has been providing opportunities for local students to study abroad for many years.

This year's scholarships include:

- Medical specialisation scholarship:

Three postgraduate opportunities are open to Maldivian doctors who wish to further their careers in the health sector. The students will have to return and work in Maldies, the Universal Foundation said.

- Healthcare management scholarship:

This course is aimed at those who want to become future leaders in the healthcare sector. The goal of the Masters level scholarship course is to equip professionals with the managerial and leadership skills needed to improve the health system.

Two placements are open for this course. The course also offers opportunities to study in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Philippines, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

- Occupational health and safety scholarship

The purpose of this course is to train competent safety professionals to improve workplace health and safety standards in various industries in Maldives.

The course offers two placements and students would be able to study in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Philippines, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

- Discover hospitality

This is a "Certificate 3 in Hospitality Management" internship program developed in collaboration with Villa College and Universal Resorts. The course will be conducted at Villa College, while the internship requirement has to be completed at Universal Resorts.

There are currently 20 opportunities open for the programme.

- Certificate 3 in culinary arts

The scholarship is designed to provide training in culinary arts for talented Maldivian chefs. The program, developed in collaboration with Villa College, will include free tuition and practical experience.

A total of 10 opportunities are available for the scholarship, where classes would be conducted at Villa College starting September this year. The programme's internship component would have to be completed at Universal Resorts.

Many of the social projects previously run by Universal Enterprises for the past 41years are now implemented under Universal Foundation. Since 2014, the foundation has provided scholarships for more than 100 students including some who are still studying both locally and abroad.

The Universal Foundation also provides direct and indirect assistance to the government and private organisations in planning and implementing development, social and various aid programs in Maldives, the foundation said.