Universal Foundation and Villa College renew Discover Hospitality Programme
Universal Foundation and Villa College have renewed their partnership to continue the Discover Hospitality Programme in 2026. The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed on 2 April 2026 by Iyaz Waheed, President of Universal Foundation, and Dr Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector of Villa College.
Launched in 2017, the Discover Hospitality Programme is an initiative by Universal Foundation aimed at developing talent within the hospitality sector and creating career pathways for young people. To date, more than 200 students have completed the programme, with the seventh batch concluding in late 2025 and currently awaiting graduation.
The introduction of the Culinary CIII Certificate in 2024 expanded the programme to include culinary training, providing additional opportunities for participants interested in pursuing careers in the culinary field.
Since its inception, the programme has delivered training to seven batches in operations and two batches in culinary. It has developed into a recognised internship programme within the Maldives.
Under the renewed agreement, the eighth batch of Discover Hospitality (Operations) and the third batch of Discover Hospitality (Culinary) are scheduled to commence on 1 June 2026.
The programme combines academic instruction with practical industry experience. Participants complete their theoretical studies at Villa College, followed by a three-month internship at properties managed by Versa Hospitality, formerly known as Universal Resorts, in the Maldives.
Universal Foundation covers the costs of the programme, while Versa Hospitality provides an allowance to participants during their internship period.
Applications for the upcoming intake are now open, with a deadline of 10 May 2026. Applications can be submitted through the official websites of Universal Foundation and Villa College.
The programme continues to focus on collaboration between industry and academia, with the objective of preparing participants for employment in the hospitality sector.
