Universal Foundation continues healthcare investment with 2026 scholarships
Universal Foundation has announced the awarding of its annual Medical Scholarships for the year 2026.
The official awarding ceremony was held on 13th August 2026, where a total of four scholarships were awarded across different specialties.
Scholarships awarded for the current year are as follows:
- Aishath Zaha–Masters in Neurosurgery
- Mueez Mohamed–MS in Pediatric Surgery
- Mohamed Ifuhaam–MD Critical Care Medicine
- Ismail Ejaz Ismail–Fellowship in Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
Established in 2013, Universal Foundation has continued to expand the philanthropic initiatives of Universal Enterprises. Over 60 doctors have completed their studies in various specialties such as endocrinology, radiology, internal medicine, rheumatology, and obstetrics and gynaecology. The medical scholarships remain a strategic priority due to their significant contributions to strengthening the country’s healthcare system and improving the well-being of the Maldivian community.
Medical scholarships are an integral part of the Foundation’s directive, and the aim is to address the national skill shortage areas by awarding scholarships that align with training requirements determined by the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare.
To date, the Foundation has awarded over 100 scholarships in different areas, which include information technology, accounting, business management, and tourism.
Community-focused initiatives also remain central to the Foundation’s work. Through partnerships with non-governmental organisations, the Universal Foundation continues to support initiatives that create meaningful social impact. Ongoing collaborations include the Maldives Red Crescent’s Partners for Humanity Programme and MOMS Aid’s Hiya Vehi 2026 Programme, among others. The Foundation aims to launch a fundraising initiative, Little Smiles, in partnership with NGOs specialising in children’s welfare and development. As part of the Foundation’s environmental initiatives under the community care area of interest, sustainability activities are being carried out in partnership with MOPA, focusing on plastic recycling and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.
Among the Foundation’s key initiatives, the Discover Hospitality Programme, conducted in collaboration with Versa Hospitality and Villa College, continues to be one of its most notable achievements. In July, the Foundation celebrated the successful completion of the eighth batch of the C3 Hospitality Programme and the second batch of the C3 Culinary Arts Programme.
Universal Foundation remains dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through scholarships, internship opportunities, and sustainable community development initiatives that contribute to the long-term progress of the Maldives.
