Villa College has entered into a strategic partnership with the Atmosphere Foundation to foster the next generation of engineering professionals in the Maldives. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on 25 December 2025, establishes a collaborative framework to provide full educational sponsorships for deserving students, marking a significant step towards making higher education more accessible. The agreement was formalised at a ceremony held at Villa College, where Dr Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector of Villa College, and Mr Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, Vice President of the Atmosphere Foundation, signed on behalf of their respective organisations.
Under this significant initiative, three full sponsorships will be awarded to students pursuing engineering studies at Villa College. The scheme specifically allocates two placements for the Foundation in Engineering programme and one placement for the Bachelor of Civil Engineering programme. These comprehensive sponsorships are designed to cover the complete programme fee structure, including tuition fees, application fees, registration fees, and other compulsory charges, thereby removing financial barriers and encouraging academic excellence among aspiring engineers.
The partnership extends beyond financial assistance to ensure holistic professional development for the recipients. The student selection process will be conducted jointly by Villa College and the Atmosphere Foundation to ensure transparency and alignment with the programme's objectives. Furthermore, the Atmosphere Foundation intends to provide value-added support where possible, including mentorship, career guidance, and industry exposure opportunities. This approach aims to strengthen the students' learning experience and better prepare them for successful careers in the engineering field.
Villa College remains committed to administering the programme with high standards of governance, managing the disbursement of funds and monitoring student progress. This collaboration with the Atmosphere Foundation highlights a shared dedication to national development by equipping the country’s youth with the necessary skills and qualifications to contribute effectively to the built environment sector.