Australia and Maldives share strong interests in education, maritime security, combatting transnational crime and protecting the environment, in particular oceans. Our engagement extends to human rights, terrorism, and governance. Australia works closely with Maldives in UN forums, the Commonwealth, and regional institutions such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Development Assistance
Australia’s development cooperation with Maldives is delivered primarily through capacity building partnerships, including by offering direct educational opportunities, sharing Australian expertise in sustainable environmental resource management, and working with UN partners and civil society organisations for inclusive governance and responding to the challenges of climate change.
The 2025-26 budget estimate for Australian Official Development Assistance to Maldives is AUD$6.4 million. This includes an estimated AUD$3 million in bilateral funding, managed by DFAT.
Twenty long-term Australia Awards were funded in 2025-26 for scholars focused on economic development, education, environmental management, and health leadership. To date, over 700 Maldivians have completed Australian Government funded studies in Australia through Australia Awards, Australia Award Fellowships and on Endeavour Awards.
Australia has contributed AUD$5.3 million over twelve years (2013 - 2025) to the United Nations Development Programme Integrated Governance Programme in Maldives. Over three phases, the programme has worked directly with Government and non-Government partners to strengthen transparency and accountability of public institutions, promote equitable access to justice and respect for human rights, support women’s participation in decision-making and strengthen civil society.
Australia contributed AUD$1.3 million in 2025 to the United Nations Development Programme’s Conserving Reefs Through Adaptation and Livelihoods (CORAL) project. The programme aims to strengthen coral reef conservation and promote renewable energy through innovative solutions, capacity building, and infrastructure enhancement, while advancing local-level adaptation and mitigation actions that empower communities, foster sustainable economic opportunities, and contribute to Maldives’ NDCs.
Further information on Development Cooperation in Maldives.
Economic Links
Bilateral trade has remained steady over the past decade, except for COVID-19 disruptions to the tourism sector. Two-way goods and services trade was $244 million in 2024, of which $108 million was Australian exports. The bulk of bilateral merchandise trade comprises Australian ships and boats, as well as Australian food and beverage exports to the Maldivian tourism industry. Australia's education related travel exports to Maldives were worth $15 million in 2024.