Education in Mauritius: A Guide for Expatriates

Relocating with family brings many questions, especially about children’s education. Mauritius offers a high-quality education system with various options to suit different needs, from British and French educational models to early childhood care and tertiary education.

Early Childhood and Preschool Education in Mauritius

Mauritius has numerous daycare centres and preschools for those moving with young children, each offering different early childhood programs. These facilities help children adjust to school life from an early age.

For young children, Mauritian families have several options:

• Nannies: Mauritian nannies are highly regarded internationally. Word of mouth and parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook) are effective ways to find trusted childcare. Expect to budget around €350 per month for care (approximately 6 hours per day, 5 days a week).
• Preschool/Daycare: For children aged 18 months and older, there are numerous preschool and daycare options offering instruction in both French and English.

Private Schools: French and International in Mauritius

French Schools

• Structure and Accreditation: Most French schools in Mauritius operate under the supervision of the French Ministry of Education and are accredited by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE). There are currently three accredited institutions and two partner schools.
• Academic Excellence: These schools are renowned for their high standards, boasting a nearly 100% pass rate for the baccalauréat each year.
• Fees: Fee structures in French schools vary by level. For example:
  • Pre-school: Approximately €250 per month
  • Kindergarten: Approximately €250 per month
  • Elementary: Approximately €250 per month
  • Middle School: Approximately €300 per month
  • High School: Approximately €375 per month

International Schools

• Curriculum and Bilingual Advantage: International schools in Mauritius generally follow the British education model, often offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) or equivalent qualifications. These schools provide an English-language education that facilitates rapid bilingualism.
• Cost Structure: While tuition fees tend to be higher—often 20% to 30% more than the French system—the costs usually include school materials, uniforms, and books. Monthly fees typically range between 275 USD and 350 USD per student, though they can exceed this range depending on the institution.

School Transportation

Parents have two main options for transporting their children:

• Personal Drop-off: You can drive your children to school each morning (with classes beginning between 7:30 am and 8:00 am) and pick them up in the afternoon. Be mindful of local traffic conditions.
• Private Shuttle: Approved by schools, these minibuses (usually seating about ten children) operate based on geographical areas. Expect to pay around €50 per month per child, depending on the journey’s length.

Primary Education in Mauritius

Mauritius’ education system is primarily inspired by the British system, and public schools use English as the main medium of instruction. Public primary schools are free, but the island also has a network of private and international schools that follow global curriculum. These international schools are particularly popular with expatriates, as they offer a consistent level of education and holidays that align with the expatriates’ home countries.

Here’s a list of some renowned international primary schools in Mauritius:

• Clavis International Baccalaureate Primary School – Moka (+230 4334439)
• Dukesbridge – Soreze (+230 434 1114)
• Ecole du Centre Pierre Poivre – Saint Pierre (+230 433-2475)
• Ecole du Nord – Mapou (+230 2663009)
• Greencoast International Schools – Pamplemousses (+230 5830 3833)
• International Preparatory School – Mapou (+230 2661973)
• Lighthouse Primary School – Calebasses (+230 243 7100)
• Lycée Labourdonnais – Forest Side (+230 670-6097)
• Paul et Virginie Primary School – Tamarin (+230 483 5963)
• Saint Exupéry International School – Grand Baie (+230 268 0108)
• Telfair International Primary School – Tamarin (+230 483 5108)
• Westcoast International Primary School – Cascavelle (+230 452 9193)

Learn more about primary schools in Mauritius

Secondary Education in Mauritius

In Mauritius, secondary education in public schools is free and based on the Cambridge curriculum. Private and international secondary schools offer options like the International Baccalaureate and the French Baccalaureate. Additionally, vocational training programs are available for students who prefer a non-academic path.

Notable international secondary schools include:

• Le Bocage International School – Moka (+230 4339900)
• Lighthouse Secondary School – Calebasses (+230 2437100)
• Lycée des Mascareignes – Saint Pierre (+230 433-8992)
• Lycée Labourdonnais – Forest Side (+230 670-6097)
• Westcoast International Secondary School – Pierrefonds (+230 4892034)
• Northfields International High School – Mapou (+230 266-9448)

Tertiary Education

Tertiary education in Mauritius is growing, with public institutions offering free programs alongside collaborations with international universities. The island hosts campuses of renowned universities, attracting a diverse student population.

Leading tertiary institutions include:

• African Leadership College – Pamplemousses
• Amity Institute of Higher Education – Ebene
• Curtin Mauritius – Moka
• ENSA Nantes (Mauritius) – Pierrefonds
• Honoris Educational Network – Vacoas-Phoenix
• Middlesex University – Flic en Flac
• VATEL Hotel & Tourism Management – Quatre Bornes

This information serves as a general guide and may evolve as new educational institutions emerge. For detailed inquiries, contacting the schools directly is recommended.

You can also visit the following page for more information on Mauritius education sector.

Disclaimer: This content is for general information purposes only. Mauritius.com does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.