Schools in Mauritius – The Education System

Find the best schools on the island of Mauritius!

Are you thinking about relocating to Mauritius with your family, or in the process thereof, and need to find the right school in Mauritius for your children? Finding out more about the education system and schooling in Mauritius is an important step in the relocation process.

Things to know about schools in Mauritius:

Education is mandatory for students up to the age of 16. After the independence of Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam promoted free education and thus, allowed everyone to have equal right to education and now schooling is compulsory up to the age of 16. This year, the government has allocated Rs 4,208 million to education.
Uniforms are usually mandatory in all schools, except in French schools.
Primary and secondary level is free and compulsory for all students.
Public schools (referred to as Government schools in Mauritius) follow the British system of education. Private primary and secondary schools tend to follow the International Baccalaureate programme or the French Education System.

Education system in Mauritius

The schooling system in Mauritius is divided into four main sectors – pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary.

The O levels (the Cambridge School Certificate) and the A levels (Higher School Certificate ‘ the equivalent of the International Baccalaureate). These are important examinations that then allow students to move on to higher educational institutions, as well as English-speaking universities in Mauritius.
Studies in English are preferred, as it broadens the scope of tertiary education. It provides more opportunities to go abroad or to do online degrees from affiliated universities.

The school system in Mauritius is heavily based on the British schooling system, and thus, the standard of education is quite high and challenging. As of 2017, the pass rate under the British system (HSC Exams) was 75.46%.

Scholarships:

Scholarships for undergraduate studies are offered to the best students with the best grades from the government. Especially in allocated fields (science, languages, technology, economics). Scholarships are available to those wishing to study in Mauritius but also abroad. Scholarships such as the COMESA Media Journalism Award, World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program, and the SBM Undergraduate Scholarship.

English is the official language of Mauritius. And therefore, most courses are in English as from the primary level, meaning that most Mauritian students are at the very least bilingual by secondary school.

Expats in Schools in Mauritius

Children of expatriates who are enrolled in the Mauritian education system usually benefit from refresher courses that are provided by the school, or they have the option of taking private tuition.

International schools in Mauritius are privately operated. Entry is subject to registration and tuition fees, which tend to be high.

Northfields International School

Bolt Home Mauritius has partnered with Northfields International School! When relocating to the beautiful island of Mauritius and needing to find the perfect school for your children – we will definitely introduce you to our partner!

The Northfields admissions team is committed to helping international and local families understand who we are and what we do. This is part of an ongoing determination to help each family identify the school that is the best possible match for them and their child.Every family is different and has a unique story to share. It would be our pleasure to hear yours, and to guide you as you explore the details that define the Northfields experience.

Prior to an application online, parents are welcome to visit Northfields and discuss their children’s schooling needs. This can be done by telephoning or e-mailing the Admissions Office to arrange a convenient date and time. Most students join Northfields in August, but we are happy to admit students throughout the year provided that we have places available.

Students will be placed in their age appropriate year group based on their age at the start of the academic year (starting in August).

Download the Bolt Home App

Start your journey home by downloading the Bolt Home Mauritius mobile app, your digital gateway to all the information you could possibly need to make your move to Mauritius as seamless as possible.