Schools in Mauritius

For numerous expatriates, life on the island of Mauritius unfolds as a family adventure. Thankfully, for those raising children, a plethora of schooling options awaits on its shores! Let’s embark on a journey through the educational landscape for your little ones. Ready your pencils, let’s explore schools in Mauritius!

Mauritius, a perfect place to raise your children!

Mauritius is truly a haven for your children to thrive! Here, they’ll grow amidst nature, forge friendships from across the globe, immerse in diverse cultures… Still skeptical? Then, hear it from fellow expatriates! Mai, Axel, and Émilie, expat parents whom we’ve guided through their journey, graciously shared their insights on their children’s education. According to Mai, Mauritius offers an “exceptional setting” for kids. Axel is impressed by the “diversity among students and faculty,” while Émilie emphasizes the benefits of a “bilingual environment” and the “flexible schedules.” Yes, in Mauritius, classes typically begin at 7:30 a.m. and conclude at 2:30 p.m., although this can vary based on your chosen school for your children!

The Mauritian education system

There’s a variety of educational options in Mauritius. Firstly, there are public schools, catering to both primary and secondary levels. Children typically start around age 5 and continue until they’re about 18, completing their High School Certificate (HSC), which is Mauritius’ equivalent of the High School certificate. Public schooling in Mauritius is entirely free. However, few expatriates opt for this route. The education quality is generally lower compared to private institutions, and the competitive nature of the Mauritian educational system often poses challenges for students. Consequently, many Mauritian families also choose private schooling despite the associated costs.

Private schools

In Mauritius, you’ll find two primary types of private schools: French schools and international schools. These institutions come with tuition fees, and some can be quite pricey. Monthly costs usually fall between 10,000 and 15,000 Mauritian rupees per student, sometimes exceeding this range. Furthermore, there are additional expenses for school supplies, books, and uniforms. It’s important to note that uniforms are mandatory in most Mauritian school.

French schools

In Mauritius, most French schools operate under the supervision of the French Ministry of Education. Currently, there are three institutions accredited by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) and two partner institutions, making Mauritius home to one of the region’s most extensive French educational networks. Renowned for their excellence, these schools boast an impressive pass rate of nearly 100% for the baccalauréat (French high school diploma) each year! The French establishments in Mauritius are as follows:

• École du Nord, Mapou (offering nursery, primary, and secondary education up to grade 9)
• Lycée Labourdonnais, Curepipe (providing nursery, primary, and secondary education up to grade 12)
• École du Centre, Moka (offering primary and secondary education up to grade 9)
• Lycée des Mascareignes, Moka (covering grades 10 to 12)
• École Paul et Virginie, Tamarin (offering nursery, primary, and secondary education up to grade 9)

International schools

The international schools in Mauritius consist of institutions following the British model (with varying degrees of adaptation), offering an English-language education as a result. Most of these schools provide pathways for students to achieve an International Baccalaureate (IB) or an equivalent qualification. One notable advantage over the French system is the rapid bilingualism students acquire. Consequently, many French expatriates in Mauritius opt to enroll their children in these institutions. Here are the private international schools on the island of Mauritius:

• Northfields International School, Mapou
• IPS, Mapou
• Le Bocage International School, Moka
• Clavis International Primary School, Moka
• Greencoast International School, Beau-Plan
• Westcoast International Primary and Secondary School, Cascavelle
• Savannah International School, Savannah

For young children

If your child needs to stay home, rest assured that Mauritian nannies enjoy an excellent international reputation. When it comes to finding a nanny, word of mouth is highly effective. Additionally, you’ll find numerous parent groups on Facebook exchanging addresses, testimonials, and helpful tips… so don’t hesitate to join in! Expect to budget around €350 per month for 5 days of care per week, with the nanny present for 6 hours each day. Another option, if your child is at least 18 months old, is preschool (daycare/kindergarten). There are several options on the island, offering instruction in both French and English.

Primary schools 

In French schools, the English teaching hours remain notably higher than in France, averaging around 6 hours per week starting from the petite section (pre-school). It’s a real advantage! On the other hand, the international system is notably more affordable than in Europe. No matter the choice, the environment is delightful. As Mai succinctly puts it, “Quality education in a healthy environment.” At École du Nord (a French school), you can even hear the birds singing in the courtyard… That’s the charm of schooling in Mauritius!

Secondary schools

When it comes to middle and high school, there’s nothing to worry about! You will be able to enroll your child to Northfield or Le Bocage International School.

Higher education

There are several excellent tertiary institutions in Mauritius if you wish for your children to pursue their studies on the island. However, many expatriates choose to send theirs to universities or schools abroad, mainly in France, Réunion, South Africa, Australia, or Canada.

Summary of fees

International system:Anticipate an average increase of 20 to 30%. However, these prices generally include school materials, uniforms, and books.

French system:

School transportation

You have two options:

1. Bring your kids to school each morning (classes start between 7:30 am and 8 am, depending on the school) and pick them up from 2:30 pm onwards. Days here are shorter! However, be mindful of traffic jams.
2. Private shuttle: Approved by the schools, these are often minibusses with about ten seats. School transporters are listed by geographical area, so don’t hesitate to ask the school for a list!

Expect to pay around €50 per month per child, depending on the length of the journey.

Extracurricular activities

In conclusion

Emilie celebrates the “excellent conditions for raising children in Mauritius,” expressing her “great satisfaction” with the education provided. Axel emphasizes the “abundance of schooling options in Mauritius,” while Mai concludes with the observation of “highly fulfilled children.” Sabrina opts for the French system “just in case we return to France,” while Karin chooses the international system from kindergarten, noting, “why not start learning English from a young age?” No matter your choice, there’s no need to fret! In Mauritius, both systems are well-represented. As Annabelle points out, “the variety of options is quite extensive given the island’s size. Each person has the freedom to select the educational path that aligns with their aspirations for their child’s future and overall well-being.‘”

Private schools map