Education in Mauritius: International Schools, Programmes and Family Advice

Education in Mauritius attracts many expatriate families and investors, drawn by the diversity of international schools and the quality of the programmes offered. This guide details the best international schools in Mauritius, available curricula, enrolment procedures, and practical advice to support your family’s relocation.

What Are the Best International Schools in Mauritius?

The choice of an international school in Mauritius depends on the family’s plans, desired languages, and the level of education sought. Several renowned institutions welcome the children of expatriates and foreign investors, offering French, English, or international curricula.

• Lycée La Bourdonnais (Curepipe): An AEFE-accredited institution offering the French programme from nursery to high school. Highly popular among the Francophone community.
• Lycée des Mascareignes (Moka): A French high school delivering the French baccalaureate, renowned for its academic excellence.
• Northfields International High School (Mapou): A British private school offering the Cambridge programme (IGCSE, A Levels) in English, with a multicultural environment.
• Greencoast International School (Beau Plan): A bilingual English-French institution following the Cambridge curriculum and preparing for international exams.
• International Preparatory School (IPS) (Labourdonnais): An English-speaking primary school known for its innovative teaching approach.
• Clavis International Primary School (Moka): Offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme in English, from nursery to primary.
• Le Bocage International School (Moka): An IB World School offering the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) in English.
• Westcoast International Primary School (Tamarin): An English-speaking primary school appreciated for its openness and natural environment.

These international schools in Mauritius are recognised for their support, quality infrastructure, and diverse student profiles. It is recommended to visit the institutions and meet the teaching teams to refine the choice according to each family’s needs.

What School Programmes Are Offered in Mauritius?

Education in Mauritius offers a wide range of programmes tailored to expatriate families and international investors. The main curricula are:

• French programme: Followed in AEFE-accredited high schools, it allows continuity with the French educational system, from nursery to baccalaureate.
• British programme (Cambridge): Adopted by many private schools, it includes IGCSE and A Levels, highly valued for their international recognition.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): Offered by several institutions, this English-language curriculum promotes international openness and university mobility.
• Mauritian programme: Taught in public and some private schools, it prepares for national exams (Primary School Achievement Certificate, School Certificate, Higher School Certificate).

International schools in Mauritius generally prioritise English as the main language of instruction, but several institutions offer bilingual or multilingual curricula, with French, German, or other language courses according to student profiles.

How to Enrol in an International School in Mauritius?

Enrolling in an international school in Mauritius requires planning ahead, as places are limited in the most sought-after institutions. Here are the main steps:

1. Contact: It is advisable to contact the school directly several months in advance to check availability and obtain the application form.
2. Required documents: Generally, you need to present previous years’ school reports, a motivation letter, passport copies, and sometimes a recommendation letter.
3. Interview or admission test: Some schools organise an interview or test to assess the student’s level, particularly in English or mathematics.
4. Registration fees: Non-refundable fees are expected when submitting the application, in addition to annual tuition fees.
5. Admission confirmation: Once the application is accepted, the school issues an admission letter, useful for visa or residence permit procedures.

It is recommended to consult each institution’s website for specific procedures and deadlines, which vary according to schools and levels.

What Are the Costs of Education in Mauritius?

The cost of education in Mauritius depends on the type of school, level of education, and chosen programme. International schools generally charge higher fees than local public or private schools.

• Registration fees: Payable upon application, they vary by institution and are often non-refundable.
• Annual tuition fees: Cover teaching, access to facilities, and sometimes certain extracurricular activities. Amounts vary according to level (nursery, primary, secondary, high school) and the school’s prestige.
• Additional costs: Uniforms, supplies, school trips, transport, and meals are to be expected as extras.

Expatriate families and investors are encouraged to budget these costs in their relocation project. Some schools offer payment facilities or sibling discounts.

Practical Advice for Successful Education in Mauritius

Achieving successful education in Mauritius involves good preparation and gradual adaptation to local life. Here are some tips:

• Visit schools: Plan visits and meetings with teaching teams to assess the environment and educational approach.
• Plan ahead: Start enrolments several months in advance, especially for highly sought-after international schools.
• Encourage integration: Promote participation in extracurricular activities (sports, arts, clubs) to facilitate integration and children’s development.
• Consider location: The choice of neighbourhood or city influences travel time and quality of life. International schools are mainly located in Moka, Curepipe, Mapou, Tamarin, and Beau Plan.
• Linguistic support: For non-French or non-English speaking children, some schools offer support courses to facilitate adaptation.

For a successful relocation, it is useful to consult specialised resources and exchange with other expatriate families already on the island. Also, discover our guide to prepare your relocation to Mauritius.

Private Schools for Expatriates: What Are the Specificities in Mauritius?

The offer of private schools for expatriates in Mauritius is particularly developed, with attention given to welcoming international families. These institutions stand out for:

• Small class sizes favouring personalised support
• Modern facilities (laboratories, libraries, sports facilities)
• International teaching teams, often trained abroad
• Cultural and linguistic openness, with students of different nationalities
• Partnerships with universities and higher education institutions internationally

Private schools for expatriates in Mauritius are adapted to the mobility needs of families, with school calendars close to European or international standards and great flexibility for mid-year admissions.

How to Choose the Best International School in Mauritius for Your Project?

Choosing an international school in Mauritius depends on several criteria:

• Language of instruction: French, English, or bilingual according to the family project and future university prospects.
• School programme: Prefer a recognised curriculum (French, Cambridge, IB) to facilitate further studies abroad.
• Location: Proximity to home, accessibility, and neighbourhood environment.
• Educational philosophy: Traditional or innovative pedagogy, importance given to extracurricular activities.
• Budget: Compare tuition fees and included services.

It is advisable to request a meeting with the school’s management, ask to meet other families, and visit the facilities before finalising your choice.

School Life and Extracurricular Activities in Mauritius

School life in Mauritius is punctuated by numerous extracurricular activities, which contribute to children’s development and integration. International schools generally offer:

• Sports clubs (football, swimming, tennis, rugby, horse riding)
• Art workshops (music, theatre, visual arts)
• Scientific and technological activities (robotics, coding, science club)
• Cultural and educational outings (museums, exhibitions, visits to local businesses)

Among the leisure facilities near schools, one can mention the Sports Centre de Moka, the Riverland Sports Club in Tamarin, or the Odysseo Oceanarium in Port-Louis for educational outings. These activities promote socialisation and open-mindedness among expatriate students.

Points of Caution for Expatriate Families in Mauritius

Before committing to education in Mauritius, it is important to:

• Check the international recognition of the diploma awarded
• Anticipate administrative procedures related to visas or residence permits
• Inquire about school health insurance policies
• Evaluate the level of supervision and security offered by the institution
• Consider the school calendar, which may differ from that of the home country

Personalised support from an education consultant or specialised agency can facilitate the process and ensure a smooth transition for the whole family.