Mauritius has become a preferred destination for expatriates, and its education system plays a crucial role in this attraction. The island is home to numerous international schools offering a quality education, perfectly adapted to the needs of expatriate families. In this article, we explore the different international schools in Mauritius, their curricula and the criteria to consider when making the best choice. Why choose an international school in Mauritius? What are the benefits for your children? Discover all the information you need to make the right decision.
1. Why choose an international school in Mauritius?
International schools in Mauritius have become a benchmark for expatriates. They offer a culturally diverse pedagogy and international training. Here are the main reasons why parents choose these schools:
- Multilingual education: International schools in Mauritius offer programs in English, French and sometimes other languages, enabling children to integrate into a global environment.
- Internationally recognized curricula: Programs follow global educational standards, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), the British program (IGCSE), or the French system.
- Cultural openness: These establishments are places where children can discover different cultures, which is essential in a globalized world.
- International university preparation: Thanks to rigorous teaching systems, these schools prepare students to pursue their studies at prestigious universities worldwide.
For which people are these schools particularly suited?
These schools are ideal for expatriate families looking for an educational environment that combines academic excellence with international openness.
2. Some international schools in Mauritius
Mauritius is full of good international schools. Here is a selection of educational institutions:
- The International School of Mauritius (ISM): Located in Bagatelle, this school is one of the most renowned on the island. It offers an English-language program based on the British Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB), with a strong multicultural component.
- Lycée Labourdonnais: This French international school follows the French national education program, with an international section in English, ideal for bilingual children or those wishing to enter the French education system.
- Mauritius International School (MIS): Offering the British Curriculum, this school prepares students for IGCSE exams and offers enriching extracurricular activities. It emphasizes an education focused on preparation for the globalized world.
- The French International School of Mauritius (EFISM): Offering bilingual education in French and English, EFISM welcomes children from kindergarten to high school and follows the French curriculum with an international outlook.
- International Preparatory School (IPS): This school offers an international educational program for children from kindergarten to the end of primary school, fostering harmonious personal and academic development in a diverse environment.
- Paul et Virginie International School: Located in Tamarin, this private school offers bilingual education in French and English, with a personalized program tailored to students’ needs. It is particularly popular with French-speaking expatriates.
- The Northfields International School: Located in Mapou, this school offers an international curriculum based on the British Curriculum. It welcomes children from kindergarten to secondary school, and focuses on a comprehensive education with an open-minded approach to the world.
- Bayview Academy: Located in Ebène, Bayview Academy follows an international educational program in English, with a focus on global skills and preparing students for higher education.
- Royal College of Mauritius: Although primarily aimed at Mauritians, this college also offers international programs and opportunities for expatriates to familiarize themselves with the local education system while following global curricula.
- International School of Rodrigues (ISR): This school, located on the island of Rodrigues, offers an English-language curriculum and follows international standards, providing a quality education for the children of expatriates living in the region.
What criteria should I consider when choosing the best international school in Mauritius?
It’s essential to take into account the school’s curriculum, reputation and your child’s specific needs to determine which school will best meet your expectations.
3. Proposed school programs
International schools in Mauritius offer a wide range of curricula to meet the needs of expatriate families:
- The French program
Schools following this program, like the Lycée René Descartes, offer a complete curriculum from primary to secondary school. This system is ideal for families who want their children to continue their studies in France or other French-speaking countries. - The UK system (GCSEs and A-Levels)
Schools like ISM offer a curriculum based on the British system, with examinations at the end of each cycle, such as GCSEs and A-Levels, which open the way to international university studies. - International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate is becoming increasingly popular, and is offered by schools such as Lycée des Mascareignes. This internationally recognized program prepares students for an international academic future.
Which school program is best suited to your child and your educational project?
The choice of program depends on your academic goals for your child: a university orientation, an international career or the preservation of your child’s native culture.
4. Tuition fees and accessibility
Tuition fees vary according to the school and program chosen. Here’s what you need to know:
- Tuition: varies from €5,000 to €12,000 per year, depending on the school and the child’s age. Anglo-Saxon schools are often more expensive than French ones.
- Additional costs: Some schools add registration fees, fees for teaching materials and costs for extracurricular activities.
- Scholarships: Some schools offer scholarships to help expatriate families, which can make fees more affordable.
What are the additional costs involved in enrolling your child in an international school in Mauritius?
Families must plan not only for tuition fees, but also for the costs associated with extracurricular activities, transportation services and the purchase of educational materials.
5. Cultural integration and children’s well-being
One of the advantages of international schools in Mauritius is their ability to help students integrate into a multicultural environment. Schools have a number of initiatives in place to support student well-being and adaptation:
- Integration programs: Children can take part in language courses and cultural activities to help them adapt quickly to life on the island.
- Extracurricular activities: Excursions, sports competitions and cultural events enable students to make friends with their peers of different nationalities.
- Psychological support: Many schools offer psychological support services to help students cope with the stress and challenges of expatriate life.
How does the school promote your child’s cultural integration and well-being?
It’s important to choose a school that offers cultural and emotional support programs to help your child adapt to life on the island, while promoting academic success.
“Choosing an international school in Mauritius means offering your children much more than just an education; it means opening the doors to a world without borders.”
International schools in Mauritius offer an ideal educational environment for expatriate children. Whether you choose a French, British or international program, these schools guarantee a quality education in a multicultural environment open to the world. They prepare students for a bright academic future and an international career. Take the time to compare the different options to find the one that best meets your expectations and those of your children. Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll be sure to provide your children with a solid foundation for a successful future.
