International Schools in Mauritius: A Guide for Expat Families

Education in Mauritius for Expat Children

Mauritius has a well-developed private school sector that has grown significantly to serve the island's expanding expatriate population. Most international-curriculum schools are located in or near the central plateau towns of Moka, Quatre Bornes, and Curepipe, which places them within reasonable driving distance of most expat residential areas. A smaller number of schools operate in the north and west.

The Main International Schools

Northfields International High School in Moka is the largest and most established international school on the island, offering the IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma Programme at secondary level alongside the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. It has a strong university placement track record to UK, European, and US institutions. Annual fees range from approximately MUR 400,000–700,000 (USD 8,600–15,000) depending on year group.

International Preparatory School (IPS) is the feeder school for Northfields, covering Early Years through to Year 6 with a British curriculum. It's located on the same Moka campus, making the transition seamless.

Charles Telfair Campus offers A-level and BTEC programmes for secondary students, and is particularly strong in business and economics pathways. It's affiliated with Middlesex University London and students can complete the first year of a Middlesex degree in Mauritius before transferring.

École du Centre in Quatre Bornes is the leading French-curriculum school on the island, part of the AEFE (Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger) network. It follows the French national curriculum and is accredited by the French government. Essential for French-speaking families or those planning to return to France or a French-speaking country. Fees are lower than British curriculum schools.

Clavis International Primary School in Floréal offers a British curriculum for younger children in a smaller, more intimate environment and has a good reputation among expatriate families in the central plateau area.

Key Considerations for Expat Families

• Admission timing: The best schools have waiting lists, particularly for mid-year joiners. Contact schools before you arrive on the island — ideally before you've finalised your relocation date.
• Location relative to home: School runs on the central plateau can be time-consuming given traffic on the M1 motorway in school term. Consider proximity when choosing where to rent.
• Curriculum continuity: If your children are mid-way through a British, IB, or French curriculum in their home country, prioritise finding a school offering the same curriculum over other factors.
• Language of instruction: All major international schools teach in English or French. Mauritius's local state schools use a combination of English, French, and Creole, which is not always suitable for children joining mid-education.

State Schools

State education in Mauritius is free and the standard of literacy is high — Mauritius has one of Africa's highest literacy rates. However, the state system is primarily designed for Mauritian students following the national curriculum, which includes Mauritian Creole and local history. Most expat families opt for private education for reasons of curriculum continuity rather than quality concerns.

University Options

The University of Mauritius (UoM) offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and is particularly strong in engineering, management, and agriculture. Several international institutions have Mauritius campuses, including Middlesex University and the University of Technology, Mauritius.