Schools in Mauritius

Education system overview

Mauritius has a well-regarded education tradition, with literacy rates among the highest in Africa. The state system follows the Cambridge O-Level curriculum at secondary level and is academically competitive. The private international school sector has grown significantly over the past 20 years to serve the growing expat community.

Expat families broadly choose between three paths: British curriculum private schools, French curriculum private schools, or state schools. The right choice depends on your home country curriculum, language, and where your children plan to attend university.

British curriculum schools

International Preparatory School (IPS) — Floréal

One of the most established and academically respected international schools in Mauritius. Follows the Cambridge curriculum from nursery through A-Level (IGCSE and CIE A-Level). Well-regarded for science, mathematics, and English. Strong university placement record to UK, US, and Australian universities. Waiting list for some year groups — apply early.

• Ages: 3–19 (Nursery through Upper Sixth)
• Location: Floréal (central plateau)
• Language: English
• Annual fees: MUR 200,000–320,000

Northfields International School — Pamplemousses

Cambridge-accredited school in the north of the island, convenient for expats based in Grand Baie. Known for strong pastoral care and a welcoming environment for new arrivals. Co-educational, smaller class sizes than IPS. Growing in reputation and popularity.

• Ages: 3–18
• Location: Pamplemousses (north)
• Language: English
• Annual fees: MUR 220,000–340,000

Le Bocage International School — Moka

Located within the Moka Smart City area, making it particularly convenient for families living in or around Moka. Cambridge curriculum. Good facilities including sports, arts, and technology.

• Ages: 3–18
• Location: Moka (central)
• Language: English
• Annual fees: MUR 250,000–380,000

French curriculum schools

École du Centre — Quatre Bornes

The leading French curriculum school in Mauritius. Offers the French Baccalauréat from lycée level and the IB Diploma. Strong academic results and excellent preparation for French universities. The school of choice for French national families and Mauritians seeking a French university pathway. Waiting list in popular year groups.

• Ages: 3–18
• Location: Quatre Bornes (central plateau)
• Language: French
• Annual fees: MUR 180,000–280,000

Lycée Labourdonnais — Mapou

North coast French curriculum option. Covers maternelle through lycée. HOMOLOGATED by the French Ministry of Education, making transitions to and from the French state system seamless. Convenient for French expat families based in the northern coastal areas.

• Ages: 3–18
• Location: Mapou (north)
• Language: French
• Annual fees: MUR 190,000–300,000

IB schools

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is available at École du Centre for Years 12–13. IPS offers the Cambridge International A-Level pathway which is widely accepted by the same universities that accept IB. The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is less common in Mauritius than in other international school markets.

For families with children who will attend US universities, the IB Diploma at École du Centre is a strong option. For UK university entry, Cambridge A-Levels (IPS, Northfields) are equally recognised and sometimes preferred by UK universities for specific subjects.

State schools (free)

The Mauritius state school system is free and open to all residents with valid permits. All state secondary schools follow the Cambridge O-Level curriculum (National Certificate of Education, equivalent to GCSE). The system is highly competitive — state schools regularly produce top Cambridge results.

Is state school right for your expat children?

State schools work well for:

• Children who are fluent in both English and French (instruction is bilingual)
• Families on tighter budgets who cannot sustain private school fees
• Children integrating into Mauritius long-term and wanting to build local connections

The challenges for expat children in state schools:

• Large class sizes (30–40 students)
• Mixed language instruction can challenge children from English-only backgrounds
• School culture and expectations are different from UK/South African private schools
• Less pastoral support for new international arrivals

School fees comparison (annual)

Additional costs to budget for

• Registration / admission fee (one-time): MUR 10,000–30,000
• Uniform: MUR 5,000–15,000 per child
• School transport (bus or private mini-van): MUR 2,500–6,000/month
• School meals: MUR 2,000–4,000/month (if applicable)
• Extracurricular activities / sports: MUR 1,000–5,000/month
• School trips: Varies, typically MUR 10,000–30,000/year

The enrolment process

Each school has its own admissions process, but the general steps are:

• Step 1 — Enquiry: Contact the school admissions office by email or phone to confirm availability in the relevant year group and academic intake
• Step 2 — Application form: Complete the admissions application — usually includes parent details, child's academic history, current school reports, and a personal statement
• Step 3 — Assessment: Most schools conduct an assessment (English, Maths) to place the child appropriately — typically an informal assessment for younger children
• Step 4 — Offer: If accepted, you receive a conditional offer — usually conditional on paying the registration fee and providing certified copies of previous school reports and passport
• Step 5 — Deposit and uniform: Pay the term fee and registration deposit to secure the place; order uniform

University options after Mauritius

Mauritius itself has the University of Mauritius (government), Middlesex University Mauritius, and several private tertiary institutions. These are suitable for specific courses but are not widely sought by expat families seeking UK or international university placement.

Most expat children completing secondary school in Mauritius proceed to universities in the UK (Cambridge A-Levels — IPS/Northfields), France (Bac — École du Centre/Lycée Labourdonnais), or Australia and South Africa. Mauritius qualifications from accredited international schools are fully recognised.

Note: studying abroad is often also a positive long-term choice for children who have spent their teenage years in a small island environment — the diversity of a large university city is a welcome expansion of horizon.