Overview of the General Education System

Mauritius has developed an inclusive and dynamic education system that serves as a pillar of national development and social mobility. The educational system in the country has been significantly shaped by its colonial history under both French and British rule. While it originally drew from the British educational model, the system has undergone noteworthy transformations since gaining independence in 1968, which reflects the nation's evolving identity and priorities.

During the colonial era, education was limited and elitist and primarily benefiting the colonial administrators and select segments of the population. Post-independence reforms introduced universal access to education, emphasizing equity, curriculum relevance, and human capital development. Primary and secondary education became free in 1976, while tertiary education was made free in 1988. These policies established Mauritius as one of the leading providers of education in the Indian Ocean region.

The education system is structured into five main levels such as pre-primary, primary, secondary, post-secondary (including vocational), and tertiary. Pre-primary education is regulated by the Early Childhood Care and Education Authority (ECCEA), which ensures quality access for children from all backgrounds.

Primary education begins at age five and lasts for six years. This is then followed by a secondary education phase that spans seven years (Forms I–VII), and leads into either the workforce, vocational training, or higher education. High-stakes national and international examinations determine the transition between these levels.

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education, and Scientific Research is the principal authority overseeing all levels of education. It is responsible for policy formulation, funding, curriculum development, monitoring quality, and promoting innovation. In 2000, Mauritius allocated 14.9% of its total recurrent government expenditure to education, which is a reflection of the state’s long-term responsibility to build a knowledge-based economy. The government also supports educational research in areas such as teacher training, multicultural inclusion, curriculum development, and special education through partnerships with the Mauritius Research Council.

The system accommodates a wide variety of school types, including public, private, international, and religious institutions. English is the official language of instruction, although French and Mauritian Creole are widely spoken and used, especially in early years and informal settings. Recent reforms have aimed to enhance inclusivity, address learning disparities, and modernize curricula.

In 2018, the enrollment rate for primary education was 102% for both girls and boys, with a primary enrollment rate of 96% and a completion rate of 98%. Transition to secondary school reached 88%, and the adult male literacy rate stood at 93.91% in 2021. These strong indicators reflect Mauritius' progress toward providing high-quality education to its diverse population.

Compulsory education in Mauritius spans the age range of five to 16 years. This encompasses both primary and lower secondary education cycles. Although not legally enforced until the age of five, most children begin their education earlier at pre-primary institutions overseen by the Early Childhood Care and Education Authority (ECCEA). This agency ensures regulatory oversight of preschools, promotes inclusive access for children with disabilities or from marginalized communities, and upholds national standards in teaching, infrastructure, and safety.

Primary education officially begins at age five or six and continues for six years, from Grade 1 to Grade 6. The curriculum during these years emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on language acquisition (English and French), Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Moral and Civic Education, and Creative Arts. Upon completing Grade 6, students take the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE), a national examination used to determine placement in secondary schools.

Secondary education in Mauritius follows the British model and is divided into lower secondary (Forms I–III), upper secondary (Forms IV–V), and higher secondary (Forms VI–VII). The whole cycle lasts seven years, though only five years are compulsory. Students are first assessed through the CPE, which influences their admission into various secondary institutions, both public and private.

After five years, students sit for the School Certificate (SC) examinations, equivalent to the O-Levels. Those who continue for two more years prepare for the Higher School Certificate (HSC), equivalent to the A-Levels, which serve as qualifications for university admission.

The government funds the majority of public schools, which ensures tuition-free education across all compulsory levels. Private and religious institutions also play a significant role as they offer alternative pedagogical approaches and extracurricular enrichment.

According to 2018 data, the transition rate from primary to secondary school was 88%. This indicates that the vast majority of children continue their education beyond the compulsory phase. Special education needs are also recognized through the Equal Opportunities Act (2008) and the Education Act (1957), which mandate non-discrimination and promote inclusive schooling environments. Despite these achievements, challenges such as high exam pressure, limited counseling services, and dropout rates among disadvantaged groups persist.

Mauritius has cultivated a growing and diversified higher education sector that supports its aspirations as a knowledge-driven economy. The system encompasses a range of institutions, including public and private universities, polytechnic institutions, teacher training colleges, distance education centers, and research institutes. These institutions offer academic, technical, and professional programs designed to meet labor market demands and foster innovation.

Mauritius is home to several other institutions of higher learning, including the Mauritius Institute of Education, the University of Technology, and the Open University of Mauritius, all of which contribute to a comprehensive tertiary landscape. The rise of polytechnic institutions has strengthened vocational pathways and addressed skills shortages in technical sectors.

Mauritius is becoming an important educational center in the region, attracting students from both near and far due to the rise of online learning. However, it remains crucial to ensure that all students, particularly those from low-income families, have equal access to higher education.

The University of Mauritius, established in 1965, is the country's premier higher education institution and has seen significant expansion in recent decades. It offers faculties in Agriculture, Engineering, Law & Management, Science, and Social Sciences & Humanities, as well as specialized centers for distance education, information systems, and medical research.

Admission into higher education requires a Higher School Certificate (HSC) or international equivalent, such as A-Levels. Students with vocational qualifications may also gain entry into polytechnics or technical colleges. The degree structure is aligned with international standards and includes undergraduate (Bachelor’s), graduate (Master’s), and doctoral (PhD) programs. Bachelor's degrees require three years of study, while Master's programs take one to two years. Postgraduate programs vary in duration, depending on the discipline and the intensity of research.

Governance and accreditation of higher education institutions are overseen by the Tertiary Education Commission, which ensures that academic standards and institutional quality are maintained. Institutions are also encouraged to incorporate research-based learning and interdisciplinary approaches to respond to global trends and national development goals. The government continues to invest in expanding access, improving academic infrastructure, and fostering partnerships with foreign universities.