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When considering moving to Mauritius with your family, the question of your children’s education quickly rises to the top of your list of concerns. And with good reason! Choosing a school is not a trivial matter and will impact the whole family during your stay in Mauritius.
With French, international and Mauritian schools to choose from, it’s not always easy to know where to start. So take a deep breath and let me guide you through this tropical educational maze.
The three education systems in Mauritius: which one to choose?
In Mauritius, you can choose between three main types of schools, each with its own characteristics. The choice will depend on several factors: the age of your children, the planned duration of your expatriation, your budget and, of course, your educational priorities.
The French system: keeping one foot in France
The French system follows the National Education programme and remains a safe bet if you plan to return to France or continue your expatriation journey in another French-speaking country.
The advantage? There is no break in your children’s schooling, as they can rejoin the French system at any time. The school calendar follows that of mainland France, with the school year starting at the end of August and the summer holidays in July and August – ideal for enjoying the French summer with your family!
The Mauritian bonus: even in French schools, English is taught from nursery school onwards, enabling children to quickly become bilingual. A significant advantage for their future!
The international system: opening up to the world
International schools generally follow the British curriculum (IGCSE) or the International Baccalaureate (IB). They attract a cosmopolitan population and emphasise bilingualism and cultural openness.
Good to know: The school year starts in January and the long holidays are in November-December. This change of pace can be disorienting at first, but it will allow you to enjoy Mauritius when everyone else is on holiday!
Classes are taught in English, which means total linguistic immersion for your children. In just a few months, they will be speaking like true little Mauritians!
The Mauritian system: the local option
The local system, which is free in state schools, also follows a calendar with the school year starting in January. For Mauritian private schools such as Lorettes, you benefit from stricter supervision and better facilities, while remaining within a reasonable budget.
An important point to note: expatriate families rarely enrol their children in the Mauritian school system. It is a fairly rare option among expats, who almost always prefer the French or international system. Nevertheless, the Mauritian system is still an option to consider if you plan to settle in Mauritius for the long term and want to immerse yourself fully in the local culture.
Alternative education: thinking outside the box
In Mauritius, there are more than just the three traditional systems! If you are looking for a different educational approach, there are a few alternative options available:
Home schooling with the CNED: More and more expatriate families are making this choice, especially when they are travelling or when the expatriation project is temporary. The CNED (Centre National d’Enseignement à Distance) allows children to follow the French curriculum remotely while enjoying the flexibility offered by Mauritius. This option requires a great deal of involvement from parents but offers unparalleled freedom in organising daily life.
Alternative schools and differentiated teaching methods: Some schools offer approaches inspired by Montessori methods, active learning or democratic teaching. These include L’Odyssée du Savoir, which offers teaching based on the French curriculum using alternative methods, in a small school (maximum 80 pupils). The school emphasises child development and inclusion.
Saint-Exupéry International School at Grand Baie is also worth mentioning: this small bilingual French-English school welcomes children aged 3 to 11 with a learner-centred approach. Perfect for families in the north looking for a caring and personalised environment.
The 5 French schools in Mauritius
Mauritius has five accredited French schools, including three affiliated with the AEFE and two partners, which educate more than 5,000 pupils in total.
In the North
L’École du Nord in Mapou offers nursery, primary and secondary education. Ideal if you are moving to the north of the island, it offers a green setting far from the hustle and bustle.
In the West
Paul et Virginie in Tamarin welcomes children from nursery to primary school age. Perfect for families settling on the west coast with its magnificent beaches!
New for 2026: A new school, L’École de l’Ouest, will open its doors in September 2026 in Pierrefonds (heading inland from Flic en Flac). It will offer education from the final year of nursery school through to secondary school. This is excellent news for expanding educational provision in this region, which is very popular with expatriates!
In the Centre (Moka)
This is where the largest establishments are concentrated:
L’École du Centre – Collège Pierre Poivreoffers nursery (Les Petits Futés), primary and secondary education. Located in a green setting at the foot of the Moka Mountains, it is a school that is very popular with families.
Le Lycée La Bourdonnais is THE historic French secondary school in Mauritius, founded in 1953. It provides education from nursery school to sixth form and boasts excellent results in the baccalaureate (a regular 100% pass rate!). With nearly 1,500 pupils, it is the largest French school on the island. Since 2021, it has even offered a British international section.
Le Lycée des Mascareignes only accepts secondary school pupils (from Year 10 to Year 13), which allows for specialisation and support tailored to this crucial age group.
International schools: the choice of bilingualism, especially for the French speaking people
There are many international schools in Mauritius, and they are generally more expensive than French schools. Among the most reputable are:
Northfields International School (in Mapou, in the north): founded in 2001, it has nearly 1,300 pupils and offers the IB and IGCSE programmes. The school is now part of the Inspired Education group, a guarantee of quality and international outlook.
West Coast International Primary & Secondary Schools (Cascavelle, West): More recent, these schools offer an alternative close to Flic en Flac with modern facilities and an educational programme focused on inclusion and multiculturalism.
Clavis International Primary School:
A true institution in Mauritius since 1991, Clavis is one of the island’s most renowned international schools. Located in Moka, at the foot of Mount Ory, it was the first school in the region to obtain authorisation for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in 2002. Clavis welcomes children aged 3 to 11 in a multicultural and caring environment. The school stands out for its status as a non-profit organisation (managed by PROKID) and its stability: the majority of teachers have been there for many years, ensuring valuable educational continuity.
New for 2025: Clavis has opened a second campus in Beau Champ (east coast) in the smart city of Anahita, ideal for families in this region who previously had no international options nearby.
Le Bocage International School (LBIS):
It is THE leading international secondary school in Mauritius for 11-19 year olds. Founded in 1990 and also located in Moka (right next to Clavis), Le Bocage welcomes more than 800 students of 30 different nationalities. The school, also managed by the non-profit organisation PROGOS, offers the full IB programme: Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP), as well as Cambridge IGCSE.
Le Bocage stands out for its excellent teacher-student ratio of 1:9 and its high-quality facilities (laboratories, performing arts, library, sports fields). The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association (MSA). For families who choose Clavis for primary school, the transition to Le Bocage is natural and facilitated by the geographical proximity and pedagogical consistency between the two establishments.
The uniform: a well-established tradition
A small Mauritian peculiarity that may come as a surprise: uniforms are compulsory in all schools (French, international or local) up to and including secondary school. It is only at sixth form college that students are finally allowed to wear their own clothes.
Each school has its own uniform with distinctive colours and an emblematic badge. It creates a real sense of belonging! These uniforms can be purchased in “school shops” or “uniform shops” located throughout the island.
School transport: no more driving duties!
In Mauritius, the school transport system is very well organised thanks to private vans. These minibuses make rounds in neighbourhoods to pick up your children directly from home (or a meeting point) and bring them back after school.
For younger children, a “miss” (a lady in charge of supervision) accompanies the children throughout the journey. Really convenient and reassuring!
Please note, however, that if you choose to pick up your children yourself, school finishes relatively early. Kindergarten and primary school finish at around 2.30 pm. This means you will have your afternoons free… so you will need to keep them busy! Consider hiring a nanny, enrolling them in extracurricular activities, or why not enjoy the beach?
How much does it really cost? The cost of schooling in Mauritius
Let’s be honest: school in Mauritius is more expensive than in France. It is one of the biggest expenses for expatriate families.
Mauritian state schools
Good news for those on a tight budget: Mauritian state schools are free. However, bear in mind that teaching follows the Mauritian curriculum and a return to the British system may require some catching up. Children generally speak Creole among themselves, so your children are sure to become bilingual in Creole.
Mauritian private schools
Schools such as Les Lorettes (Lorettes de Vacoas for example) or Dukesbridge offer good value for money with stricter supervision than state schools, at much more affordable rates than French or international schools.
Schools: several areas of expenditure
For educational establishments, several costs must be taken into account:
First enrolment fees: between Rs 36,000 and Rs 55,000 (approximately €750 to €1,150) per student. This non-refundable amount is payable only in the first year.
Annual tuition fees: these vary according to level and are generally payable over 11 months (from August to June). Expect to pay between Rs 12,000 and Rs 28,000 per month, depending on the school and class.
School supplies and equipment: between Rs 4,000 and Rs 7,000 per year.
Important point: unlike international schools, French schools apply the same fees regardless of the child’s nationality. A real point of fairness!
Comparison table: French school CP level vs International school (Year 2 level)
Here is a concrete comparison of fees for a child in CP at École du Centre vs. a child in Year 2 at West Coast International Primary School (WIPS):
| Expense item | École du Centre (CP) | WIPS (Year 2) – Foreigner |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | 8 000 Rs (family) 150€ | 10 000 Rs 190€ |
| Registration fees | 36 000 Rs 690€ | 10 000 Rs 190€ |
| Deposit | – | 49 500 Rs (3 months)* |
| Monthly fees | 16 298 Rs 313€ | 22 100 Rs 425€ |
| Annual fees | 179 275 Rs | 265 200 Rs |
| School supplies | 2 600 Rs | Included |
| Insurance | 185 Rs | – |
| Total 1st year | ~226 000 Rs 4346€ | ~334 700 Rs |
- The deposit paid to WIPS is refundable at the end of the school year if all accounts have been settled.
For a Mauritian child at WIPS, the monthly fees drop to Rs 16,500 instead of Rs 22,100, which is a significant difference.
International schools: price discrimination
International schools such as Northfields and West Coast charge different fees depending on nationality. Foreign children pay significantly more than Mauritian or dual nationals.
This price discrimination may seem shocking, but it is common practice in the island’s international schools. Make sure you find out all the facts before committing yourself!
The thorny issue of educational scholarship
For French schools only: If you are a French national, your children may be eligible for school grants issued by the AEFE. These grants, which are means-tested, can significantly reduce the cost of schooling.
Grant applications must be submitted according to a specific schedule (usually twice a year).
👉 Contact the service consulaire de l’Ambassade de France à Maurice for more information.
Important: International and Mauritian schools do not generally offer scholarships to foreign students, except for a few specific programmes on a case-by-case basis.
My practical advice for making the right choice
Visit the establishments!
Nothing beats a visit to the school to get your own impression. Schools regularly hold open days or can arrange appointments to show you around. Take the opportunity to meet the teaching staff, visit the facilities and ask any questions you may have.
Anticipate registrations
Places are limited, especially in reputable establishments! Do not wait until the last minute to register, as some schools have waiting lists that are several months long.
Consider the logistics
Where will you live? How far is it from the school? Is there a transport system in place? These practical questions are essential for the daily life of the whole family.
Assess your expatriation project
If you are staying for 2-3 years, the French system may be more appropriate to facilitate your return. If you plan to settle permanently, why not try an international school?
Do not forget the social aspect
Children make friends at school, and so do you! Your choice of school will largely determine your social circle in Mauritius. Find out about the school’s student body and the activities organised for parents.
My personal opinion
After talking to many expatriate families in Mauritius, I have found that each choice has its advantages. Families with children in French schools appreciate the educational continuity and excellent results, while those in international schools value their children’s natural bilingualism and cultural openness.
Budget remains the key factor, but it is also an investment in your children’s future. Mauritius offers the opportunity for a quality education in an idyllic setting – it’s hard to beat!
The key is to choose based on YOUR family situation and YOUR priorities, not what others are doing. And above all, keep in mind that your children have an incredible ability to adapt – they will surprise you!
FAQ: Your questions about schools in Mauritius
Can you change schools during the academic year?
Technically yes, but it’s complicated! Places are limited and three months’ notice is usually required. What’s more, changing schools can be disruptive for children. It’s best to think carefully from the outset.
👉 For l’école du Centre and l’école de l’Ouest: transfers are possible, as the schools are partners (same programme, same fees, same timetables, etc.).
Can children who do not speak French enroll in a French school?
Yes, but it depends on the level and age. The younger the child, the easier it will be to adapt. Refresher courses may be available. Please enquire directly with the chosen institution.
Are there any extracurricular activities in schools?
Yes, most schools offer extracurricular activities: sports, music, art, languages, etc. Some are included in the tuition fees, while others are extra.
How is the canteen going?
Most schools have a canteen or snack bar. Meals are generally decent, with a mix of local and international cuisine. Expect to pay between 1,500 and 3,000 rupees per month, depending on the school.
But be careful: many families choose to prepare a lunch box for their children! This is very common in Mauritius. An important detail to note: not all schools systematically provide microwaves for pupils. Check with the school to find out whether you need to provide cold meals or whether your children will be able to heat up their lunch.
Can we pay the tuition fees in euros?
It depends on the institution. Some schools accept payments in foreign currencies, while others require Mauritian rupees. Be aware of exchange fees and rate fluctuations!
What happens if my child has special educational needs?
French schools have support systems in place (EBEP, AIS). International schools often promote inclusion but charge extra fees for personalised support. Be transparent when enrolling to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Are schools closed during cyclones?
Yes! When a cyclone warning of category 2, 3 or 4 is issued, all schools close for safety reasons. Children stay at home until the warning is lifted. Make sure you have a backup plan for childcare!
👉 Everything you need to know about cyclones in Mauritius can be found in my article on cyclone season in Mauritius
Are there specialised schools for gifted children?
There are no schools specifically dedicated to gifted children in Mauritius. However, some French schools, such as the École du Centre, offer programmes for gifted pupils (EHP) to adapt teaching methods.
Are qualifications obtained in Mauritius recognised?
The French baccalaureate obtained at an AEFE school has exactly the same value as in France. IB and IGCSE diplomas from international schools are recognised internationally and give access to universities around the world.
How far in advance do I need to register?
Ideally, you should start the process six months to a year in advance, especially for popular schools. Some schools have waiting lists, particularly for the youngest age groups. For a September start date, register as early as January or February or even before!
This article has been written to help you understand the Mauritian education system better.
Good luck with your application, and welcome to Mauritius 🌴🇲🇺
If you have more questions, and you would like some help in your expatriation project 👉 have a look about my services
