Education in Mauritius - Expat Magazine
Born in the heart of Silicon Valley, Holberton School has quickly established itself as a major international player in digital skills training. Its intensive, practice-driven model is built almost entirely around hands-on work and real-world projects, aiming to align learning as closely as possible with professional realities. Now present in around twenty countries, Holberton opened its Mauritius campus in 2025 with a clear goal: to train job-ready tech professionals locally and meet the growing needs of the Mauritian and regional tech ecosystem. In this interview, Frédéric Waeber, cofounder of Holberton Mauritius, reflects on the school's educational philosophy, the rationale for its launch on the island, the challenges it has faced since its inception, and the opportunities emerging for students in a fast-changing sector.
After founding several successful Montessori schools on Réunion Island, Stéphanie Payet and her husband are expanding their vision with a new project in Mauritius. Once an HR professional, Stéphanie is now fully committed to education, working to create a school that blends academic rigor, independence, and international-mindedness. In this interview, she shares the story behind the project, her journey, and the principles that guide her work.
Moving abroad with children is an adventure in itself. Among the many big questions on parents' minds, one always comes up: where should the kids go to school? Leaving behind a familiar system—with its strengths, weaknesses, and reference points—means diving into a new structure that often has very different rules. In Mauritius, the variety of schooling options can be overwhelming. Public schools, private Catholic or secular institutions, international schools, French schools, and alternative models all exist here, each with very different realities. So how do you decide what's best for your child—an environment that fits their personality, your values, and your budget? Let's break it down.
In the 2025–2026 National Budget, the Mauritian government announced plans to invest millions in the “Study Mauritius” brand. The goal is to position the country as a regional hub for higher education, attracting students from Africa, Asia, and beyond. What programs and measures under this initiative are likely to appeal to international students?
Agnès Palangian is deeply devoted to the world of education. With a degree in Educational Sciences and specialized training in Montessori pedagogy and Positive Discipline, she began her career teaching kindergarten and elementary school in France. In 2017, driven by a clear vision, she relocated to Mauritius to create a space where children could grow and learn in an environment rooted in joy, respect, and trust. This vision took shape in La Maison des Enfants, a preschool that embodies her core educational values. Her journey didn't stop there. Alongside her partner, Caroline Debiesme, Agnès went on to establish 1,2,3 Soleil, a daycare center, followed by Les Enfants du Soleil, an elementary school. Today, Agnès continues to cultivate a culture of kindness through her work as a trainer and consultant. Her insights into education are invaluable, and her unwavering dedication to respectful, positive pedagogy remains a source of inspiration.
Daniella Bee, a French expat, moved to Mauritius two years ago. Once a globe-trotting digital nomad, she traded freedom and movement for something more grounded: purpose. Captivated by the island's natural beauty—and undeterred by its challenges—she chose to stay. Guided by compassion and curiosity, Daniella founded Grains d'Étoile, an educational initiative rooted in humanity, inclusion, and ecology. Her story is one of vision, commitment, and bold transformation. Meet the woman turning dreams into action.
From Botswana to Mauritius: An expat's reflections on the challenges faced by international students
Bokamoso is a young international student from Botswana. She moved to Mauritius in June 2022 after being awarded the prestigious Mauritius-Africa Scholarship Scheme. While she recognizes that adapting to a new country takes a lot of effort, Bokamoso agrees that Mauritius has a lot to offer, from its beauty and diversity to the quality of its higher education system. She shared her view with us in this Interview.
Sayantan Biswas, originally from India, is the co-founder of Adventum Student Living, an international student mobility platform. Since the reopening of the borders of most countries, he observed a growing number of students moving abroad for their studies, which also means a growing demand for student services. In this interview, he gives out tips for international students planning their move abroad to study in 2023.
Two major events disrupted international student mobility during the past years – Brexit and the Covid pandemic. However, international mobility has picked up again with border reopenings worldwide, and some countries are among the new favorites among students. Which are they, and how are they beneficial for international students?
Going to study abroad is a dream for many. However, it comes with a hefty price tag. For international students, finding a small job in the host country is an essential condition to pursue their stay and studies. What are countries' stand regarding this? How many hours working hours are allowed for international students?
Summer schools are back. Their winter counterparts, called winter schools, are also preparing to welcome back international students. What are the perks of these programs? Who are they intended for, and what types of courses are provided?
All schools in Mauritius are closed since the lockdown was announced. Still, international schools have implemented homeschooling to help their students during this complicated period. Kirsty Lallchand, Head of Dukesbridge Primary school, talks to us about the challenges and benefits of homeschooling.
Would a global pandemic stop Sarah Hofbauer from living her dream of studying in Mauritius? Not a global pandemic, not the tedious procedures, not the uncomfortable flight and definitely not the two-week quarantine. The young Austrian student started her course at the University of Middlesex this week.
Anne, a German expat, moved to Mauritius in 2016 with her Mauritian husband and their little boy. Anne and her family felt that Mauritius is the ideal place to raise a happy child, who can play outdoors, get energy from the dazzling tropical sun, and learn to exist among different cultures. And they were right! Mauritius is their paradise in which dreams come true.
The excitement and anticipation when moving abroad goes hand in hand with the anxiety and stress, and all of these feelings are heightened when moving as a family. In any event, embarking on your next great adventure abroad with your family means different priorities and preparation. We at Expat.com spoke to Halima about her experience of moving to Mauritius from Paris with her husband and two children, and what advice she would give other families who are thinking of moving overseas.
Fred Swaniker is the man behind the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg and ALU in Mauritius and Rwanda. Fred Swaniker speaks to Expat.com about the link between expatriation and entrepreneurship. He also talks about Africa's future leaders and the power of a diverse education, which engages, brings the students in the core of real life situations, and boosts entrepreneurial thinking.
Make your relocation easier with the Mauritius expat guide
Education in Mauritius
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