Higher education in Mauritius

The Higher Education Summit 2025

The Higher Education Summit 2025 marked a decisive milestone for the future of Mauritius' higher education sector. Organized by the Ministry of Tertiary Education and the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the summit brought together universities, private institutions, researchers, and international partners around a common goal: to define the 2025–2035 National Strategy for Higher Education, Research, and Innovation.

Six national committees were set up to guide key priorities: research and innovation, quality and pedagogy, internationalization, integration of technical and vocational training (TVET), science diplomacy, and the promotion of the “Study in Mauritius” label. The ambition is clear: to position Mauritius as a regional academic and scientific hub by attracting more international students and strengthening global recognition of Mauritian qualifications.

Among the major priorities presented were the simplification of student visas, the creation of a unified admission platform for foreign applicants, the modernization of programs (micro-credentials, hybrid learning), and stronger university–industry collaboration. The plan also includes a reform of funding mechanisms and the creation of a national observatory for quality assurance and research.

The student visa in Mauritius

As an international student, you should first apply for a student visa. You will need to submit all of the required documents to your host university in Mauritius as well as pay your tuition fee deposit (and any other fees required before the start of the semester). Then, your host institution will forward your supporting documents to the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) in Port-Louis, which will process the student visa and issue it by email. For more information, visit the PIO website or contact the international student office of the institution you are interested in.

Higher education in Mauritius in figures

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has published figures on the number of higher education institutions and the international student population in Mauritius. Here is what they show.

Institutions of higher learning

There are currently 39 private higher education institutions (PHEIs) and 10 publicly funded institutions (PFIs) in Mauritius, offering programs ranging from diploma level to doctoral studies.

According to the latest report from the Ministry of Higher Education, the total number of students enrolled in higher education institutions in Mauritius reached 39,430 in 2024, including 3,011 international students.

These registered institutions offered a diverse range of courses spanning various fields, covering educational levels from Certificates to Masters. Diplomas awarded by these institutions were recognized both locally and internationally. The category of Institutions of Excellence in the Private Sector (IESPs) included entities such as International Campuses, degree-granting institutions, franchises collaborating with degree-granting bodies either locally or abroad, or a combination of both.

International students

International students accounted for 8% of all students enrolled in higher education institutions in 2024. They are primarily enrolled in public higher education institutions (PFIs) rather than private ones (PHEIs). International students in both higher education institutions and training centers mainly come from India, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, France, Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Indian students make up 39% of the total, followed by students from Madagascar at 20%. A further 9% come mainly from African countries.

Over the past four years, the number of students coming from Africa has steadily increased, and they now account for nearly 60% of the international student population.

Regarding fields of study, the most popular choices among international students were:

• Medicine and Health Sciences (~35–40%)
• Information Technology and Engineering (~15%)
• Business, Management and Commerce (~12%)
• Tourism and Hospitality (~7%)
• Social Sciences and Education (~5%)

These areas reflect the diverse academic interests of students seeking education in Mauritius.

Private higher education institutions in Mauritius

Among the most reputable institutions in Mauritius are:

• AMITY Global Business School
• AMITY Institute of Higher Education
• Assas International (Mauritius) Limited (branch of Université Paris–Panthéon–Assas, France)
• BSP School of Accountancy & Management Ltd
• Centre for Legal and Business Studies
• Charles Telfair Institution
• ENSA Nantes (Mauritius)
• Glamis Business School
• Grant Thornton Business School Ltd
• Institut Disciples Escoffier Océan Indien Ltd
• London College of Accountancy
• MCCI Business School Ltd
• Malaysian Consortium for Education
• Middlesex University Mauritius
• MMA
• Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd
• Rishi Dayanand Institute
• Rushmore Ltd
• SSR Medical College
• The American Campus Ltd
• UNICITI Education Hub
• UOM Trust
• VIT (Mauritius) Education Ltd
• Whitefield Business School
• African Leadership College of Higher Education

Curtin Mauritius

Established in 2008, Curtin Mauritius is an overseas campus of the Australian Curtin University. They offer degrees in communication, marketing, IT, design, logistics, tourism, accounting and finance, nursing, and psychology, as well as a foundation program for applicants without a high school diploma. The campus is located in Moka in the center, and the tuition fees generally range between USD 3,500–5,500 per year. Here are more details about how to apply as an international student.

Undergraduate programs:

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Design
• Bachelor of Communications
• Bachelor of Science

Postgraduate programs:

• Master's of International Business
• Master's of Information Systems and Technology
• Master's of Science in Applied Psychology
• Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science

Hub UNICITI International Education Hub

UNICITI International Education Hub is the educational brand of the Médine Group. It has helped many international institutions create an overseas campus in Mauritius. The group also has private student accommodation (330 rooms) for international students of its affiliated institutions. Here are some of these institutions:

Middlesex University Mauritius

The expansion of Middlesex University's campus in September 2025 reflects the institution's strong growth in Mauritius. The campus now includes a hybrid lecture theater, creative studios, and a robotics and mechatronics laboratory.

In 2009, Middlesex University became the first British university to set up an overseas campus in Mauritius, located in Flic-en-Flac. The campus offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in subjects such as law (including a British LLB), psychology and counseling, accounting and finance, business management, IT and data science. The fees range between £5,400 and £7,000 (USD 7,000–9,000) per year, depending on the program. They also offer a foundation program for students who have not completed a high school diploma but would like to go to university.

Undergraduate Programs – Business & Law:

• BA in Business Management, with specializations in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Finance
• BA in Accounting and Finance
• LLB, as well as an LLB with a focus on International Relations

Undergraduate Programs – Computing & IT:

• BSc in Information Technology
• BSc in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
• BSc in Computer Science (Systems Engineering)
• BSc in Business Computing and Data Analytics

Undergraduate Programs – Other Disciplines:

• BA in Advertising, Public Relations, and Branding
• BSc in Psychology with Counseling

Postgraduate Programs:

• MBA
• MSc in Management
• MSc in Data Science
• MSc in Cyber Security and Pen Testing
• LLM (General)
• LLM in International Business Law

ENSA Nantes Mauritius

An “école normale supérieure” is an elite public university in France. This one is for architecture, and it offers a Bachelor's and Master's in Architecture and Urban Design on its Mauritian campus in Pierrefonds (southwest). These programs cost between 6,600 and 6,900 euros per year, and about the same amount in US dollars. Students can finish their studies in France after starting them in Mauritius, as this pathway would allow them to eventually be registered as architects in France.

Scholarships are available for students from African countries eligible for French development aid (Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Haiti, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Togo) and some students from countries of the Indo-Pacific region.

Vatel Mauritius

The Mauritian branch of this French hospitality and business school offers a Bachelor in International Hotel Management and an MBA in International Hotel Management. The campuses are located near Quatre-Bornes and on the island of Rodrigues. The programs from Vatel cost around €8,000–10,000 per year. Scholarships are available for students from African countries eligible for French development aid and some students from countries of the Indo-Pacific region.

Université Paris Panthéon-Assas Mauritius

The Mauritian branch of this prestigious French public university offers two law degrees on their campus in Pierrefonds (southwest): an LLM, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics and Finance, and an LLM in International Business Law. The fees at Université Paris Panthéon-Assas Mauritius are €6,500 per year (about the same amount in dollars), and international students from African countries receiving French development aid and some Indo-Pacific countries are eligible for scholarships.

MCCI Business School

This is the business school of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce, located in Ébène. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in marketing, management, communication, IT, banking and insurance, often in partnership with international universities such as the University of Angers in France. The MCCI Business School also offers the French diploma BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur) for technicians that is recognized in France and the European Union. For international students, the fees are around USD 6,500 per year.

Programs on offer:

• Bachelor's Programs
• Master's Programs
• Diploma and BTS Programs

VIT Mauritius

The VIT Mauritius campus, located within the Uniciti International Education Hub (UIEH), now offers four B.Eng (Hons) programs accredited by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Mauritius:

• Computer Engineering
• Computer Engineering with a specialization in Data Science
• Computer Engineering with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
• Civil Engineering

The institution provides both merit-based and need-based scholarships. Student loans through ICICI (India) are also available for Indian applicants. In May 2025, VIT Mauritius signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Binghamton University (United States) to strengthen academic collaboration, student exchanges, and international opportunities. The campus has also established several industry partnerships for internships and career pathways, including with Digii (formerly CollPoll), Hitwicket, and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

Apply here: https://apply.vitmauritius.mu

University of Central Lancashire Mauritius

This British university has a small campus in Ébène, where it offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in law, project management (including construction project management), and digital marketing in collaboration with UOM Enterprise. There are a number of scholarships available which are detailed on their website.

Website: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/international-students/country/mauritius

Amity Institute of Higher Education (AIHE)

The Amity Institute of Higher Education (AIHE), part of the Amity Education Group, is registered with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) as a post-secondary institution.

Undergraduate programs:

• Bachelor of Business Administration
• BSc in Information Technology
• BA in Tourism & Hospitality Management

Postgraduate programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• MBA in General Management
• MBA in Project Management
• MBA in Entrepreneurship and Start-Ups
• MBA in Digital Marketing
• MSc in Artificial Intelligence
• MSc in Business Analytics
• MSc in Cyber Security
• MSc in Data Science

Admission procedure at AIHE

The admission procedure involves five steps:

• Download and complete the application form, including required documents;
• Submit the application by mail or in person at AIHE;
• Receive a conditional offer letter;
• Complete the Student Visa Process;
• Receive a letter of acceptance from AIHE if the visa is approved.

Admission requirements

International students may need to provide proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum scores required are:

• TOEFL: 55
• IELTS: 6 (no section below 5)

Admission fees

• Undergraduate Programs: Registration fee of Rs 80,000 and a monthly tuition fee of Rs 3,790.
• Postgraduate Programs: Registration fee of Rs 110,000 and a monthly tuition fee of Rs 2,750.

Holberton School Mauritius

Holberton School Mauritius, a software engineering institution founded in Silicon Valley, has had a campus in Port Louis since May 2025. The school offers an 18-month certified program followed by a 6-month internship, combining theory, hands-on projects, and a peer-learning approach. Admission is open to anyone aged 16 or above, with no diploma or prior experience required. The application process has three stages: mini-challenges (about two hours), small projects (intro to Linux, building a website), and then an interview or Q&A with a technical challenge.

Specializations: After a first year (9 months) focused on core foundations—C, Python, systems, web development, databases—the second year (9 months) offers several specialization paths, including Full-Stack Web, Machine Learning & AI, Cybersecurity, and Systems/Blockchain.

Graduates leave with a portfolio of projects, real industry experience gained through the internship, and a pathway to rapid integration into the tech sector. Holberton highlights a strong employability rate within its network.

Admission form: https://www.holbertonschool.mu/application-form

Public universities in Mauritius

University of Mauritius (UOM)

Located in Réduit in the center and well-connected to the rest of the island by metro and bus lines, UOM is the oldest and largest public university of the country. It offers undergraduate, Master's and PhD programs in various disciplines, including law and management, business and finance, IT and engineering, agriculture, the natural sciences, the humanities and social sciences, education, tourism, and more recently, medicine. You can become a fully-qualified doctor by studying in its competitive Doctor of Medicine program.

The university is accredited by various international associations, including the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, and the Association of African Universities.

Studying at UOM is free for Mauritian citizens who are doing a first degree. However, for international students, it costs between USD 5,000 and USD 6,000 per year, with STEM degrees costing more. International students from countries of the African Union or Commonwealth countries in Africa can apply for the Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme to fund their studies at UOM. Furthermore, students from countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and developing Asian economies (e.g. India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia) are eligible for a 50% tuition fee scholarship granted by UOM.

Programs offered:

• Faculty of Law and Management
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
• Faculty of Information, Communication, and Digital Technologies
• Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Center for Innovative and Lifelong Learning (CILL) (online or hybrid/blended learning)

For information about postgraduate research programs (MPhils or PhDs), consult the university website. Program specifications for international students are also available online.

Collaborations:

• University of Cergy Paris in France, for the study of Data Science
• Center for Information Technology & Systems (CITS) for studies in Computer Science
• Center for Biomedical & Biomaterials Research (CBBR)
• Center for Research on Slavery and Indenture (CRSI), for the study of the history of slavery and indenture, two main migratory movements in Mauritius
• Confucius Institute, to study Chinese language and culture

University of Technology (UTM)

This is the second largest public university of the island, focusing on technology, engineering, sustainable development, business, management and finance. The campus is located in La Tour Koenig near Port-Louis. UTM degrees are accredited in the same way as UOM degrees. Most degrees there cost around USD 3,000–4,000 per year for international students, although MBA and doctoral programs cost a bit more (around USD 6,000). Students from SADC (Southern African Development Community) countries, however, can pay domestic student fees, and eligible African students can also apply for the Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme.

To apply to UTM, applicants must follow the procedures outlined for international students.

The departments at UTM are:

• School of Business, Management and Finance (SMBF)
• School of Innovative Technologies and Engineering (SITE)
• School of Sustainable Development and Tourism (SSDT)
• School of Health Sciences (SHS)

Programs on offer:

• Short Courses
• Undergraduate Courses
• Postgraduate Courses

Open University of Mauritius (OU)

This is one of the newest public universities in Mauritius, tailored for non-traditional and part-time learners who do not have a high school diploma or are not able to study full-time because of work or family commitments. The campus is located next to the University of Mauritius' campus in Réduit.

Students without a high school diploma can complete a foundation programme at OU first, and then move on to a degree. OU offers various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in subjects such as law, business, modern languages, accounting, hotel management and education. The fees for an entire degree for international students are around USD 7,000, although they are around USD 4,000 for students from countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). By clicking on the university website, you can find the procedures for international applicants.

Programs on offer:

• Diploma and Undergraduate Courses
• Postgraduate Courses

Polytechnics Mauritius (PML)

Established in 2017, Polytechnics Mauritius is a government-owned private institution that provides tertiary vocational education in multiple fields: tourism, culinary arts, nursing, IT and emerging technologies, architecture, logistics, and aviation, among others. It has multiple campuses in Réduit (center), Pamplemousses (north), Montagne Blanche (east) and Rose-Belle (southeast), as well as one on the island of Rodrigues, with the main campus found in Ébène.

Most of its programs are advanced diplomas, but it also offers a BA Nursing top-up programme for those who already hold a diploma in nursing. These programs are offered in partnership with other international institutions, such as the HTMi – Hotel and Tourism Management Institute of Switzerland and Universiti Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia. Many of their diploma programs only have a few O Levels of GCSEs (high school education up to the age of 16) as entry requirements, not requiring a high school diploma completed at 18.

Programs by department or cluster:

• Health Sciences and Nursing
• IT and Emerging Technologies
• Tourism, Hospitality, Leisure and Sports
• Built Environment, Engineering, Logistics and Transport
• Business, Financial Services and Entrepreneurship

Université des Mascareignes (UDM)

Created in 2012, this university offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in IT, sustainable development, engineering, business and management. Many are offered in partnership with the French university Université de Limoges. UDM's campuses are located in Rose-Hill and Pamplemousses.

For international students admitted to the Université des Mascareignes, it is essential to wait for the issuance of the student permit (or a “Student” / “Entry Permit” visa) by the Passport & Immigration Office (PIO) of Mauritius before travelling to the country. If a student arrives at immigration without this permit, they may be denied entry or immediately deported, as stated in both university regulations and immigration authorities' guidelines. This requirement is explicitly mentioned in UDM's procedures and is confirmed by other Mauritian institutions.

Once the admission letter has been issued, the student, through the university, submits the permit application and must receive official approval and the corresponding document before making any travel arrangements. Travelling prior to authorization may lead to non-refundable expenses and a mandatory return to the student's home country. Families are therefore advised to allow sufficient time between admission and departure (often several weeks or months) and to confirm the permit status with UDM's International Students Office before purchasing airline tickets.

Faculty of Business and Management

The Faculty of Business and Management is located on the Swami Dayanand Campus in Pamplemousses. It offers the following programs:

• University Diploma
• Technological Degree (Licence Technologique)
• BSc (Honours)

Courses are taught mainly in English, with around 20% delivered in French. Available fields of study include Human Resource Management, Banking and Finance, Accounting and Finance, and Marketing.

Faculty of Information and Communication Technology

This faculty also offers:

• University Diploma
• Technological Degree (Licence Technologique)
• BSc (Honours)

On the Pamplemousses Campus, courses are taught in English, with 20% in French, in areas such as software engineering and digital humanities. On the Rose Hill Campus, located in Camp Levieux, programs are delivered mainly in French with 20% in English, particularly in applied computing.

Faculty of Sustainable Development and Engineering

Based on the Rose Hill Campus, the Faculty of Sustainable Development and Engineering offers several technological degree and BSc (Honours) programs, taught in French with a proportion of courses in English. The fields include:

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and Automation
• Electromechanical Engineering
• Operation and Maintenance of Water Treatment and Production Facilities

The faculty also offers Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programs, again taught in French with around 20% of content in English, in:

• Civil Engineering
• Electromechanical Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering

At the Bel Air Campus, two additional programs are offered: BSc (Hons) Energy Systems and Sustainability and BSc (Hons) Intelligent Systems, both awarded exclusively by the Université des Mascareignes.

Duration of studies and degrees

The Technological Degree and BSc (Honours) programs last three years full-time and lead to a double degree jointly awarded by the Université des Mascareignes and the University of Limoges. The Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) is a four-year full-time program awarded solely by the Université des Mascareignes.

The university also offers one-year “top-up” programs for students who already hold relevant diplomas, subject to approval by the admissions (recruitment) committee. It also points out that it reserves the right not to run certain programs.

Tuition fees for international students

The application fee is Rs 700 or USD 25, non-refundable, and payable upon submission of the application. For students from SADC countries, annual tuition and administrative fees amount to Rs 45,500, plus Rs 3,500 for the dual-degree affiliation with the University of Limoges—a total of Rs 49,000 per year. For students from non-SADC countries, tuition fees are Rs 80,500, plus Rs 3,500 for the affiliation, for a total annual fee of Rs 84,000.

Student transport

Under the free public transport scheme, bus travel between home and university requires payment of an annual NTLA fee of Rs 100. Metro travel also requires a payment of Rs 100 to benefit from free journeys between the student's residence and the campus.

Enrol here: https://udm.ac.mu/apply-now

For more information, you can contact the university on (+230) 460 9500/260 4500/460-5181 or by email at admission-international@udm.ac.mu.

Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD)

The MITD provides various vocational courses, some of which last a few months and others up to 3 years, in fields such as automobile mechanics, building construction, hairdressing, tourism, woodwork and agriculture. Its main location is in Phoenix, but it also has a campus in Ébène and the Lycée Polytechnique Sir Guy Forget in Centre de Flacq.