If you're looking to move to Mauritius as an international student, you will probably need a student visa. Here's an overview of the general conditions to be met to apply for a student visa.
The student visa in Mauritius is a permit that authorizes an eligible non-citizen to enter and stay in Mauritius to study full- or part-time in:
- A higher learning institution registered with the Higher Education Commission;
- Or in a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution registered with the Mauritius Qualifications Authority;
- Or to attend a practical training course which is part of higher education.
The applicant must have received a letter of acceptance from the institution he/she wishes to join in Mauritius and must be enrolled:
- In one or more programs at a recognized institution of higher learning or TVET institution to take specific modules full-time for 1 or 2 semesters, a certificate or diploma course for at least one academic year;
- Or at a recognized institution of higher learning to take a full-time or part-time undergraduate degree course;
- Or at an accredited institution of higher education to take full- or part-time postgraduate courses (including Master's, MPhil, or PhD level);
- Or doing post-doctoral research;
- Or coming to Mauritius as part of an exchange program of a maximum duration of 1 year with a recognized institution of higher learning.
Applying for a student visa in Mauritius
The application for a student visa must be submitted to the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) by the institution of higher education or the vocational education and training institution (TVET) in which the student is enrolled.
Once the international student has returned all the required documents and made the payments to their host university in Mauritius, the institution will submit all the supporting documents to the PIO located in Port-Louis. The PIO will process and issue the student visa by email.
The application for a visa to attend a practical training course as part of a higher education program must be submitted directly to the PIO by the trainee or by the host institution/company in Mauritius.
List of documents to be submitted for the student visa:
- The "Application to Enter Mauritius" form duly completed and signed by the applicant;
- 2 recent passport-size photos of the applicant;
- Photocopy of the applicant's passport bio-data pages;
- Original letter of admission to a recognized educational or TVET institution;
- Details of the duration of the course and confirmation from the Higher Education Commission or the Mauritius Qualifications Authority that the course chosen is full- or part-time;
- Documented proof of availability of funds or financial ability to cover the cost of studying and staying in Mauritius;
- A medical certificate stating that the applicant does not suffer from any contagious or infectious disease. A test for HIV and Hepatitis B and a chest X-ray must be performed at a private medical laboratory, clinic, or hospital in Mauritius. The test results and the chest X-ray report must be submitted to the PIO within one month of arrival.
Internship visa in Mauritius
This visa is intended for non-residents wishing to complete practical training in Mauritius as part of their higher education program.
This visa is meant for non-citizens who:
- Intend to follow practical training or an internship to improve their skills and experience. They must present proof of acceptance from the concerned institution or company in Mauritius;
- Are degree holders;
- Will not receive any remuneration in Mauritius; however, their host organization in Mauritius may grant them a stipend.
Application for a trainee visa to follow a practical training or an industrial internship in Mauritius
The applicant's file must be submitted by the host institution/company sponsoring the foreigner in Mauritius on behalf of the latter or by the applicant in person at the PIO.
List of documents to be submitted for the trainee visa:
- "Application to Enter Mauritius" form duly completed and signed by the applicant;
- 2 recent passport-size photographs of the applicant;
- Photocopy of the bio-data pages of their passport;
- Acceptance document for practical training or internship in local companies, in sectors such as textile, banking, hospitality, consultancy firms, professional bodies, etc., as part of a study program in an educational institution abroad or at the request of the head office of a company based abroad;
- Details of the duration of the practical training/industrial placement/internship and confirmation from the accepting local company that the placement/training is full-time. The duration of the training/placement/internship must not exceed 6 months;
- Proof from the institution or company that the training to be undertaken in Mauritius is part of a program of study followed by the applicant or that it is a requirement to enhance the trainee's skills and experience;
- A tripartite agreement involving the trainee, the institution or company abroad, and the host organization in Mauritius;
- Proof of availability of funds or financial capacity to cover the costs of the internship and the stay in Mauritius;
- A medical certificate attesting that the candidate is not suffering from any contagious or infectious disease.
Visa receipt
The granting of the internship visa is determined by the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) within 2 weeks of the date of submission, provided that the application is complete and accompanied by the appropriate supporting documents. Any application not accompanied by the required documents will not be considered.
The PIO will notify the host organization/company/local business where the trainee intends to attend a practical training course or the trainee abroad of the outcome of the application, as appropriate.
The PIO will then issue the trainee a temporary entry permit valid for one month to travel to Mauritius.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
