Private and International Schools in Mauritius: A Guide for Foreigners Moving to Mauritius

Mauritius is home to a wide range of international and private schools that follow English and French curricula, including the British National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSEs and A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), and the French programme accredited by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE). For foreigners moving to Mauritius with children, these schools offer a multicultural, multilingual environment and a smooth transition into island life.

If you are a parent thinking of moving to Mauritius, you may be wondering about the choices for private and international schools in Mauritius. This guide gives you an overview of the main English-speaking and French-speaking schools across the island, with their locations, age ranges and curricula, to help you decide on your child's education.

Reaching out to fellow foreigners who have enrolled their children in international schools in Mauritius can also provide valuable feedback and first-hand insights to help you make an informed choice. TBI Mauritius assists foreigners with moving to Mauritius, including guidance on schooling, residency and relocation.

Note: The private schools listed below are presented in no particular order, as there is no specific ranking or preference associated with their sequence. Each school offers a unique educational experience and caters to different needs, so it is worth exploring them individually and choosing the one that aligns best with your child's requirements and your family's preferences.

Update: Northfields International School has joined the Inspired group, a global network of premium schools known for excellence in education. Inspired operates over 115 schools across six continents, blending traditional teaching with innovative practices. As part of this group, Northfields benefits from global resources, advanced technology and opportunities for international exchanges, further enhancing its academic and extracurricular programmes. This strengthens Northfields' standing among international schools in Mauritius and supports a world-class education for its students.

Choosing an International School in Mauritius

When comparing international and private schools in Mauritius, a few factors will help you narrow down the right fit for your family:

• Curriculum: British and Cambridge (IGCSEs and A-Levels), the International Baccalaureate (IB), or the French AEFE programme. Choose the curriculum that best matches your child's background and future plans.

• Language of instruction: most schools teach in English or French, and several offer bilingual or multilingual programmes including Spanish, German and Mandarin.

• Location and commute: schools are spread across the north, centre and west of the island. Consider travel time from where you plan to live.

• Age range and entry points: some schools cover early years through to secondary, while others specialise in pre-primary, primary or secondary levels.

• Admissions and availability: popular schools can have waiting lists, so it is worth enquiring early, especially around the start of the academic year.

• Fees: tuition and registration fees vary by school and curriculum. Contact each school directly for current figures.

English-Speaking International Schools in Mauritius

1. Telfair International Primary School

• Location: Tamarin (West)

• Age range: 3 to 11

• Curriculum: British National Curriculum with a focus on core subjects such as English, Maths and Science.

Telfair International Primary School is a private school in Mauritius that follows the British National Curriculum, offering a well-rounded education for children aged five to eleven. The curriculum also includes the Early Years Foundation Stage for three to five-year-olds at the Tiny Tots Day Care Centre.

2. Le Bocage International School

• Location: Moka (Centre)

• Age range: 11 to 18

• Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years, IGCSEs, IB Diploma, IB Career-related Programme and specialised education plans.

Le Bocage International School is a private school in Mauritius offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme for Middle Years and Diploma Years, along with a Career-related Programme (BTEC). LBIS is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Mauritian Ministry of Education. It operates under PROGOS, a non-profit focused on English-medium international education. The school prioritises English and French as first languages, while also teaching Spanish to Forms 1 to 3 students.

3. International Preparatory School (IPS)

• Location: Labourdonnais (North)

• Age range: 3 to 11

• Curriculum: Primary Years Programme, preparing students for Northfields International High School or Le Bocage International School.

IPS, an IB World School, is a private school in Mauritius providing English-medium education through the Primary Years Programme for children aged three to eleven. It blends the UK National Curriculum with international, inquiry-based methods. With accreditation from the Council of International Schools, IPS consistently upholds rigorous educational standards. In August 2022, IPS joined forces with Northfields International School, expanding their shared commitment to quality education.

4. Northfields International School

• Location: Mapou (North)

• Age range: 18 months to 18 years

• Curriculum: National Curriculum of England and Wales, offering IB Middle Years, IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate.

Northfields International School emphasises holistic student development, nurturing leadership skills and excellence through rigorous academics and diverse extracurricular activities. From Montessori for the youngest learners to Cambridge and International Baccalaureate programmes for high school students, Northfields offers a broad and respected range of pathways.

Its Nursery and Primary curriculum builds strong foundations, with Montessori methods for early education and a clear focus on bilingualism in English and French. Lower Primary (ages 6 to 9) combines literacy, maths and holistic development, while Upper Primary (ages 10 to 11) focuses on maths, science, English, French and humanities, including history and geography.

5. West Coast International School

• Location: Flic en Flac (West)

• Age range: Secondary school levels

• Curriculum: International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Westcoast International Secondary School (WISS) is another private school in Mauritius offering a challenging, internationally focused curriculum. Students in Forms 1 to 3 study the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, which encourages independent thinking. In Forms 4 and 5, they prepare for the IGCSE exams. WISS is also an International Baccalaureate World School, offering the IB Diploma Programme to Form 6 students.

6. Dukesbridge

• Locations: campuses across Mauritius, including Trianon, Port Louis, Curepipe, Moka, Vacoas, Helvetia, Pamplemousses, Telfair and Quatre Bornes.

• Age groups: 6 months to 11 years

• Curriculum: international-style curriculum with English as the primary language. French is a core subject, and Spanish or Mandarin are introduced as non-core foreign languages at primary level.

Dukesbridge Group, one of the largest chains of private schools in Mauritius, offers early education for children from as young as 6 months old, building a strong foundation for all students. Children typically transition to Dukesbridge Primary School at the age of 6, following a comprehensive curriculum. Dukesbridge applies an Australian pedagogical approach and has multiple campuses across Mauritius: Trianon (ages 5 to 11), Port Louis (ages 6 months to 5 years), Curepipe (ages 3 months to 5 years), Moka (ages 6 months to 5 years), Vacoas (ages 6 months to 5 years), Helvetia (ages 3 to 5 years), Pamplemousses (ages 3 months to 5 years), Telfair (ages 3 months to 3 years) and Quatre Bornes (ages 3 months to 5 years).

7. Lighthouse International School

• Location: Calebasses (North)

• Age range: 4 to 18

• Curriculum: English-medium, co-educational, following the Cambridge and Edexcel exam boards, offering IGCSEs and A-Levels.

• Subjects: English, Maths, Science, Environmental Management, History, Geography, Religious Studies and more.

Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School is a Christian institution focused on helping students find their purpose and excel academically. It is a member of the International Primary Curriculum and the Association of Christian Schools International, and it is recognised as an approved centre for Pearson Edexcel (UK) and College Board (USA) exams. Lighthouse offers Reception classes for four-year-olds, emphasising English and French language development along with special education support. For Grades 1 to 13, the school provides a diverse curriculum tailored to each age group's needs.

French-Speaking International Schools in Mauritius

1. École Paul et Virginie

• Location: Tamarin (South West)

• Age range: 18 months to 11 years

École Paul et Virginie is a private school in Mauritius that welcomes children from kindergarten to CM2, offering a French curriculum for both pre-primary and elementary levels. Most of its students are fluent in French, and the school increasingly welcomes allophone students, primarily English speakers, into its community. This diverse mix often brings advantages for all students.

2. Lycée des Mascareignes

• Location: Moka (Centre)

• Age range: 15 to 18

Lycée des Mascareignes is a private secondary school in Mauritius with a French curriculum. LDM also features a European Section promoting near-bilingualism, along with language programmes in English, Spanish, German and Mandarin, with certification opportunities in several modern languages. Lycée des Mascareignes is accredited by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE).

3. École du Centre

• Location: Moka (Centre)

• Age range: 3 to 15

École du Centre is a private school in Mauritius offering a French curriculum. The school follows the regulations of the French Ministry of National Education and is accredited by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) for its educational excellence. From primary school onwards, it offers a well-rounded education that includes sports, visual arts, music and art history. English instruction begins early, and the school celebrates Mauritian history and culture.

4. Lycée La Bourdonnais

• Location: Curepipe

• Age range: 3 to 18

Lycée La Bourdonnais is a private school in Mauritius that provides a bilingual education, beginning in nursery school for four to five-year-olds. The primary school caters to children from CP to CM2 and maintains a strong partnership with the British Council to deliver high-quality French-English bilingual education, ranging from B2 to C1 or even C2 proficiency levels. In secondary education, the school expands its multilingual curriculum, offering languages such as English, Spanish, German, Mandarin and Russian.

5. École du Nord

• Location: Mapou (North)

• Age range: 3 to 15

École du Nord is another private school in Mauritius offering a multicultural and multilingual education, starting with English from kindergarten and adding Spanish, German and Latin from 5th grade onward. There is also an international section for students aged 6 and up. Its French International Baccalaureate is recognised by leading Anglo-Saxon universities. Beyond academics, the school emphasises physical education and sports, promoting balance and values. It is a non-profit association linked with the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE).

6. Le Petit Poucet

• Location: Mapou (North)

• Age range: 18 months to 5 years

Le Petit Poucet is a private pre-primary school in Mauritius that welcomes children aged 18 months to 5 years, offering a safe environment for their development. With a diverse team, the school introduces children to French and English, focusing on essential skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic to prepare them for elementary education.

7. Saint Exupéry International School

• Location: Grand Bay (North)

• Age range: 3 to 11

Saint Exupéry International School follows a flexible, learner-centered approach, tailoring education to each child's unique needs and interests. It combines the French National Education syllabus with elements of the English curriculum, ensuring a smooth transition to both English and French secondary schools.

8. Martin'Ecol'ette

• Location: Grand Bay (North)

• Age range: 1 year to 5 years

Alongside Mauritian students from diverse communities, Martin'Ecol'ette Nursery has welcomed children from many countries across Africa, Belgium, the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Australia, Madagascar and Reunion. This bilingual institution is specially designed to accommodate English and French-speaking students from the very start, offering a comprehensive bilingual education programme.

Whether you are looking for an English-speaking or French-speaking international school in Mauritius for your child, the island offers a wide array of options, each with its own features and cultural diversity. When choosing a school, consider your child's age, preferred curriculum, language of instruction and location to ensure they receive the best possible education in this beautiful island setting. Feel free to reach out to us for any further information or assistance.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners enroll their children in schools in Mauritius?

Yes. Private and international schools in Mauritius welcome foreign students, and several provide dedicated support for English-speaking or allophone children who are new to French. Enrolment is usually arranged alongside your relocation and residence permit process.

What curricula do international schools in Mauritius offer?

The main options are the British National Curriculum with Cambridge IGCSEs and A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), and the French curriculum accredited by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE). Some schools combine English and French in a bilingual programme.

Which languages are taught in Mauritian schools?

English and French are the primary languages of instruction. Many schools also teach Spanish, German, Mandarin and other modern languages.

How much do international schools in Mauritius cost?

Fees vary by school, curriculum and year group. We recommend contacting each school directly for the most current tuition and registration fees.

Do you need residency to enroll a child in school in Mauritius?

Schooling is generally arranged as part of the family relocation process. TBI advises on the appropriate permit or visa for your move and can help coordinate your child's schooling.

When does the school year start in Mauritius?

Academic calendars vary by curriculum. French schools generally follow a September to June calendar, while British and IB schools may follow different term structures. Confirm exact dates with your chosen school. We will have a Zoom/ Teams call or email exchange to understand your requirements. TBI will advise on the appropriate permit or visa for coming to Mauritius. We will send a detailed proposal with clear costs, timeframes and explanations. We will assemble the documents and make the application on your behalf. TBI can assist with relocation tasks such as helping with schools, accommodation, insurance, choosing locations. We can assist with the finding and purchasing of property, and setting up of an entity to purchase through. If you need assistance with setting up companies whether as an investor or just creating a business here. The directors can act as Commissioner for Oaths. We can assist with other business advice and can bring in law firms as and when required. Contact form While every effort is made to ensure that the information given is accurate, the information on this site does not contain legal, tax or any other professional advice. We accept no responsibility or liability due to any information or representation, whether accurate or not, relied upon in the contents. It is an information guide to provide the reader with a useful general, but basic understanding of the different considerations. You must seek local legal, tax or other professional advice before relying on the contents of this site.