The tertiary education sector in Mauritius started in 1965 with the creation of the University of Mauritius. Since then, eight other public higher education institutions have been created, namely the Mauritius Institute of Education, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (Tertiary) and the Rabindranath Tagore Institute (Tertiary), the University of Technology, Mauritius, the Universite des Mascareignes, the Open University of Mauritius and the Polytechnics Mauritius Limited. Comprising these public universities, private institutions, and specialised vocational centers, the sector offers a wide array of programs, from traditional disciplines to emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, and Biotechnology.
The Free Tertiary Education Scheme has been instrumental in enhancing access, enabling students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue higher education. Additionally, government-backed initiatives like the Mauritius-Africa Scholarship Scheme attract international students, particularly from Africa, positioning Mauritius as a regional education hub.
The Tertiary Education sector has two regulatory bodies that operate under the aegis of the Ministry, namely the Higher Education Commission and the Quality Assurance Authority. Both institutions were created by the Higher Education Act (2017) with the mandate of implementing policies decided by the Ministry.
Collaborative research and academic partnerships with global institutions have strengthened the sector's capacity to address contemporary challenges. Programs emphasize Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), fostering solutions to societal issues while contributing to economic growth. The alignment of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) with international standards enhances the mobility of graduates and ensures the global relevance of Mauritian qualifications.
As part of a constant effort to ensure its higher education sector remains current and relevant, Mauritius is committed to better alignment of academic curricula with industry demands, improved funding for research, and digital transformation across institutions. The overall tertiary education sector in Mauritius is currently undergoing a transformative phase, aligning itself with global trends and national aspirations for sustainable development through strategic efforts in designing the Future of Higher Education in Mauritius. Anchored by a vision to establish Mauritius as a knowledge-driven economy, the sector is pivotal in fostering innovation, research, and human capital development. Efforts are underway to address these issues through policies promoting competency-based education, innovative pedagogies, and robust quality assurance mechanisms.
With a strong focus on inclusivity, relevance, and global competitiveness, Mauritius' tertiary education sector remains a beacon for regional collaboration and a model for sustainable educational development.
