International Schools in Mauritius: A Parent's Complete Guide

Education as the Cornerstone of Every Relocation Decision

For families considering a move to Mauritius, the quality and availability of schooling is invariably the first — and often the deciding — factor. The good news: Mauritius has invested heavily in its international education infrastructure over the past decade, and in 2026 the island offers a genuine diversity of curricula, from the French baccalauréat to the International Baccalaureate (IB), British A-Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs. The schools are smaller than their European or Asian counterparts, which can be either a limitation or a profound advantage depending on your perspective.

This guide examines the leading international schools on the island, their fee structures, academic results, admissions processes and the intangibles that make each one distinctive. It is written for discerning parents who expect rigour, pastoral care and a global outlook.

The Leading International Schools

Lycée La Bourdonnais — The French Standard-Bearer

Location: Curepipe (main campus) and Forest Side
Curriculum: French national curriculum (AEFE-accredited), from maternelle to terminale
Language of instruction: French
Annual fees: MUR 80,000–180,000 (approximately USD 1,800–4,100)

Lycée La Bourdonnais is the pillar of French education in Mauritius. As a member of the AEFE network (Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger), it follows the same curriculum as lycées in Paris, Lyon or Marseille. This means your child can seamlessly transfer back to France — or to any other AEFE school worldwide — without missing a beat.

The school consistently delivers strong baccalauréat results, with pass rates above 95 per cent in recent years. Class sizes are moderate (25–30 students), and the teaching staff is a mix of French-expatriate and local Mauritian educators.

Best for: French-speaking families who intend to maintain continuity with the French education system, or who may repatriate to France.

Considerations: The curriculum is rigorous and highly structured — less flexibility for creative or non-traditional learners. English is taught as a second language but is not the medium of instruction.

Northfields International High School — The IB Pathway

Location: Labourdonnais (near Mapou, northern Mauritius)
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP)
Language of instruction: English
Annual fees: MUR 300,000–500,000 (approximately USD 6,800–11,400)

Northfields is Mauritius' premier IB World School and the institution most frequently chosen by internationally mobile families. The school occupies a stunning 12-acre campus surrounded by sugarcane fields, with modern science laboratories, art studios, a swimming pool, and extensive sports facilities.

The IB Diploma Programme is globally recognised and particularly valued by universities in the UK, US, Canada and Europe. Northfields' DP results have been consistently above the global average, with several students scoring 40+ points (out of 45) in recent cohorts.

Best for: Globally mobile families seeking a curriculum recognised by top universities worldwide; families who value inquiry-based, holistic education.

Considerations: The fees are at the higher end of the Mauritian market. The location in the north means families based in the south or west may face a significant commute — though the school operates a comprehensive bus service.

"What sold us on Northfields was the combination of academic rigour and genuine pastoral care. Our daughter thrived in a way she simply hadn't in her London school — smaller classes, closer teacher relationships, and the confidence that comes from being known." — A British mother of two, relocated from Kensington

Clavis International Primary School — The British Foundation

Location: Moka
Curriculum: British National Curriculum (Early Years Foundation Stage through Key Stage 2)
Language of instruction: English (with French as a core subject)
Annual fees: MUR 200,000–350,000 (approximately USD 4,500–8,000)

Clavis is a relatively newer entrant to the Mauritian education scene but has quickly established itself as the go-to British primary school. The campus in Moka is purpose-built, with bright, airy classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, a library, and dedicated areas for music and art.

The school follows the English National Curriculum with adaptations for the Mauritian context, and places strong emphasis on bilingualism — French is taught from the earliest years. Class sizes are deliberately kept small (typically 15–20 students), allowing for highly personalised instruction.

Best for: British and international families with children aged 3–11 who want a solid British foundation with bilingual development.

Considerations: Clavis currently only covers primary years. Parents will need to plan for secondary transition — typically to Northfields (IB), Le Bocage, or an overseas boarding school.

Le Bocage International School — The Bilingual Bridge

Location: Moka
Curriculum: Bilingual (French and English), with Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level pathways
Language of instruction: French and English (dual-medium)
Annual fees: MUR 150,000–400,000 (approximately USD 3,400–9,100)

Le Bocage occupies a unique position in the Mauritian education landscape: it is genuinely bilingual. Students are taught in both French and English throughout their school career, and by the time they sit their Cambridge IGCSEs, they are fluent and literate in both languages — a powerful asset in an increasingly interconnected world.

The school's campus in Moka is well-equipped, with science labs, a performing arts centre, sports fields, and a modern library. Academic results are strong, with consistently high IGCSE pass rates and a growing number of students proceeding to top universities in the UK, France, Canada and Australia.

Best for: Families who want their children to be truly bilingual; families of mixed French-English backgrounds; those who value the Cambridge pathway but also want French-language immersion.

Considerations: The dual-medium approach is demanding. Children who arrive with limited French (or limited English) may need additional support in the first year.

Other Notable Schools

• École du Nord: A well-regarded French-system primary and secondary school in the north (Mapou), part of the AEFE network alongside La Bourdonnais. More accessible for families based in Grand Baie.
• Lighthouse School: A smaller, independent school offering the Cambridge curriculum with a focus on holistic development and outdoor education.
• Alexandra House: A boutique British nursery and primary school in Grand Baie, popular with expat families in the north.

Fee Comparison at a Glance

Note: Fees are indicative for the 2025–2026 academic year and may vary by grade level. Registration fees, uniforms, transport and lunch are typically additional.

The Admissions Process

Admissions timelines in Mauritius broadly follow two cycles:

• September intake (main): Applications typically open in January and close by March–April. Offers are made by May.
• January intake (secondary): Some schools accept mid-year entrants, subject to availability. This is more common at primary level.

What to Expect

1. Application form and documentation: Completed application, passport copies, previous school reports (2–3 years), birth certificate, immunisation records.
2. Assessment: Most schools conduct an entrance assessment — typically in English and mathematics, and sometimes French. For younger children, this may take the form of a play-based observation session.
3. Interview: A family interview or meeting with the head of school is standard at most international schools.
4. Trial day: Some schools invite prospective students for a trial day or half-day to assess fit.
5. Offer and acceptance: Offers are conditional on receipt of all documents and payment of a registration/enrolment fee (typically non-refundable, ranging from MUR 15,000–50,000).

Timing tip: If you are planning a September move, begin the school application process no later than January. Popular schools — especially Northfields and Le Bocage — fill quickly, and waitlists are common for certain year groups.

Extracurricular Activities

Mauritian international schools offer a broad range of extracurricular activities, though the scale is naturally smaller than what you might find in London, Singapore or Dubai. Typical offerings include:

• Sports: Swimming, football, basketball, athletics, tennis, sailing (particularly at coastal schools), horse riding (partnerships with local stables)
• Arts: Music (individual and ensemble), drama, visual arts, photography
• Academic enrichment: Model United Nations, debate, coding clubs, science Olympiads
• Community service: Beach cleanups, tutoring programmes, charity drives — an integral part of the IB curriculum at Northfields
• Outdoor education: Hiking, kayaking, snorkelling — Mauritius' natural environment is itself a classroom

Several schools also offer Duke of Edinburgh's International Award programmes, which are particularly valued by UK university admissions.

School Transport

Most international schools operate dedicated bus services covering major residential areas. Routes typically serve:

• Grand Baie / Péreybère / Trou aux Biches (north)
• Port Louis / Baie du Tombeau
• Moka / Ébène / Quatre Bornes (central plateau)
• Flic en Flac / Tamarin / Black River (west)

Bus fees range from MUR 30,000–60,000 per year (USD 680–1,370). Many families, particularly those in the west or south, opt for private drivers — a common and affordable arrangement in Mauritius, with a dedicated driver costing approximately MUR 15,000–25,000 per month.

Beyond Academics: The Mauritian Advantage

There is something that no prospectus can fully convey: the effect of growing up in Mauritius. Children here are exposed to a cultural richness that few islands — or indeed countries — can match. They celebrate Diwali, Eid, Chinese New Year and Christmas. They learn to navigate multiple languages organically. They grow up in nature — swimming, surfing, hiking — with a physical freedom that is increasingly rare in urban environments.

The social environment in Mauritian international schools is notably inclusive. Class sizes are small enough that every child is known by name, by every teacher. Bullying, while not absent, is taken seriously and addressed quickly. The expat community is tight-knit, and parents often find that the school becomes the nucleus of their social life on the island.

For teenagers, the transition can be more complex. Mauritius is a small island, and adolescents accustomed to the stimulation of a major city may initially find it limiting. However, most families report that within 6–12 months, their teenagers have adjusted — and many actively resist the idea of leaving.

"Our son was 14 when we moved, and he was furious. Within a year, he had joined the sailing team, made friends from six different countries, and told us this was the best thing we'd ever done. I still get emotional thinking about it." — A South African father, relocated from Johannesburg

Planning Your Child's Education Journey

Here is a suggested approach for families planning a relocation with school-age children:

1. Start early: Begin researching schools 12–18 months before your intended move date.
2. Visit in person: Schedule school tours during a reconnaissance trip. Meet teachers, observe classes, talk to current parents.
3. Consider the long game: Think about where your child will sit their final examinations and apply to university. Choose a curriculum that aligns with their likely higher education destination.
4. Plan for transitions: If your child is entering a new language of instruction, ask about support programmes (EAL — English as an Additional Language, or FLE — Français Langue Étrangère).
5. Budget realistically: Factor in not just tuition but transport, uniforms, lunches, extracurriculars, and potential tutoring.

Final Word

Mauritius may not have the vast school ecosystems of Singapore or Dubai, but what it offers is arguably more valuable: intimate, high-quality education in a safe, multicultural environment where children can genuinely thrive. The schools listed here are staffed by dedicated educators, supported by engaged parent communities, and set against a backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty. For families willing to embrace a smaller scale, the rewards are immense.

Your child's education is not a detail of your relocation — it is the foundation. Choose wisely, visit thoroughly, and trust that Mauritius will deliver far more than you expect.