Choosing a school in Mauritius means choosing a system… and a budget.
If you are looking for a clear view of the French and international schools in Mauritius, their options (French program, IB, Cambridge, bilingual) and their tuition, You're in the right place. In practice, the annual tuition fees observed in the published fee schedules for 2025/2026–2027 range from approximately 150,000 Rs à over 600,000 Rs depending on the institution, the level, and sometimes the nationality.ecoledunord.net)
Note : The rates change every year. For the amounts below, I systematically specify the year and the source (document “fees”, financial regulations, or page “fees”).
To prepare for your installation, you can also consult the Expat Mauritius website (comprehensive expatriation support: permits/visas, accommodation, schools, banking, insurance, etc.).
Understanding the major educational options in Mauritius
1) Schools with French curriculum (AEFE network / accreditation)
These schools follow the French national education curriculum, with a focus on continuity (return to France, further studies in Europe, easier pathways). The network of French schools abroad (EFE) is structured around accredited schools, with support and quality requirements defined by the AEFE.aefe.gouv.fr)
2) International schools (English, Cambridge, IB…)
Most of the institutions offered are English-language programs. Cambridge/IGCSE, IB (International Baccalaureate) or “international curriculum” models. The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year course, generally intended for 16-19 year olds, recognized in many countries.en.wikipedia.org)
3) A key point in Mauritius: the prices for “Mauritians/French” vs. “other nationalities”
Several schools publish separate fee schedules (citizen/non-citizen, Mauritian/French/other). For example, some schedules specify criteria and supporting documents for accessing "Mauritian rates" (citizenship, length of residence, diaspora visa, etc.).northfields.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com)
French schools (French curriculum): main options and fees
Lycée La Bourdonnais (LLB): fees 2025/2026 (extracts)
The LLB publishes a pro forma invoice schedule for re-enrollment in 2025/2026. For information purposes, the tuition fees 2025/2026 displayed are: Pre-elementary 149,000 Rs, Elementary 165,000 Rs, College 194,000 Rs, High school 209,000 Rs. The document also mentions a 5% discount for full payment before a specified date, and "large family" allowances (3 children, 4 children).secondary.llbinternationalschool.mu)
Lycée des Mascareignes (LDM): fees 2025/2026 (depending on nationality and program)
The LDM displays a 2025/2026 tariff schedule (Appendix B) with separate amounts according to Nationality And sector. Example: “normal” track” 215,050 Rs (French/Mauritian) vs 263,175 Rs (other nationalities). The “International (SI/BFI)” track and the “Sport Studies” option have specific rates.lyceedesmascareignes.org)
École du Nord (Mapou): fees 2025/2026 (primary & secondary)
The École du Nord has published a PDF, “Amended Fees 17.01.25,” for 2025/2026. annual tuition fees (payable in 11 monthly installments) indicate, for example, for Mauritians and French : Preschool 151,610 Rs, Middle/Upper Kindergarten 175,390 Rs, College 196,173 Rs, And College – International Section 230,880 Rs. The document also lists some initial registration fees (e.g., GS 45,500 Rs, college 74,000 Rs), one annual deposit fund (6,200 Rs) and other annual fees (insurance, teaching materials, supplies).ecoledunord.net)
Note: the school reports an increase in applications and mentions waiting lists for certain levels (e.g., CE2 in 2025/26).ecoledunord.net)
École du Centre – Collège Pierre Poivre (Helvetia): fees 2025/2026
The 2025/2026 registration brochure provides very concrete guidelines: PSM/MSM 154,935 Rs, GSM & primary 179,275 Rs, secondary 204,635 Rs, with options (e.g., international section / school sports section) to 232,575 Rs annual according to the document. The brochure also mentions a registration fee (36,000 Rs) and a membership mechanism for the managing association (including a non-refundable “founding member” option at 60,000 Rs, subject to conditions).ecoleducentre.org)
Paul and Virginie School (Tamarin): 2025/2026 fees + required documents
The PDF “2025/2026 Rates” states: Initial registration fees: 55,000 Rs ; annual schooling PS/MS 162,470 Rs And GS/Elementary 170,590 Rs, payable over 10 months (September 2025 to June 2026). There is also mention of a deposit fund (5,000 Rs) and a contribution to additional costs (4,000 Rs). (ecole-pauletvirginie.com)
On the administrative side, the school specifies that for the non-Mauritians, a copy of residence permit / work permit / premium visa / EDB approval in principle must be provided before the start of the academic year, and the procedures require 1 to 3 months depending on the circumstances.ecole-pauletvirginie.com)
Saint Exupéry International School (Grand Baie): fees announced for 2026/2027
The “Tuition Fees” page displays annual fees 222,000 Rs, including insurance and school supplies, payable on 12 monthly payments From September 2026 to August 2027. Discounts are available (advance payment, siblings from 3 children).seis.mu)
And in the West? (projects to be verified depending on your year of arrival)
There are projects for schools with a French curriculum in the West, for example the’Western School, presented as aiming for eventual accreditation and as part of the development of French-language offerings in this area. Open levels, effective dates, and prices must be confirmed directly with the institution at the time of your registration.ecoledelouest.org)
International schools: examples of offers and fee levels
Northfields International School: “Expatriates” grids 2025/2026 (extracts)
Northfields publishes “Fees 2025–2026” PDFs by level. For expatriates, for example, you will find: Years 5–6: 300 Rs/year, Years 7–11: 559,900 Rs/year, Years 12–13: 608,300 Rs/year (with payment terms and additional fees mentioned: deposit, inception fees, book rental, ed-tech, camps…).northfields.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com)
Westcoast International Secondary School (WISS): citizen vs non-citizen (extracts)
The handbook/fee structure (2025) displays annual fees over 12 months (January to December) with distinction citizen / non-citizen. Examples: citizen Forms 1–3 222,000 Rs, Forms 4–5 238,800 Rs, Forms 6–7 286,800 Rs. Non-citizen: Forms 1–3 294,000 Rs, Forms 4–5 309,600 Rs, Forms 6–7 356,400 Rs. (cdnc.heyzine.com)
Greencoast International School: Example of costs 2026/2027 (published basis)
According to a fee summary page based on 2026/2027 rates, the approximate cost for a "Kindergarten 1" (3-year) program is 214,800 Rs/year (excluding one-time fees in the first year), and a first year that can reach 289,800 Rs with registration fees/resources included (for “other nationalities”, the page specifies that the fees differ for Mauritians).international-schools-database.com)
Practical tip: In Mauritius, availability (waiting lists) and "first-year fees" (deposit, registration, inception/enrollment fees) are often more important than the annual tuition alone. Plan your budget accordingly. 12 to 18 months and not just during the school year.
Comparative table of fees (published examples, by year)
Examples of tuition fees in Mauritius (MUR/Rs)
| Establishment | System | Year | Levels (examples) | Tuition fees displayed | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Bourdonnais High School | French program | 2025/2026 | Preschool → High School | 149,000 to 209,000 Rs/year | Options (e.g., international section) and discounts subject to conditions |
| Lycée des Mascareignes | French program | 2025/2026 | Normal / SI-BFI / Sport Studies | 215,050 to 358,325 Rs/year (depending on nationality & field of study) | Price list by nationality/sector |
| Northern School | French program | 2025/2026 | Preschool → Middle School | 151,610 to 240,769 Rs/year (depending on level & nationality) | Initial registration fees + deposit fund + additional costs |
| Centre School – Pierre Poivre College | French program | 2025/2026 | Preschool/Primary/Secondary | 154,935 to 232,575 Rs/year (depending on level/option) | Association membership and registration fees as indicated |
| Paul and Virginia School | French program | 2025/2026 | PS/MS & GS/Elementary | 162,470 to 170,590 Rs/year | Payment over 10 months + administrative requirements for non-Mauritians |
| Saint Exupéry International School | International Francophone | 2026/2027 | Annual fees announced | 222,000 Rs/year | Includes insurance and school supplies (as per page) |
| Northfields International School | International (English) | 2025/2026 | Expat Y5–6 / Y7–11 / Y12–13 | 300,300 to 608,300 Rs/year | Inception fees, deposit and possible additional charges |
| Westcoast International Secondary School | International (secondary) | 2025 | Citizen vs Non-citizen | 222,000 to 356,400 Rs/year | Monthly payments over 12 months (January–December) |
| Greencoast International School | International | 2026/2027 | Ex. Kindergarten 1 | 214,800 Rs/year (excluding one-time); 289,800 Rs the first year | Page detailing different fees for Mauritians vs. other nationalities |
Sources of the amounts in the table (published documents/pages): LLB (pro forma 2025/2026), LDM (Appendix B 2025/2026), EDN (Fees 2025/2026), EDC (brochure & rates 2025/2026), Paul & Virginie (rates 2025/2026), Saint Exupéry (fees page), Northfields (expat fees 2025/2026), WISS (structure fee 2025), Greencoast (base 2026/2027).secondary.llbinternationalschool.mu)
What costs should be expected beyond tuition fees?
To compare correctly, reason in terms of total annual cost, not just in “tuition”. Published documents often show separate lines:
- Initial registration fees / enrollment fees / inception fees (often non-refundable).ecoledunord.net)
- Deposit / Deposit Fund (sometimes refundable under certain conditions at the outset).ecoledunord.net)
- Accident insurance (often included or charged separately depending on the school).northfields.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com)
- Educational materials, supplies, digital resources, ed-tech. (ecoledunord.net)
- Canteen / meals Packages or booklets, depending on the establishment.ecoledunord.net)
- Transportation (bus, carpooling, private organization): rarely “all-inclusive”.secondary.llbinternationalschool.mu)
- Exams (IGCSE, IB, baccalaureate, etc.) and exam registration fees: often billed separately.secondary.llbinternationalschool.mu)
- Language support (EAL) or educational needs (SEN): sometimes as a monthly supplement.northfields.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com)
Two mini-examples to help you "budget" without making a mistake
Example A (international, expatriate): Northfields indicates an annual rate of Rs 559,900 for Years 7–11 (Expatriates), with an application fee of Rs 3,100, inception fees of Rs 69,600, and a deposit of Rs 152,700. first year (excluding additional costs such as books/ed-tech/camps) may therefore exceed 785,300 Rs based on these lines.northfields.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com)
Example B (French program): École du Nord charges 196,173 Rs/year for a “Mauritian/French” student at the secondary school, including a 74,000 Rs initial registration fee and a 6,200 Rs annual deposit (plus insurance/equipment/supplies as per the program). first year can therefore mechanically be higher than in subsequent years.ecoledunord.net)
How to choose the right school for your expatriation project
Language and continuity: “return to France” or “international career path”?
If you are planning a possible return to France or mobility within the EFE network, a school with a French program often facilitates continuity. For a more Anglo-Saxon project (international universities, English 100% environment), an international school (Cambridge/IB) may be more consistent.aefe.gouv.fr)
Location (North, Central, West) and daily logistics
In Mauritius, travel time is extremely important (traffic during rush hour). Before confirming a school "on paper," check the impact on your routine (morning drop-off, extracurricular activities, bus, etc.).
Availability and timing: apply early
Some schools are explicitly communicating about an increase in applications and waiting lists by grade level. If your goal is to start in August/September 2026 or 2027, applying early is a real advantage.ecoledunord.net)
Registration: checklist (documents, tests, permits)
- Compile the school file (report cards, deregistration certificate, identity documents, birth certificate).
- Check the positioning tests If the child comes from another system (French/English) — some schools indicate this from primary school onwards.ecole-pauletvirginie.com)
- Anticipating residency status Some schools require proof of permit/visa before the start of the academic year for non-Mauritian students, with a stated processing time of 1 to 3 months depending on the case.ecole-pauletvirginie.com)
- Budgeting for first-year expenses (registration, deposit, resources, etc.) before "reserving" a place.ecoledunord.net)
Grants and scholarships: what you need to know
Of the school scholarships may exist for the children of French nationality Students enrolled in schools within the AEFE network are eligible, subject to certain conditions (resources, assets) and according to an annual application process. For example, the Lycée des Mascareignes has announced an open application process for 2026/2027. November 3 to December 19, 2025, with a reminder of the conditions and potentially covered costs (tuition, initial registration, transport, half-board, maintenance).lyceedesmascareignes.org)
The Lycée La Bourdonnais also reminds students of the existence of a scholarship campaign and refers them to the French Embassy.secondary.llbinternationalschool.mu)
FAQ – French and international schools in Mauritius (options & fees)
What annual budget should be planned for a French school in Mauritius (French curriculum)?
In the published rankings, many schools with a French curriculum are located around 150,000 to 260,000 Rs/year depending on the level, with variations by institution and sometimes by nationality. For example, annual amounts for 2025/2026 are listed at Rs 151,610 (preschool, École du Nord – Mauritian/French) or Rs 215,050 (Lycée des Mascareignes, regular track – French/Mauritian). Then add the initial registration fees, deposits, insurance, supplies and options.ecoledunord.net)
Why do some schools charge less to Mauritians (or French people)?
In Mauritius, several institutions display different fee schedules (citizen/non-citizen, Mauritian/French/other). Documents may specify eligibility criteria (Mauritian passport, length of residence, diaspora visa, etc.) and sometimes require supporting documents. In practice, the difference can be significant, particularly in some international schools or institutions with a French curriculum. Before signing, request the fee schedule corresponding to your specific situation. your status and check the exact conditions.northfields.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com)
How to obtain an AEFE scholarship in Mauritius, and what are the key dates to remember?
AEFE scholarships generally concern children of French nationality Students enrolled in eligible schools receive these grants, which are awarded subject to certain conditions (income and assets). Applications are accepted annually, and incomplete applications may be rejected. For example, the Lycée des Mascareignes announced an open application period for 2026/2027. 03/11/2025 to 19/12/2025, with a reminder of the costs that can be covered (tuition, initial registration, transport, half-board, maintenance). Always check the campaign corresponding to your school year.lyceedesmascareignes.org)
Is a permit or visa required to enroll a foreign child in a private school in Mauritius?
The requirements vary by school, but some are very clear on this point. For example, École Paul et Virginie states that a copy of the residence permit/work permit/premium visa/EDB approval in principle is mandatory for non-Mauritian students before the start of the academic year, and that the process can take some time. 1 to 3 months. In practice, it's therefore best to synchronize your "permit" calendar and your "registration" calendar, especially if the targeted class is in demand.ecole-pauletvirginie.com)
French program or international school (IB/Cambridge): which to choose for a “mobile” education?
For a family planning to move between several countries, international schools (English, IB, Cambridge/IGCSE programs) can offer valuable continuity, especially if the child is already enrolled in an English-speaking system. Conversely, the French curriculum is often preferred if you want to maintain a path compatible with the French national education system and the possibility of returning to France. The best choice also depends on the child's age (transition from middle school to high school) and the budget, as international tuition fees can exceed 500,000 rupees per year depending on the level.en.wikipedia.org)
And now ?
If you're planning to move to Mauritius (family, permits, accommodation, schooling), it's best to coordinate everything on the same timeline. Expat Mauritius can assist you with a turnkey expatriation (including school guidance based on your location and status), as well as with the necessary settling-in procedures. To learn more, visit the page Living in Mauritius: turnkey expatriation and real estate and the expatriation guides, then contact the team via the website.
