The decision to enroll one's children in school in Mauritius must be made early.
Between French programs, British curricula, and bilingual schools, the best choice depends primarily on the child's age, the desired level of English, the annual budget, and the ease of admission. Tuition fees vary considerably depending on the level, nationality, and sometimes the specific program.
In practice, the annual cost can range from approximately Rs 156,000 in French, more than Rs 600,000 at the English-language secondary level for expatriates, even before adding entrance fees, transportation, meals, or certain activities.secondary.llbinternationalschool.mu)
Which school system should I choose in Mauritius?
The French-Mauritian network is part of the ecosystem of the’AEFE, The island has several French or affiliated schools, including Lycée La Bourdonnais, Lycée des Mascareignes, and École du Nord. International schools, on the other hand, tend to offer Cambridge and IB curricula, or bilingual programs with a stronger English focus.talents.aefe.fr)
- Choose the French program If you want to maintain a course close to the French system, with easier reintegration in France or another AEFE school, this is a consistent inference with the accreditation and French programs offered by schools in the network.
- Choose an English-speaking or bilingual school If your child needs to progress quickly in English or if you are aiming for a Cambridge or IB program, Northfields promotes Cambridge and IB, while Saint Exupéry emphasizes a bilingual and child-centered model.northfieldsinternational.school)
- Think about the daily commute In Mauritius, a good school is not just one that looks good on paper, but also one that is easily accessible every day. Schools document their admission requirements, waiting lists, and transportation arrangements in very concrete terms.ecoledunord.net)
If you are also preparing the overall budget for your installation, the Practical guides for expatriates help to frame other expenditure items, in a way that complements the choice of school.
French schools in Mauritius: key information and prices
In Mauritius, French schools remain a highly sought-after option for Francophone families, particularly for educational continuity, preparation for the baccalaureate, and the presence of bilingual staff. Lycée La Bourdonnais, for example, indicates that French is its primary language of instruction, with English as the central language from primary school onwards; École du Nord, for its part, announces enhanced French instruction in English and affiliation with the AEFE network.secondary.llbinternationalschool.mu)
Quick comparison of the most requested options
| Establishment | Academic profile | Published annual fees | In addition |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Bourdonnais High School | French program, main French program, strong English from primary school, British international sections. | From Rs 156,000 to Rs 226,000 depending on the level in 2026-2027. | Additional services, cultural and sporting activities, BIA preparation and entry fees. |
| Northern School | French international school, enhanced English, from 3 to 15 years old. | From Rs 162,250 to Rs 262,450 depending on level and nationality in 2026-2027. | First registration fees, deposit fund, insurance, teaching materials, canteen and external transport. |
| Northfields International School | Cambridge Assessment International Education and IB. | Rs 211,200 in Year 1 Mauritian; Rs 311,300 in Year 1 expatriate; up to Rs 605,000 in Years 7-11 expatriate. | Application fee, inception fees, deposit, books, school resources levy, Ed-Tech, camp and possibly EAL/SEN. |
| Saint Exupéry International School | Bilingual school with small group sizes and a tailor-made bilingual syllabus. | Rs 222,000 per year for 2026-2027. | Registration fee of Rs 40,000, refundable deposit of Rs 37,000; books and insurance included.en.seis.mu) |
Lycée La Bourdonnais: the benchmark of the French curriculum
THE La Bourdonnais High School It remains one of the historical benchmarks of the French network in Mauritius. The school, accredited by the AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad), offers a continuous curriculum through to the final year of secondary school and a strong emphasis on multilingualism. For 2026-2027, the official fee schedule announces annual fees of Rs 156,000 in pre-elementary school, Rs 175,000 in elementary school, Rs 208,000 at school and Rs 226,000 at the high school. The financial regulations also provide for additional activities and services, which must be included in the overall budget.
In short, LLB is well-suited to families who want a truly French educational path while maintaining a strong bilingual environment. It's also an attractive option if you're looking for a recognized, stable, and easily accessible institution for further studies.
Northern School: French, advanced English, and highly competitive admissions.
L'’Northern School presents itself as a French international school for children aged 3 to 15, accredited for its enhanced English language instruction and a member of the AEFE network. Its website indicates a surge in applications and early waiting lists for certain grade levels for 2026/27. Fees for 2026-2027 range from Rs 162,250 à Rs 262,450 depending on level and nationality, plus an annual deposit fund of Rs 6,200 and annual insurance Rs 500.
This school is particularly appealing to families seeking a balance between a strong French foundation and enhanced English. The key, however, is to plan ahead: the school recommends starting the application early, especially if the child is transferring from another school system, as paid placement tests are then required.
English-language and international schools: budgets and specific characteristics
Mauritian English-language and international schools are distinguished primarily by their exposure to English, their Cambridge or IB curricula, and their often higher cost structure at the secondary level. Northfields emphasizes Cambridge and the IB, while Saint Exupéry features a bilingual approach with small groups and a more compact system.
Northfields International School: the biggest gap between local and expatriate
Northfields publishes differentiated rates for Mauritian and expatriate families. For 2026-2027, the annual cost in Year 1 is Rs 211,200 for Mauritians and Rs 311,300 for expatriates; in secondary schools, the bill can reach Rs 605,000 in Years 7-11 for expatriates. The school also adds an application fee, inception fees, a refundable deposit, resource fees, books, Ed-Tech fees and a school camp.northfields.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com)
The key takeaway is simple: Northfields may be suitable for families seeking a highly structured international program, but it's important to understand that the overall cost often exceeds the advertised tuition fees. Additional fees and the deposit can add up significantly from the first year.
Saint Exupéry International School: a more accessible bilingual option
Saint Exupéry International School, in Grand Baie, displays annual fees for 2026-2027 of Rs 222,000, including insurance and school supplies, with a non-refundable registration fee of Rs 40,000 and a refundable deposit of Rs 37,000. The school presents itself as bilingual and student-centered, with a small group model.
This formula is often simpler to read for budgeting purposes, as several items are already included in the annual bill. However, it's essential to check the admission requirements and available places from the outset.en.seis.mu)
Actual budget: the visible expenses and those we often forget
The true cost is never limited to tuition fees. Between entrance fees, refundable deposits, cafeteria, transportation, activities, uniforms, and language support, the annual budget can quickly become significant. École du Nord, for example, specifies that school meals are not free, transportation is not provided by the school, and families must use approved private carriers. Northfields adds fees for EAL/SEN support, books, Ed-Tech, and school camps, while LLB charges for certain additional activities and services.ecoledunord.net)
- The canteen This could be a significant factor. At the École du Nord, for example, the meal ticket system includes meal vouchers. Rs 900 for kindergarten and Rs 975 for primary or secondary school, on 5 tickets.
- Transportation is often outsourced. At the École du Nord, it relies on private carriers, with an organization independent of the institution.ecoledunord.net)
- Activities They often add an annual supplement. For example, the LLB announces cultural and sporting activities at Rs 1,700, while Northfields charges for a school camp and some digital resources.
- Educational support may also be charged. Northfields indicates specific monthly rates for EAL and special educational needs depending on the level of support.northfields.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com)
When creating your budget, keep one simple rule in mind: always compare the total cost of the first year, not just the annual tuition fee. That's often where the real difference lies.
How to choose between a French school and an English-speaking international school?
The best choice depends on your family's plans. If you envision returning to France, if you want to maintain the structure of the French education system, or if your child is already well-established in a French-language program, the AEFE option is often the most natural. If, on the other hand, your priority is English, access to Cambridge or the IB, or a more direct transition to an international environment, English-language schools are the better option. This interpretation remains a practical inference based on the curricula and schedules published by the schools.
- Look at your child's actual language level, not just the 2-year objective. A very English-speaking school can be ideal for some profiles and too demanding for others.
- Evaluate school continuity Primary school, middle school, high school and the transition to the baccalaureate or an international diploma are not experienced in the same way.
- Anticipate the available space, because some schools are in high demand and may impose a waiting list or placement tests.
- Compare the overall bill at an equivalent level, because extras can increase the bill by several tens of thousands of rupees.
Procedures and documents: what you need to prepare
The procedures vary depending on the school, but they almost always involve a complete application, a form, academic or medical documents, and, in some cases, an entrance exam. For example, École du Nord requires an application form, medical information, and placement tests for students transferring from another system; Northfields uses a multi-stage application process and an entrance assessment; Saint Exupéry requires a signed admission form; and LLB also specifies, for re-enrollments, a photo, identification documents, a birth certificate, and proof of address.
- Prepare the official forms of the school in question and fill them out without delay.
- Gather the school documents, including recent report cards or transcripts if the school requests them.
- Add the medical parts when the institution requires them, especially for the admission or re-registration file.
- Anticipate the tests if the child is coming from another system or if the school requires a level assessment.
- Reserve the confirmation budget, because some schools require prompt payment of entrance fees to secure a place.
FAQs about schooling for children in Mauritius
What are the best AEFE French schools in Mauritius and what are their annual fees?
While a single ranking cannot be established, the most reliable benchmarks are often Lycée La Bourdonnais, École du Nord, and Lycée des Mascareignes for secondary education. LLB lists fees for 2026-2027 ranging from Rs 156,000 to Rs 226,000 depending on the grade level, while École du Nord publishes a fee schedule ranging from Rs 162,250 to Rs 262,450 depending on the grade level and nationality. For French secondary education, Lycée des Mascareignes also offers a specific official fee schedule.
How much do international schools cost in Mauritius and what additional fees should be expected?
International schools can be significantly more expensive, especially for expatriates. Northfields, for example, advertises Rs 311,300 for Year 1 expatriate and up to Rs 605,000 for secondary expatriate, plus application fees, inception fees, deposit, books, Ed-Tech, camp, and optional language support. Saint Exupéry lists Rs 222,000 per year, but adds a registration fee of Rs 40,000 and a deposit of Rs 37,000, even though insurance and materials are included.northfields.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com)
How to choose between a French AEFE school and an English-speaking international school for my children in Mauritius?
The right choice depends primarily on your family's goals. If you're looking for continuity with the French system, the AEFE network and the French Baccalaureate remain solid options. If your priority is English, Cambridge, or the IB, an international school will often be more suitable. You should also consider your child's current language level, the distance between home and school, the existence of waiting lists, and the total cost, not just the advertised annual fees.
Do tuition fees in Mauritius vary depending on expatriate vs. local status?
Yes, very often. Northfields publishes separate fee schedules for Mauritian and expatriate families, and École du Nord also applies different rates depending on nationality and certain prior schooling. Lycée La Bourdonnais also uses a tiered pricing system. To obtain an accurate estimate, you should always request the official fee schedule corresponding to the child's grade level, nationality, and previous academic record.
What are the procedures and documents required to enroll a child in a French or English-speaking school in Mauritius?
Most schools require an application form, academic records, sometimes a medical file, and then an assessment or placement test. École du Nord requires a complete application and tests for students transferring from another system; Northfields has a multi-stage admissions process involving an application and assessment; Saint Exupéry requires a signed application form; Lycée La Bourdonnais lists, among other things, a photo, identification documents, a birth certificate, and proof of address for re-enrollments.
And now ?
If you are planning to move abroad or change schools in Mauritius, the most effective approach is to compare budgets and admission timelines now. For more information, consult the Expat Mauritius practical guides, return to the EXPAT MAURITIUS homepage And, if you wish to understand the site's editorial framework, also read the legal notices.
