Studying in Mauritius: Top Universities, Scholarships, and International Student Experiences

# Studying in Mauritius: Top Universities, Scholarships, and International Student Experiences

Mauritius has long been celebrated as a paradise for sun-seekers and savvy investors, but a quieter revolution has been unfolding on the island: it is fast becoming one of Africa and the Indian Ocean's most compelling destinations for higher education. With world-class institutions, government-backed scholarships, and a quality of life that frankly puts most university towns to shame, Mauritius deserves serious consideration from international students — and from European families thinking about relocating.

A Growing Hub for Higher Education

The Mauritian government has made education a cornerstone of its **Economic Development Strategy**, positioning the island as a regional knowledge hub. Today, Mauritius is home to over 10 accredited higher education institutions, many offering internationally recognised degrees delivered in English or French — a significant draw for British and European students.

The **University of Mauritius (UoM)**, founded in 1965, is the flagship institution, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across engineering, law, management, science, and the arts. Its Réduit campus, set in the island's central plateau, is modern and well-equipped, with strong links to European research networks.

For technology and applied sciences, the **University of Technology Mauritius (UTM)** has built a solid reputation, particularly in ICT, logistics, and sustainable development — sectors aligned with the island's economic ambitions. Meanwhile, international branch campuses, including **Middlesex University Mauritius** and affiliates of French *grandes écoles*, bring globally benchmarked education directly to the island. For British students in particular, a Middlesex degree earned in Mauritius carries the same academic weight as one from the London campus — with considerably more sunshine.

Scholarships and Financial Support

One of the most compelling arguments for studying in Mauritius is the availability of financial support. The **Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme** is open to students from across the continent, but international programmes also exist for students from Europe and beyond.

The **Human Resource Development Council (HRDC)** administers several funding streams for postgraduate research, and many universities offer merit-based bursaries that significantly reduce tuition costs. Tuition fees at Mauritian institutions are notably lower than equivalent programmes in the UK, France, or Germany — often by a factor of two or three — making this a financially intelligent choice without sacrificing academic quality.

Students who qualify for Erasmus+ partnerships may also find Mauritius institutions listed as exchange destinations, enabling European students to spend a semester on the island with their home university's support.

The International Student Experience

Asking any international student about life in Mauritius, you'll hear a consistent theme: the island simply gets under your skin. The **multicultural fabric** of Mauritian society — where Creole, Hindi, French, and English are spoken within a single afternoon — creates an immersive, genuinely global environment that no campus in a single-culture country can replicate.

Student life extends well beyond lecture halls. Beaches such as **Flic en Flac** and **Belle Mare** are within easy reach of most campuses. The island's café culture, vibrant local markets, and outdoor activities — from snorkelling and kite-surfing to hiking the Black River Gorges National Park — mean weekends are never dull. Healthcare is reliable, public transport is affordable, and the crime rate is low, making it a reassuringly safe environment for families sending children to study abroad.

The **cost of living** is another significant advantage. Monthly student budgets can be managed comfortably for between €600–€900, covering accommodation, food, and leisure — a fraction of what the same lifestyle would cost in London or Paris.

Property Considerations for Families and Investors

For **European families** considering relocating alongside a student, or for investors recognising an emerging market opportunity, Mauritius's property landscape is particularly attractive. The island's **Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS)** and **Property Development Scheme (PDS)** allow foreign nationals to purchase residential properties, and doing so above certain thresholds grants eligibility for a **Mauritian Residence Permit**. This means a family could invest in a luxury villa near a university town like Réduit or Moka, support their child through their studies, and simultaneously build equity in one of the Indian Ocean's most resilient property markets.

The **Moka Smart City** corridor, in particular, has emerged as a hub of education, business, and residential development — a genuinely exciting area for forward-thinking investors.

Making the Move

Mauritius represents an increasingly sophisticated choice for international students seeking quality education within an exceptional living environment. Whether you are a student planning the next chapter of your academic journey, or a British or European family exploring the idea of a lifestyle relocation anchored by education, the island offers a rare combination of academic credibility, affordability, and extraordinary quality of life.

If you are considering making Mauritius your base — whether for study, family life, or investment — **PropertyFinder Mauritius** is your trusted starting point. Explore our curated listings of luxury villas, apartments, and investment properties, and let our expert team guide you through every step of your Mauritian property journey.