Funding higher education as a Mauritian student
In Mauritius, a first degree at a public university is free for HSC holders; bank student loans are mainly used for private or overseas study, alongside State scholarships for laureates and foundation awards such as the one from SBM.
Free tuition at public universities
In 2019 the government restored free tuition for a first degree at public institutions, including the University of Mauritius at Reduit, the University of Technology, Mauritius and the Open University. Students must hold a full Higher School Certificate.
What free tuition does not cover
Even without tuition fees, students must pay for transport, meals, a computer, books and sometimes accommodation near campus. These costs, amounting to a few thousand rupees a month, fall on families or have to be covered by a loan.
State scholarships for laureates
The best results in the Higher School Certificate earn laureate scholarships that fund studies abroad. Other public scholarships, awarded on social criteria or in priority fields, are announced every year by the Ministry of Education for eligible students.
SBM Scholarship Scheme and private awards
The SBM foundation funds students under 25 from households whose monthly income does not exceed Rs 50,000, for a first degree recognised by the Higher Education Commission. More than 2,700 scholarships have been awarded so far.
Education loans from commercial banks
The major banks, led by MCB and SBM, offer loans to cover tuition fees and living costs, particularly for study abroad. The loan is usually taken out by the parents or with their guarantee, since the student has no income.
Studying in France, Australia or India
Many young Mauritians go abroad to study in France, the United Kingdom, Australia, India or Reunion Island. The loan must then cover costs in euros, pounds or Australian dollars, exposing the family to movements in the rupee.
Guarantees required from parents
For a large education loan, the bank may ask for a mortgage on the family home, a pledge over savings or life insurance. Parents' income is assessed as for a personal loan in Mauritius, including an MCIB check.
Deferred repayment during studies
Some offers include a deferral period during studies, with only interest payable. Capital repayment then begins, often when the graduate returns to Mauritius or lands a first job, depending on the terms negotiated with the bank.
Private institutions and vocational training
Private institutions recognised by the Higher Education Commission do not benefit from public free tuition. Families then fund the fees through instalments, savings or a bank loan, after checking that the programme is properly accredited.
Student visas and proof of funds
Consulates often require proof of funds before issuing a student visa. A loan approval letter or savings statement from a Mauritian bank can serve as evidence, provided the money is actually available when the student needs it.
Before the HSC: private tuition and school costs
Spending starts well before university, with private tuition and HSC preparation. Solutions for those years are described on the school loans in Mauritius page, a useful complement when planning the family budget.
Malagasy and Mauritian students: two realities
In Madagascar, bank student loans remain rare and many young people also leave to study in Mauritius or France. The student loans in Madagascar page presents the options available on the other side of the channel.
Financing higher education from Mauritius
- Check whether the first degree you want is free at a Mauritian public institution.
- Apply for State scholarships and private awards such as the SBM Scholarship Scheme within the announced deadlines.
- Estimate the full budget: tuition, accommodation, transport, health insurance and airfare for study abroad.
- Compare bank education loans, looking at deferral, term and the guarantees required from parents.
- Obtain the loan approval letter for the student visa application.
- Plan how repayments will be made on return or from the first job.
Study budget and funding for a Mauritian student
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition for a public first degree | Free | Subject to a full HSC |
| Living costs in Mauritius | A few thousand rupees a month, indicative | Transport, meals, materials |
| Studying abroad | Variable, in foreign currency | Country, institution, accommodation |
| Bank education loan rate | Indicative, specific to each bank | Guarantees and deferral |
| Loan-linked life insurance | Premium based on borrower's age | Often required |
Documents for an education loan in Mauritius
- Identity card of the student and the borrowing parent
- Admission letter from the institution
- Statement of tuition fees
- HSC certificate or transcript
- Parents' payslips
- Household bank statements
- Title deed if a mortgage is involved
Costly mistakes when funding studies
- Enrolling at a private institution not recognised by the Higher Education Commission, then finding the degree carries little value.
- Forgetting the exchange rate risk on a rupee loan used to pay fees in euros or pounds.
- Missing scholarship deadlines, such as that of the SBM Scholarship Scheme, because the application was not prepared in time.
- Mortgaging the family home in Curepipe or Quatre Bornes without a clear repayment plan for when the student returns.
- Paying an admissions agent met on social media who promises a guaranteed foreign scholarship in exchange for fees.
Lenders to contact
- MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank): Leading Mauritian commercial bank offering, among other products, a personal loan to help individuals finance their everyday projects.
- MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank): Leading commercial bank in Mauritius offering personal loans and home loans, including an online application process for housing loans for residents.
- MauBank: Mauritian commercial bank offering a range of loans for individuals as well as dedicated financing schemes for local small and medium enterprises.
Higher education and borrowing in Mauritius: answers
Is university free in Mauritius?
For a first degree at a public institution, tuition fees have been covered by the State since 2019, provided the student holds a full HSC. Living costs, materials and private or overseas study still have to be paid for.
Can a student borrow on their own?
Rarely. Without income, a student lacks the repayment capacity Mauritian banks require. The loan is therefore taken out by a parent or guaranteed by one, possibly with a mortgage or pledged savings as additional security.
Who can apply for the SBM scholarship?
The SBM Scholarship Scheme targets students under 25 from households with a monthly income of no more than Rs 50,000, enrolled full time in a first degree recognised by the Higher Education Commission.
Can an education loan be repaid after graduation?
Some banks grant a deferral during studies, with only interest payable. Conditions vary from one bank to another and should be negotiated before signing, especially for a long degree programme abroad.