Financing for equity in higher education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
Between 2011 and 2024, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education in Mauritius increased from 16.45% to 45.78%. Over the same period, initial government funding per tertiary student declined from 24.65% to 9.84% of GDP per capita, while data on initial household funding were not available.
Tuition-free status
According to the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, tuition at public higher education institutions is free for Mauritian citizens. With the introduction of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) in 2019, students enrolled in their first-award certificate, diploma, or degree programs at publicly funded educational institutions benefit from free tuition, regardless of whether the studies are full-time or part-time or through distance/blended learning. While students are exempt from paying tuition fees, they are still required to pay a capped administration fee. The exemption does not apply to international students and for dual-campus or collaborative programs with foreign institutions.
Governance
As described in the Higher Education Act 2017, the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research is the primary responsible body with overall responsibility for the financing and strategic direction of the higher education sector. Under the ministry, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) serves as the statutory authority mandated to implement funding policy, allocate public resources to higher education institutions, and oversee their financial and institutional performance. The ministry also formulates policies and criteria for the regulation of higher education, including guidelines for institutional planning, funding frameworks, and research development.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
There are no funding mechanisms for transferring higher education resources to local government in Mauritius, as the system is fully centralised. Under the Higher Education Act 2017, public higher education institutions receive funds directly from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), which is responsible for determining funding amounts using national funding mechanisms, developing funding implementation details, and monitoring institutional performance against specified outcomes.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
There is no evidence of public funding being provided to private universities in Mauritius, even in areas where no public university is available. Under the Higher Education Act 2017, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) allocates funds only to public higher education institutions, defined explicitly as public Tertiary Education Institutions (TEIs).
Allocation and equity
There is no evidence of equity-targeted funding for specific groups of students, as allocations are made to institutions. Government subsidies for public higher education institutions are allocated through an annual grant system covering both recurrent and capital expenditure. Institutions do not receive funding through a formula-based model; instead, each public institution submits its budget annually for review, and allocations are determined centrally based on these submissions. However, ongoing policy recommendations incorporate principles of performance-based funding to ensure the optimal use of limited public resources.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
There is no evidence of specific admission criteria for vulnerable groups. Entry into higher education is merit-based, relying on academic qualifications such as the SC (O-Level) and HSC (A-Level) obtained through the national system.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Scholarships to Children from Vulnerable Families
Administered by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, the Scholarships to Children from Vulnerable Families Scheme provides targeted financial support for higher education to learners from low-income households registered under the Social Register of Mauritius. The scholarship is open to Mauritian citizens who meet the income threshold and academic requirements for admission to accredited undergraduate, professional or TVET programmes at recognised local institutions. It covers tuition and institutional fees as well as a monthly stipend and, for students from Rodrigues and the Outer Islands, additional support for accommodation and travel. For instance, in 2025, the scheme made provision for Mauritian candidates to receive an annual living allowance of Rs 100,000 and tuition fee support of up to Rs 225,000 per academic year for a maximum of four years, while candidates from Rodrigues and the Outer Islands are provided with a monthly allowance of Rs 12,000, similar tuition fee support, an additional Rs 50,000 for board and lodging, and one return economy airfare or ship journey per academic year.
Scholarships to Learners with Disabilities
Administered by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, the scheme provides targeted financial assistance to Mauritian learners with certified disabilities who enrol in accredited undergraduate, professional or TVET programmes. The scheme covers tuition fees and offers a monthly stipend, with additional support for students from Rodrigues and the Outer Islands. Eligibility is limited to first-year students enrolled in accredited programmes and not receiving other scholarships, with applications regulated through documented disability certification, programme accreditation requirements and annual academic progression. For the 2025/2026 edition, five scholarships are awarded with the scholarship covering tuition fees and providing a monthly allowance of Rs 7,500, up to a maximum of Rs 400,000 per year for Mauritian students. For students from Rodrigues and the Outer Islands, the scheme covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend of Rs 12,000, capped at Rs 454,000, along with one return economy airfare or ship journey per academic year between the student’s place of residence and Mauritius.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
Mauritius provides transportation support for higher education students through the Government’s Free Transport Scheme, which is coordinated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Full-time tertiarystudents, including international learners, are eligible if they are enrolled in accredited programmes at HEC-registered institutions, attend daytime classes and are not employed or receiving another scholarship. Additionally, taxi fares are reimbursed for university students with severe disabilities who are unable to use ordinary means of transport.
Accommodation
No evidence was found of any government subsidies or support for accommodation in higher education.
Textbooks
No evidence was found of any government support for textbooks in higher education. Textbook costs are generally covered within broader scholarship packages rather than through a standalone support programme.
This profile was reviewed by Dr. Nazia Abdoula-Dhuny, Individual contributor.
