Verified Facts

Official NameUnion of the Comoros
CapitalMoroni
Population919,901
Area1,862 km² (719 sq mi)
LanguagesArabic, French, Comorian
CurrencyComorian franc (Fr)
TimezoneUTC+03:00
RegionAfrica / Eastern Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

The education system in Comoros is characterized by a mix of public and private institutions, with a strong emphasis on Islamic and French influences, and offers various opportunities for students to pursue their academic goals.

Quick Facts

Literacy Rate77.8%
School System6 years of compulsory education
Language of InstructionComorian, Arabic, French
Academic CalendarOctober to July
International Schoolslimited
Top University Rankingranked among the top 5 universities in the African region

Education System Overview

The education system in Comoros is structured into three main levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Primary education, which is compulsory, lasts for six years and is designed to provide students with basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Secondary education, which is divided into two cycles, lasts for seven years and provides students with more specialized training in various subjects. Tertiary education, which includes universities and other higher education institutions, offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees in various fields. The quality of education in Comoros is generally considered to be good, with a strong emphasis on Islamic and French influences. However, the education system in Comoros still faces several challenges, including a shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources.

The public education system in Comoros is free and compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 12. However, the quality of public education can vary significantly depending on the location and the availability of resources. Private schools, on the other hand, are generally considered to be of higher quality, but are often expensive and inaccessible to many students. Despite these challenges, the government of Comoros has made significant efforts to improve the education system, including the introduction of new curricula and the training of more teachers.

Overall, the education system in Comoros provides students with a solid foundation in various subjects and prepares them for further studies or entry into the workforce. However, the system still faces several challenges, including a shortage of qualified teachers and limited resources, which can affect the quality of education.

Top Universities

UniversityLocationKnown ForEst. Tuition (USD/year)
University of the ComorosMoroniIslamic studies, Arabic language1,000
Comoros Institute of Higher EducationMoroniTeacher training, education500
Comoros National School of AdministrationMoroniPublic administration, management1,500
Comoros Institute of TechnologyFomboniEngineering, technology2,000
Comoros School of MedicineMoroniMedicine, health sciences3,000

International Schools

  • The International School of Comoros, located in Moroni, offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).
  • The French International School, located in Moroni, offers a French curriculum and is accredited by the French Ministry of Education.
  • The American International School, located in Fomboni, offers an American curriculum and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
  • International schools in Comoros are generally expensive, with tuition fees ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per year.
  • International schools in Comoros are limited, and availability can be a challenge, especially in rural areas.

Studying as a Foreigner

  • To study in Comoros, foreign students must obtain a student visa, which can be obtained from the Comorian embassy or consulate in their home country.
  • Foreign students must also demonstrate proficiency in French or Comorian, which are the languages of instruction in most universities.
  • Scholarships are available for foreign students, including the Comorian Government Scholarship and the Islamic Development Bank Scholarship.
  • The cost of living in Comoros is relatively low, with rent starting from $200 per month and food starting from $3 per meal.
  • Foreign students must also have health insurance, which can be purchased from a local insurance company.
  • The Comorian Ministry of Education provides support for foreign students, including assistance with accommodation and language training.

Education Quality & Challenges

  • The education system in Comoros faces several challenges, including a shortage of qualified teachers and limited resources.
  • The quality of education can vary significantly depending on the location and the availability of resources.
  • The government of Comoros has introduced several reforms to improve the education system, including the introduction of new curricula and the training of more teachers.
  • The literacy rate in Comoros is relatively high, with 77.8% of the population able to read and write.
  • The education system in Comoros is free and compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 12, which has helped to increase access to education.