Verified Facts

Official NameDepartment of Mayotte
CapitalMamoudzou
Population320,901
Area374.0 km²
LanguagesFrench
Currencyeuro (€)
TimezoneUTC+03:00
RegionAfrica / Eastern Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

The education system in Mayotte is based on the French model, with a strong emphasis on primary and secondary education, and offers various opportunities for students to pursue higher education in the territory or in mainland France.

Quick Facts

Literacy Rate77%
School System10 years of compulsory education
Language of InstructionFrench
Academic CalendarSeptember to July
International Schoolslimited
Top University Rankingranked among the top universities in the Indian Ocean region

Education System Overview

The education system in Mayotte is divided into three main stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Primary education, also known as enseignement primaire, is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 11 and is provided free of charge by the government. Secondary education, or collège, is also compulsory and caters to students between the ages of 11 and 15. Students who complete their secondary education can then pursue lycée education, which prepares them for the baccalauréat exam, a qualification that allows them to enter university. The quality of education in Mayotte is generally considered to be good, with a strong emphasis on the French curriculum and a high teacher-to-student ratio. However, the territory faces challenges in terms of limited resources and a lack of specialized programs.

The majority of schools in Mayotte are public, but there are also a few private schools that offer alternative educational programs. Public schools are free and open to all students, while private schools charge tuition fees and may have selective admission policies. The government of Mayotte has implemented various initiatives to improve the quality of education, including the introduction of new curriculum programs and the provision of training for teachers. Despite these efforts, the education system in Mayotte still faces challenges, including a high dropout rate and limited access to higher education opportunities.

The education system in Mayotte is overseen by the Rectorat de Mayotte, which is responsible for implementing national education policies and managing the territory's education budget. The Rectorat works closely with schools, teachers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the education system in Mayotte is of high quality and meets the needs of all students. Overall, the education system in Mayotte provides students with a solid foundation in the French curriculum and prepares them for further study or entry into the workforce.

Top Universities

UniversityLocationKnown ForEst. Tuition (USD/year)
Université de MayotteMamoudzoulaw, economics, and management1,500
Institut Universitaire de Technologie de MayotteMamoudzoutechnology and engineering1,800
École des Métiers de MayotteMamoudzouvocational training1,200
Centre de Formation des Enseignants de MayotteMamoudzouteacher training1,000
Institut Supérieur de Gestion et de Commerce de MayotteMamoudzoubusiness and management2,500

International Schools

  • The Lycée de Mayotte offers an international section with a curriculum based on the French baccalauréat and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma
  • The École Internationale de Mayotte provides an American-style curriculum and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
  • The Institut International de Mayotte offers a range of programs, including English-language courses and vocational training
  • International schools in Mayotte are relatively expensive, with tuition fees ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per year
  • The majority of international schools in Mayotte are located in the capital city of Mamoudzou, with a few smaller schools located in other parts of the territory

Studying as a Foreigner

  • To study in Mayotte, foreign students must obtain a student visa, which can be applied for at the French embassy or consulate in their home country
  • Foreign students must demonstrate proficiency in French, the language of instruction in Mayotte, and may be required to take a language proficiency test
  • The government of Mayotte offers scholarships to foreign students, including the Bourse du Gouvernement de Mayotte, which provides funding for tuition fees and living expenses
  • Living costs for students in Mayotte are relatively low, with a monthly budget of around $500 to $700 covering accommodation, food, and other expenses
  • Foreign students can apply to study at the Université de Mayotte or other institutions in the territory, and may be eligible for a range of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • The Campus France agency provides information and support to foreign students who wish to study in Mayotte or other parts of France

Education Quality & Challenges

  • The education system in Mayotte faces challenges in terms of limited resources and a lack of specialized programs, particularly in areas such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
  • The territory has a high dropout rate, with around 20% of students leaving school before completing their secondary education
  • The government of Mayotte has implemented various initiatives to improve the quality of education, including the introduction of new curriculum programs and the provision of training for teachers
  • The education system in Mayotte is also affected by the territory's geographical isolation, which can make it difficult for students to access higher education opportunities or participate in international programs
  • Despite these challenges, the education system in Mayotte has made significant progress in recent years, with improvements in literacy rates and student outcomes, and a growing number of students going on to pursue higher education or enter the workforce.