Verified Facts
The education system in Reunion is based on the French model, with a strong emphasis on primary, secondary, and tertiary education, providing students with a wide range of opportunities to study and pursue their academic and professional goals.
Quick Facts
Education System Overview
The education system in Reunion is structured into three main levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Primary education, also known as école primaire, is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 11 and provides a foundation in basic subjects such as French, mathematics, and science. Secondary education, or collège, is also compulsory and lasts for four years, from ages 11 to 15, and provides students with a more specialized education in subjects such as languages, humanities, and sciences. Tertiary education, or lycée, is not compulsory but provides students with a range of academic and professional programs, including baccalauréat programs, which are highly regarded in France and other European countries.
The quality of education in Reunion is generally high, with a strong emphasis on academic rigor and intellectual curiosity. Public schools, or écoles publiques, are free and open to all students, while private schools, or écoles privées, offer a more specialized education and often have higher tuition fees. The education system in Reunion is also known for its bilingual programs, which provide students with the opportunity to learn French and other languages, such as English, Spanish, and Chinese.
The education system in Reunion is overseen by the Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale, which is responsible for setting educational policies and standards, as well as providing resources and support to schools and students. The ministry also provides a range of programs and initiatives to support students with special needs, as well as those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Top Universities
| University | Location | Known For | Est. Tuition (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Université de la Réunion | Saint-Denis | law, medicine, sciences | 1,500 |
| Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de la Réunion | Saint-Pierre | engineering, technology | 2,000 |
| École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales de la Réunion | Saint-Denis | social sciences, humanities | 1,000 |
| Université des Antilles | Saint-Pierre | business, economics | 1,500 |
| École Supérieure d'Ingénieurs en Informatique et Génie des Systèmes | Saint-Denis | computer science, engineering | 2,500 |
International Schools
- The International School of Reunion, located in Saint-Pierre, offers a range of programs, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the British curriculum.
- The American School of Reunion, located in Saint-Denis, offers a range of programs, including the American curriculum and the Advanced Placement (AP) program.
- The French International School, located in Saint-Pierre, offers a range of programs, including the French curriculum and the baccalauréat program.
- International schools in Reunion often have higher tuition fees than public schools, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per year.
- Many international schools in Reunion offer a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and arts programs.
Studying as a Foreigner
- To study in Reunion, 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 also demonstrate proficiency in French, which is the primary language of instruction in Reunion.
- A range of scholarships are available to foreign students, including the Erasmus Mundus scholarship program.
- Living costs for students in Reunion can range from $800 to $1,500 per month, depending on the location and lifestyle.
- Foreign students must also have health insurance, which can be purchased through a range of providers.
- The Campus France program provides a range of resources and support to foreign students, including assistance with visa applications and accommodation.
Education Quality & Challenges
- The education system in Reunion is known for its high quality and academic rigor, with a strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.
- However, the system also faces a range of challenges, including limited resources and inequality in access to education, particularly in rural areas.
- Recent reforms have aimed to address these challenges, including the introduction of new curricula and teacher training programs.
- The education system in Reunion is also known for its bureaucratic nature, which can make it difficult for students to navigate and access resources.
- Despite these challenges, the education system in Reunion remains highly regarded, with a range of international partnerships and exchange programs available to students.