Verified Facts

Official NameRepublic of the Marshall Islands
CapitalMajuro
Population42,418
Area181.0 km²
LanguagesEnglish, Marshallese
CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)
TimezoneUTC+12:00
RegionOceania / Micronesia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Economic Indicators

GDP per Capita (PPP)$8,195 (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$894 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend1.1% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)7.7% (2022)
Source: World Bank Open Data

The cost of education in Marshall Islands varies depending on the type of institution, with public schools being generally free or subsidized, while private and international schools can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year.

Quick Facts

Education Spend (% GDP)7.7% (2022)
Literacy Rate98.5%
School System12 years of compulsory education
Academic Year10 months
CurrencyUSD

Education System Overview

The education system in Marshall Islands is overseen by the Ministry of Education, with a focus on providing free and compulsory education to all citizens. The system consists of primary, secondary, and post-secondary education, with the language of instruction being primarily Marshallese and English. Public schools in Marshall Islands are generally considered to provide a good quality education, although resources can be limited in some areas. Private schools, on the other hand, often have more resources and better facilities, but can be quite expensive. Compulsory education in Marshall Islands lasts for 12 years, from age 5 to 17. International schools are also available, although they are relatively rare and tend to cater to the children of expatriates and wealthy locals.

The quality of education in Marshall Islands is generally considered to be good, although there are some challenges, particularly in terms of resources and infrastructure. The country has made significant progress in recent years in improving its education system, with a focus on increasing access to education and improving the quality of teaching. However, there are still some challenges to be addressed, particularly in terms of providing equal access to education for all citizens, regardless of their location or background. The language of instruction in Marshall Islands is primarily Marshallese and English, although some schools may also offer instruction in other languages. International schools in Marshall Islands typically follow a curriculum based on the International Baccalaureate or US Common Core standards.

School Fees

School TypeAnnual Fee (USD)Notes
Public Primary$0 (free)Good quality, limited resources
Private Primary$500-$1,500Range by tier, better resources
Public Secondary$0 (free)Good quality, limited resources
Private Secondary$1,000-$3,000Range by tier, better resources
International School$5,000-$10,000IB or US Common Core curriculum

University Tuition

Institution TypeAnnual Tuition - Local (USD)Annual Tuition - International (USD)Notes
Public University$1,000-$2,000$2,000-$3,000Limited programs available
Private University$2,000-$5,000$3,000-$6,000More programs available
Top-Ranked University$3,000-$6,000$5,000-$10,000College of the Marshall Islands

Other Education Costs

ItemCost (USD)Notes
Preschool / Daycare (monthly)$100-$300Limited availability
Private Tutoring (per hour)$20-$50Limited availability
Language Course (monthly)$100-$300English or Marshallese
School Supplies (annual)$50-$100Basic supplies
School Uniform$20-$50Required for most schools

Education Quality & Tips

  • The College of the Marshall Islands is considered one of the top institutions for higher education in the country, offering a range of programs in fields such as business, education, and health sciences.
  • There are limited scholarship opportunities available for students in Marshall Islands, although some international organizations and governments may offer funding for students to study abroad.
  • Online learning options are becoming increasingly popular in Marshall Islands, with many institutions offering online courses and degree programs.
  • The quality of education in Marshall Islands is generally considered to be good, although there are some challenges, particularly in terms of resources and infrastructure.
  • For expats, the best schools are often international schools, which offer a curriculum based on US Common Core or International Baccalaureate standards.
  • It is recommended that students and families research schools thoroughly and plan ahead, as the education system in Marshall Islands can be complex and limited in terms of options.
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