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

The education system in Marshall Islands is a developing sector that offers a range of educational opportunities, from primary to tertiary levels, with a focus on improving the quality and accessibility of education for its population.

Quick Facts

Literacy Rate98.5%
School System12 years of compulsory education
Language of InstructionMarshallese and English
Academic CalendarSeptember to May
International Schoolslimited
Top University Rankingranked among the top universities in the Pacific region

Education System Overview

The education system in Marshall Islands is structured into three main levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 14 and is provided by the government. Secondary education is also compulsory and is provided by both public and private schools. The quality of education in Marshall Islands is improving, with a focus on increasing access to education, particularly in rural areas. The public education system is the largest provider of education, but there are also several private schools that offer alternative educational options. The Ministry of Education is responsible for overseeing the education system and implementing policies to improve the quality of education.

The education system in Marshall Islands faces several challenges, including a lack of resources, limited access to education in rural areas, and a shortage of qualified teachers. Despite these challenges, the government is committed to improving the education system and has implemented several initiatives to increase access to education and improve the quality of education. For example, the government has introduced a school feeding program to improve nutrition and attendance among school children.

The tertiary education sector in Marshall Islands is small, but it is growing. The College of the Marshall Islands is the only public college in the country and offers a range of programs, including associate's degrees and certificate programs. There are also several private colleges and universities that offer bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. The tertiary education sector is focused on providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce and to contribute to the development of the country.

Top Universities

UniversityLocationKnown ForEst. Tuition (USD/year)
College of the Marshall IslandsMajuroassociate's degrees, certificate programs2,000
University of the South PacificMajurobachelor's degrees, master's degrees5,000
Marshall Islands High SchoolMajurosecondary education-
Assumption High SchoolMajurosecondary education-
Northern Islands High SchoolWotjesecondary education-
Kwajalein High SchoolKwajaleinsecondary education-

International Schools

  • The Marshall Islands has a limited number of international schools, with most schools following the American curriculum.
  • The Majuro Cooperative School is a private school that offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
  • The Kwajalein School is a private school that offers a US-based curriculum.
  • International schools in Marshall Islands are generally expensive, with tuition fees ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per year.
  • The Marshall Islands International School is a new school that offers a British curriculum and is located in Majuro.

Studying as a Foreigner

  • To study in Marshall Islands, foreign students need to obtain a student visa, which can be obtained from the Marshall Islands Immigration Office.
  • Foreign students need to meet the English language requirements of the university or college they wish to attend.
  • There are several scholarships available for foreign students, including the Pacific Islands Scholarship and the Marshall Islands Scholarship.
  • The cost of living in Marshall Islands is relatively high, with rent ranging from $500 to $1,000 per month.
  • Foreign students need to have health insurance to study in Marshall Islands.
  • The Ministry of Education provides support services for foreign students, including orientation programs and academic advising.

Education Quality & Challenges

  • The education system in Marshall Islands faces several challenges, including a lack of resources and infrastructure.
  • The country has a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in rural areas.
  • The education system is focused on improving the quality of education, with a emphasis on literacy and numeracy.
  • The government has implemented several initiatives to improve the education system, including the Education Sector Plan.
  • The College of the Marshall Islands has introduced several new programs to improve the quality of education, including a teacher training program.