Apply Now: Mauritius Government Scholarship: Complete Guide
When most people think about studying abroad on a fully funded government scholarship, their minds go straight to Europe, North America, or East Asia. Very few think of Mauritius. And that is exactly why this opportunity is so underrated and so worth talking about. The Mauritius Government Scholarship, officially known as the Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme (MASS), is a fully funded programme offered by the Government of the Republic of Mauritius to deserving students from African nations. It covers tuition, living expenses, and return airfare, all at no cost to the student.
This guide is going to walk you through everything you need to know about the Mauritius Government Scholarship. We will cover what it is, why Mauritius is an excellent destination for higher education, what the scholarship covers, who is eligible, which universities participate, what documents you need, how to apply step by step, and some practical tips to help your application succeed. Whether you are applying for an undergraduate diploma, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s programme, or a PhD, this article covers it all.
What Is the Mauritius Government Scholarship (MASS)?
The Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme, commonly referred to as MASS, is a bilateral scholarship programme established by the Government of the Republic of Mauritius. It is offered to students who are resident citizens of member states of the African Union or African Commonwealth countries. The programme is supervised by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research of Mauritius and is coordinated at the national level by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Mauritius.
The scholarship was created as part of Mauritius’s broader commitment to promoting capacity building across the African continent. Mauritius recognises that one of the greatest barriers to development in Africa is access to quality higher education. By offering fully funded places at its public universities, Mauritius aims to strengthen academic and professional ties with its African partners while giving talented young people a world-class education in a supportive and internationally connected environment.
The programme is aligned with Goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities. It reflects Mauritius’s investment in Africa’s human capital at the regional and continental level.
Each year, the Government of Mauritius issues a Call for Applications, which is then distributed to Nominating Agencies in eligible countries. These agencies, which are typically part of each country’s Ministry of Education, manage the national selection process before forwarding nominated candidates to Mauritius for final selection.
Why Study in Mauritius?
Mauritius is one of Africa’s most stable and well-developed economies, with a gross national income per capita of approximately USD 12,850. It consistently ranks among the top countries in Africa for governance, ease of doing business, and human development. But what makes it an excellent destination for higher education specifically?
First and foremost, the higher education system in Mauritius is modeled on the British university system. This means that academic programmes at Mauritian public universities follow international standards, and degrees earned there are recognised across the Commonwealth and in many countries worldwide. Courses at public institutions are primarily taught in English, which makes the transition easier for students from English-speaking African countries. French and Mauritian Creole are also widely spoken in everyday life, giving students an immersive multilingual experience.
Second, Mauritius offers a uniquely multicultural and peaceful environment. The island is known for its cultural diversity, blending African, Indian, European, and Chinese influences into a society that is welcoming, tolerant, and vibrant. For students arriving from various parts of Africa, this creates a comfortable and stimulating environment in which to grow personally and academically.
Third, Mauritius is strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, making it a growing hub for regional business, finance, technology, and tourism. Studying there gives students exposure to an internationally oriented economy with strong links to both Africa and Asia, which can be a powerful career advantage after graduation.
And of course, the natural environment of Mauritius is breathtaking. Living on an island with beautiful beaches, lush mountains, and a warm climate while pursuing your university degree is an experience very few students anywhere in the world get to have.
What Does the Mauritius Government Scholarship Cover?
The Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme is a fully funded scholarship. Here is a detailed breakdown of what it provides to successful candidates:
Tuition Fees
The scholarship covers all tuition fees at the chosen public Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Mauritius for the full duration of the programme. This means you will not be required to pay anything directly to the university for your academic instruction.
Historically, the scholarship has made financial provision for tuition in the range of MUR 100,000 per annum for students from SADC countries and up to MUR 160,000 per annum for students from non-SADC countries, allocated directly to the host institution. These figures may be updated with each new call for applications, so always verify the current amounts on the official Mauritius government scholarship page.
Monthly Living Allowance
In addition to tuition, the scholarship contributes to living expenses during your studies in Mauritius. This allowance is designed to help cover basic day-to-day costs such as food, local transportation, and personal necessities while you are studying on the island. The exact amount varies and may be adjusted depending on your country of origin and the year of the scholarship round.
Return Airfare
The scholarship covers a return airfare by the most economical route. This means that your travel costs from your home country to Mauritius at the beginning of your studies and back to your home country upon successful completion of your programme are covered. This is a significant benefit that removes one of the largest practical barriers for students coming from mainland Africa.
Medical Insurance
Successful scholarship candidates are covered by medical insurance for the full duration of their studies in Mauritius. This ensures that you have access to healthcare services while living abroad without having to worry about the cost of medical treatment.
Duration of the Award
The scholarship is awarded for the minimum course duration of the selected programme or for the maximum period allowed under the scheme, whichever is shorter. This ensures that funding is aligned with the realistic time needed to complete your degree. No extension of the scholarship period is provided beyond the agreed duration, so it is important to plan your studies carefully and progress consistently.
Levels of Study Available
The Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme supports multiple levels of higher education. Here is what is available:
Diploma Programmes
These are foundational-level programmes that typically last one to two years. They are suitable for students who want to gain a professional qualification in a specific technical or vocational field before potentially continuing to a full degree programme.
Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate)
Full undergraduate degree programmes at Mauritius public universities are available under MASS. These typically last three to four years depending on the field of study. This is the most popular level of the scholarship and attracts the largest number of applicants from across Africa.
MPhil (Master of Philosophy)
The MPhil is a research-based postgraduate qualification. Students enrolled in MPhil programmes conduct supervised research and produce a thesis. The duration is typically one to two years depending on the institution and the nature of the research.
MPhil Leading to PhD
Some candidates are enrolled in a combined MPhil/PhD track, where they begin with MPhil-level research and then upgrade to doctoral studies upon demonstrating sufficient academic progress. This track is particularly suited to students who are early in their research careers and want a structured pathway to a full doctorate.
PhD (Doctorate)
Doctoral scholarships are available for candidates who already hold a master’s degree or a first-class undergraduate degree and who are ready to conduct independent, supervised research at the highest academic level. PhD programmes in Mauritius typically span three to four years. Applicants who already hold a PhD are not eligible to apply.
Participating Universities and Institutions
The scholarship is tenable only at public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Mauritius. Private institutions are not included. Here is a list of the main participating public institutions:
University of Mauritius (UoM)
The University of Mauritius is the largest and most established public university on the island. It offers a wide range of programmes across faculties including engineering, science, social sciences and humanities, law and management, agriculture and natural resources, and information and communication technology. The UoM is the most popular destination for MASS scholarship holders and has a large and active international student community.
University of Technology, Mauritius (UTM)
UTM is a technology-focused institution that offers programmes in areas such as computer science, engineering, business, and applied sciences. It is particularly well suited for students interested in technical and innovation-driven fields. UTM has strong industry partnerships and a growing research reputation.
Université des Mascareignes (UdM)
UdM is a relatively newer institution that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes primarily in French and English. It caters to students interested in business, management, education, and social sciences. UdM provides a bilingual academic environment that reflects Mauritius’s French-influenced cultural heritage.
Open University of Mauritius (OU)
The Open University of Mauritius offers a range of flexible academic programmes. While it is primarily known for distance and part-time learning, it also participates in the MASS programme for full-time, on-campus enrolments.
Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE)
MIE is a specialised institution focused on teacher training and education studies. It is the right choice for MASS applicants who want to pursue a career in teaching, curriculum development, educational leadership, or pedagogy.
Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) and Rabindranath Tagore Institute (RTI)
These two institutions specialise in arts, culture, language, and related disciplines. They offer unique academic environments for students interested in cultural studies, fine arts, music, and language education.
Academy of Design and Innovation and Mauritius Institute of Health (MIH)
These specialised institutions cater to students interested in design-related fields and health sciences respectively. MASS applicants pursuing creative or health-related programmes may find these institutions particularly relevant.
When applying for the scholarship, you must have already applied for a full-time, on-campus programme at one or more of these institutions. You cannot apply for the scholarship without first initiating a university application in Mauritius.
Fields of Study Available
Across the participating public universities, MASS scholarship holders can pursue studies in a broad range of fields. Some of the most popular and widely available subject areas include:
Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, electronic, chemical, computer, and environmental). Computer Science and Information Technology. Business and Management. Accounting and Finance. Economics. Law and Public Policy. Social Sciences. Education and Teacher Training. Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. Food Technology and Nutrition. Natural Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics). Actuarial Science. Tourism and Hospitality Management. Health Sciences. Environmental Sciences. Communication and Media. Architecture. Design and Innovation.
The specific programmes available vary by institution and may differ from one year to the next. Always check the current listings on the websites of the participating universities and cross-reference with your country’s eligible fields as indicated by your national Nominating Agency.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Citizenship and Residency
You must be a resident citizen of a member state of the African Union or an African Commonwealth country. Mauritian nationals are not eligible to apply for MASS. Self-financing African students who are already studying in Mauritius at the same level they wish to apply for are also not eligible.
Age Requirements
For undergraduate (diploma and degree) programmes, applicants must be at least 18 years old and must not have reached their 26th birthday by 1 January of the year in which the scholarship is offered. For MPhil, MPhil/PhD, and PhD programmes, applicants must not have reached their 40th birthday by 1 January of the scholarship year. Some sending countries, such as Kenya, apply their own national age limits (for example, not more than 25 years for undergraduate applicants), so always confirm the requirements with your Nominating Agency.
Academic Qualifications
For diploma and undergraduate degree programmes, applicants must have completed their secondary education with satisfactory results. The specific grade requirements vary by country and institution. For example, Kenyan applicants are typically expected to have a minimum KCSE Mean Grade of B (plain) for undergraduate entry. For MPhil/PhD programmes, applicants must hold a recognised undergraduate degree with at least an upper second class result (equivalent to a GPA or CPA greater than 60%), and preferably a master’s degree as well. For PhD-only applications, a first-class undergraduate degree or an MPhil from a recognised university is required. Applicants who already hold a PhD degree are not eligible to apply for MASS scholarship support.
Programme Admission
Before applying for the scholarship, you must have already applied for a full-time, on-campus programme at a public HEI in Mauritius. This is one of the most important requirements. Either a conditional offer letter from the Mauritian HEI or proof of application (such as a receipt of payment of the application fee) must be submitted along with your scholarship application. You cannot submit a scholarship application without showing that you have already initiated a university application in Mauritius.
PhD Supervisor
For PhD-level applicants, you must provide the name and written acceptance of a proposed supervisor from a Mauritian university. Without a confirmed supervisor, your application cannot proceed. Make contact with potential supervisors at your chosen institution early in the process, as identifying a willing and available supervisor can take time.
Language of Instruction
Most programmes at Mauritius public universities are taught in English. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the language of their chosen programme. If your academic documents are not in English or French, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into one of these two languages.
Required Documents
When submitting your application for the Mauritius Government Scholarship, you will need to gather and prepare the following documents:
A fully completed application form, with all sections (Sections 1 to 6) filled in correctly. Section 5 must be endorsed and completed by your country’s Nominating Agency. A certified copy of your birth certificate. If you do not have a birth certificate, you may need to provide an affidavit stating this. A copy of the biodata page of your valid passport (if available). Certified copies of all academic certificates and mark sheets from secondary school and any tertiary institutions previously attended. If these documents are not in English or French, certified translations must be submitted along with the originals. A copy of a conditional offer letter from a Mauritian public HEI, or a receipt of payment of the application fee as proof that you have applied for admission. A medical certificate, duly filled in and signed by a registered medical practitioner. This should be signed in the designated section of the application form (Section 6) and appropriately stamped. For MPhil and PhD applicants, an abridged research proposal is required. This should include a brief description of the research problem, aims and objectives, methodology, a tentative timeframe with an emphasis on data collection, and a list of any equipment, laboratory facilities, or software that will be required. It should also include the name and contact details of the identified supervisor in Mauritius. For PhD applicants, a supporting statement from a named supervisor at the chosen Mauritian university. Recommendation letters as required by the institution or sending country. A National Endorsement Form, which can be downloaded from the official MASS page on the Ministry of Tertiary Education website. For some sending countries, additional country-specific documents may be required. Always check with your Nominating Agency for the full national requirements.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
The application process for the Mauritius Government Scholarship involves several stages. Here is a clear and detailed walkthrough:
Step 1: Download the Official Application Form and Guidelines. The first thing you need to do is download the correct application form and guidelines for your level of study. There are separate forms for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. These can be downloaded from the official MASS page managed by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research of Mauritius, or from the Higher Education Commission of Mauritius website. Make sure you are using the form for the correct academic year.
Step 2: Apply to a Public University in Mauritius. Before completing your scholarship application, you must apply for admission to at least one full-time, on-campus programme at a public HEI in Mauritius. Visit the websites of the participating institutions and apply during their open application windows. Once you have applied, obtain either a conditional offer letter or a receipt of payment of the application fee. University application fees are payable, though some sending agencies offer support for the first applicants to submit complete documentation.
Step 3: For PhD Applicants, Identify a Supervisor. If you are applying for a PhD or MPhil programme, you must identify and contact a potential supervisor at your chosen Mauritian university. Get a written statement of acceptance from your proposed supervisor and include it with your application. This step takes time, so start early.
Step 4: Prepare Your Research Proposal (Postgraduate Applicants). If you are applying for MPhil or PhD funding, you need to write an abridged research proposal. Follow the format specified in the guidelines. Keep your description of methodology within the 300-word maximum. Be clear about your research objectives, data collection approach, and your timeline.
Step 5: Gather All Required Documents. Collect all the documents listed in the requirements section above. Make sure all copies are certified. Get your documents translated if they are not in English or French. Complete your medical certificate with the help of a registered doctor. Have your Nominating Agency sign and stamp Section 5 of your application form and complete the National Endorsement Form.
Step 6: Submit Your Application to Your Nominating Agency. This is a critical point: you must not send your application directly to Mauritius. All applications must go through the Nominating Agency in your country of citizenship. Your Nominating Agency is typically located within your national Ministry of Education or a dedicated national scholarship body. For example, South African applicants submit through the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), while Nigerian applicants go through the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB). Kenyan applicants submit through the Ministry of Education in Nairobi. Contact your Nominating Agency well in advance to understand their specific internal deadlines, which are often earlier than the main Mauritius deadline.
Step 7: Nominating Agency Forwards Applications to Mauritius. Your Nominating Agency will review, shortlist, and endorse eligible candidates. Each Nominating Agency can forward up to 15 eligible candidates (distributed across undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the agency’s discretion) to the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research in Mauritius for final selection. Applications not processed through a Nominating Agency will not be considered by the Mauritius Government.
Step 8: Await the Final Selection Decision. After the applications are received in Mauritius, the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research conducts a final review and selection. Successful candidates are notified through their Nominating Agency. The Government of Mauritius reserves the right not to offer any scholarship following a given call, though this is rare.
Step 9: Complete Pre-Departure Requirements. Once selected, you will need to apply for a student visa at the nearest Mauritius diplomatic mission. You will also need to complete a medical check-up in accordance with the requirements of the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office. Ensure that your vaccinations are up to date, as health requirements may apply to incoming students. Awardees must also comply with all protocols set by Mauritius authorities for incoming travellers.
Important Dates and Deadlines
The MASS application cycle follows an annual pattern, though exact dates shift slightly from year to year depending on when the Call for Applications is issued. Here is a general overview of the timeline:
Late November to December: The Government of Mauritius releases the Call for Applications for the next academic year. This is when the official forms and guidelines are made available for download.
January to April: The main application period. Candidates must apply to their chosen Mauritian university and prepare their scholarship documents during this window. For example, in the 2026 round, the application deadline for electronic submission was April 23, 2025, with hard copy submission accepted until April 30, 2025, for the August/September 2025 intake. In the Rwanda-specific 2026 round, the application deadline was January 16, 2026. Always confirm exact dates with your Nominating Agency, as national deadlines are often earlier than the official Mauritius deadline.
July to September: The academic year begins. Most Mauritius public universities start their new academic intake during this period.
Because national Nominating Agencies set their own earlier internal deadlines for collecting and processing applications before forwarding them to Mauritius, it is important to begin your preparation several months in advance of the published national deadline.
Countries That Are Eligible
The Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme is open to citizens of all member states of the African Union and all African Commonwealth countries. This covers the vast majority of countries on the African continent. Some of the countries whose students have historically been active participants in the programme include Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Cameroon, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and many others across East, West, Central, and Southern Africa.
Mauritius does not award scholarships to its own nationals under this scheme, and students who are already enrolled as self-funded students in Mauritius at the same level of study they are applying for are also not eligible. Students from countries outside the African Union and the African Commonwealth are not covered by MASS.
Each country typically has its own Nominating Agency that handles the national application process. The list of current Nominating Agencies is published annually on the official MASS page of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research. Always contact your national agency to get country-specific instructions and deadlines before starting your application.
Tips for a Successful Application
The MASS scholarship is competitive, and the quality of your application matters. Here are some practical tips to help you put your best foot forward:
Apply to the university early. You cannot submit a scholarship application without proof of a university application in Mauritius. Visit the websites of the participating HEIs as soon as the new academic year’s application windows open. Getting a conditional offer letter rather than just a payment receipt strengthens your application significantly.
Contact your Nominating Agency first. Before doing anything else, reach out to your country’s Nominating Agency. Each agency has its own internal requirements, deadlines, and procedures. Some agencies also set country-specific GPA thresholds or require additional documentation. Getting this information early saves you from surprises later.
Write a strong research proposal (postgraduate applicants). For MPhil and PhD applicants, your abridged research proposal is one of the most important parts of your application. Be clear, focused, and realistic about your research aims, methodology, and timeline. Show that you have a genuine research question and a sensible plan for answering it. Generic or vague proposals are easy to identify and unlikely to succeed.
Secure your supervisor early. If you are applying for a research degree, you cannot proceed without a confirmed supervisor. Email potential supervisors at Mauritian universities well in advance. Introduce yourself, describe your research interests, and attach a brief research outline. Be professional, be patient, and follow up if you do not hear back. The sooner you have a confirmed supervisor, the stronger your application becomes.
Ensure all documents are certified and translated. Missing, uncertified, or untranslated documents are a common reason for applications to be rejected or delayed. Go through the document checklist carefully and have every required document certified by the appropriate authority. If any of your academic documents are in a language other than English or French, arrange for certified translations before your submission deadline.
Do not send your application directly to Mauritius. This point cannot be stressed enough. Applications sent directly to the Mauritius Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research without going through a Nominating Agency will not be considered. Always route your application through your national agency.
Keep copies of everything. Before you submit your application, make sure you have copies of all your documents. Keep digital and physical backups. If there is ever a question about your application, having copies on hand will save you a lot of time and stress.
Life as a MASS Scholar in Mauritius
Once you arrive in Mauritius as a scholarship holder, you will quickly discover that the island is a genuinely welcoming and comfortable place to live and study. The local population is known for being friendly and hospitable, and Mauritius has a long tradition of welcoming students from across the African continent.
Most of the public universities have on-campus or nearby student accommodation, which makes settling in straightforward. Campus life at institutions like the University of Mauritius and UTM includes student clubs, sports facilities, research centres, and academic events that help international students integrate into the university community.
In terms of language, you will find that English is widely used in academic and professional settings. French is commonly spoken in daily life, and picking up some basic French phrases will make your everyday experience in Mauritius much easier and more enjoyable. The multicultural nature of Mauritian society means that students from diverse African backgrounds generally feel at home relatively quickly.
Mauritius has a reliable public transport system of buses connecting major towns and university campuses. The cost of living is reasonable for a small island economy, and the scholarship’s living allowance is designed to cover your basic needs during your studies.
After completing your studies, MASS scholarship holders are expected to return to their country of origin. This requirement reflects the scholarship’s core purpose: to support the development of the African continent by building the skills and expertise of young Africans who then bring that knowledge home.
Other Scholarship Opportunities in Mauritius
Beyond MASS, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Mauritius also administers other scholarship programmes worth knowing about:
HEC MPhil/PhD Scholarships: The Higher Education Commission awards a number of scholarships annually to bright postgraduate students wishing to undertake MPhil or PhD research at the University of Mauritius, the University of Technology Mauritius, Université des Mascareignes, or the Open University of Mauritius on a full-time or part-time basis. These scholarships cover annual tuition fees of up to MUR 75,000 and provide a monthly stipend: MUR 16,500 for MPhil students and MUR 18,300 for PhD students. These are primarily aimed at Mauritian students and residents, but the HEC website contains full details for those who may qualify.
HEC Doctoral of Business Administration (DBA) Scholarships: The HEC also offers scholarships for part-time DBA studies at publicly funded universities in Mauritius, covering annual tuition fees of up to MUR 50,000. Again, these are primarily intended for local students, but are worth being aware of as part of the broader landscape of scholarship support available through Mauritius institutions.
MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa: This is a separate initiative that supports young African leaders. It involves multiple partner countries including Mauritius and focuses on developing a pan-African leadership mindset through postgraduate studies and collaborative experiences across the continent. Students from eligible African countries may be able to pursue part of their programme in Mauritius under this initiative.
How to Apply
Ready to start your application? Here is where to go:
Download the official application forms and guidelines from the Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme official page on the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research website. This is the primary source for all official documents, including separate forms for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
You can also access application forms and related documents on the Higher Education Commission of Mauritius MASS application page, which provides forms for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants along with all relevant guidelines for the current year.
To explore the public universities in Mauritius where you can enrol as part of this scholarship, visit the Higher Education Commission list of public Higher Education Institutions in Mauritius.
After downloading your forms and understanding the requirements, remember to contact your country’s Nominating Agency to confirm national deadlines and any additional local requirements before submitting your application.
Final Thoughts
The Mauritius Government Scholarship, also known as the Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme, is one of the most underappreciated fully funded scholarships available to African students today. It gives you the chance to earn a recognised degree at a quality public university, in a peaceful and multicultural island nation, with all of your major costs covered. And yet, because it does not get the same level of attention as scholarships from Europe or North America, the competition for it is often lower than you might expect.
If you are a student from an eligible African country looking for a genuine pathway to high-quality undergraduate or postgraduate education, this scholarship deserves to be at the top of your list. The process requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to securing a university place and getting your documents endorsed through your national Nominating Agency. But for students who are organised, diligent, and genuinely motivated, the effort is well worth it.
Start by downloading the official application forms from the Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme official page. Contact your Nominating Agency today. Apply to a Mauritius university as early as you can. And give yourself the time and space to put together an application that truly represents your potential.
Mauritius is waiting. Your future in African higher education could start on an island in the Indian Ocean.
