Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, Dr Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, outlined the accomplishments of his Ministry over the last 12 months, yesterday during a press conference held in Ebène. He qualified the past year as transformative for higher education, science and research in Mauritius.
The Minister spoke of the major milestone attained by the higher education sector in fashioning a vibrant image for Mauritius internationally. Mauritius is ranked first in Sub-Saharan Africa for innovation.
Mauritius is also first in regional innovation challenge organised by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council. Whereas in the Global Innovation Index 2025, the country climbed two places to rank 53rd globally and among upper middle-income economies worldwide, it stands at an impressive sixth place.
Pertaining to academic excellence, Dr Sukon indicated that two books were launched by the University of Technology and rejoiced that two Mauritian academics were named among the top 2% of scientists worldwide.
As for Government’s commitment to cater for education for all, the Minister informed that over 35 000 students are enrolled across public higher education institutions. He pointed out that under the Free Tertiary Education Scheme, benefiting 51 289 students, some Rs 3.7 billion were disbursed as of June 2025. He recalled that around 7000 students graduated this year.
In this regard, the Minister recalled that a new pathway to university admission was introduced so that students can now qualify with three credits at School Certificate level plus 2 A-levels.
Moreover, Minister Sukon pointed out that comprehensive amendments to the Higher Education Act were undertaken to modernise regulatory frameworks so as to position Mauritius as a regional leader in higher education, namely through the adoption of more flexible credit systems, micro credentials recognition, shift to institutional accreditation and enshrining the Mauritius Quality Code for Higher Education in law.
Other key achievements include: the elaboration of a ten-year vision for higher education, science and research; publication of official guidelines on the use of AI in higher education by the Higher Education Commission, making Mauritius the first country in Africa to have such a comprehensive framework; amendment of nine sections of the Higher Education Act, and building partnerships with QAA UK and Hcéres France , which now position Mauritius as a gateway to British and French education in Africa.
