EDUCATION: Technical Education: a new program in the secondary cycle

The 2026-27 budget, for the education sector, places emphasis on inclusion. First, with the strengthening of the Foundation Program with a budget of Rs 133 million and an investment in human resources, with the recruitment of professionals specialized in the SEN sector. What especially attracts attention: the introduction of Technical Education in Grade 10, just as there was Technology Education under the old regime, which was abandoned.

An additional sum of Rs 2.6 billion was granted for the combined education and higher education budget. In the interests of inclusion, the Foundation Program will be strengthened. Three new MITD centers will be set up to accommodate students in Grades 7 to 9 for practical work. An envelope of Rs 133 million has been granted for the textbooks and equipment necessary for this project. A new literacy and numeracy program will be developed in Grade 1. This is to give children a good foundation as soon as they enter primary school. The SEN sector will be strengthened. Emphasis will be placed on early detection, with the creation of a Specialized Early Intervention Unit in schools, for children aged three to five. Professionals, including speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists will be recruited and the equipment necessary for the development of children will be acquired. New SEN Development Centers will be set up in several regions. As for the secondary cycle, a new Technical Education program will be introduced for students in Grades 10 and 11. This will be a practice-oriented program, aimed at meeting skills necessary on the market.

Furthermore, a budget of Rs 10 million was allocated for a campaign against bullying. Regarding higher education, emphasis was once again placed on the project to make Mauritius a Higher Education Hub. In this context, there will be new legislation to encourage “world-class universities” to establish themselves here. They will have full university status. The Study in Mauritius portal will facilitate application procedures for foreign students. The latter will be able to work up to 30 hours per week during the holidays, compared to 20 hours currently. They will thus be encouraged to stay in Mauritius to work after their studies, in order to fill the “skills gaps”.

Higher Education Fairs will also be held in targeted countries. The Ministry of Higher Education will work in collaboration with the EDB and the respective embassies. An Online Student Visa system through the EDB will be set up. In addition, a budget of Rs 824 million has been granted for the improvement of infrastructure, from pre-school to higher education. Finally,