Mauritius Takes 17 Universities to Madagascar in Study Drive

Seventeen Mauritian higher education institutions travelled to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, to take part in a dedicated education fair under the banner Study in Mauritius. The event, held recently in the Malagasy capital, was designed to promote Mauritius as a destination for international students across the region.

The Mauritian delegation was led by Kaviraj Sukon, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Research, who presented the range of academic programmes available on the island. Seven public institutions and ten private establishments took part, offering prospective students a broad picture of what a Mauritian education can look like, from undergraduate degrees to technical and professional qualifications.

The fair was organised in partnership with the Mauritius-Madagascar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a bilateral trade body that supports economic ties between the two Indian Ocean neighbours. Malagasy authorities also provided logistical support, including security and crowd management, reflecting official backing on both sides.

Beyond the exhibition floor, Minister Sukon held bilateral meetings with his Malagasy counterparts in higher education and scientific research, as well as the minister responsible for technical and vocational training. He also met with the vice-president of the University of Antananarivo, Madagascar's largest public university, signalling interest in deeper institutional cooperation between the two countries.

The initiative fits into a broader strategy by Mauritius to position itself as a regional education hub. The island has invested in expanding its university sector over the past two decades, and attracting students from Africa, particularly from francophone nations like Madagascar, is a growing priority. Madagascar, with a population of over 28 million and a large French-speaking student base, represents a significant catchment area for Mauritian institutions.

What this means: For Malagasy students, the fair opens a practical window onto studying in Mauritius, a country that offers English and French instruction, internationally recognised degrees, and a relatively straightforward travel connection from Antananarivo. For Mauritius, recruiting international students supports the financial sustainability of its institutions and strengthens diplomatic and economic links with one of its closest neighbours in the Indian Ocean region.

Source: ION News