Mauritius University Students Shift to Online Classes This Saturday

Higher education institutions in Mauritius have announced that lectures scheduled for Saturday 17 October will be delivered online rather than in person.

The move affects university and tertiary-level students across the country who would normally attend campus on Saturdays. No detailed official statement was published alongside the announcement, but the decision comes against the backdrop of a weekend curfew imposed by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam following days of civil unrest in several parts of the island.

The curfew, which restricts movement during set hours, has already prompted a series of adjustments across the education sector. Earlier this week, PSAC primary school examinations were confirmed for later dates in October, and schools were closed before reopening on Monday 19 October after the half-term break.

Shifting to online learning allows tertiary institutions to keep academic calendars on track without requiring students or lecturers to travel during a period when public safety remains a concern. Mauritius has a network of higher education providers, including the University of Mauritius (UoM), the University of Technology Mauritius (UTM), and several private colleges, all of which could be affected by such directives.

What this means: If you are a higher education student in Mauritius, you should check directly with your institution for specific guidance on how Saturday classes will be delivered, which platforms will be used, and whether any assessments or practical sessions are rescheduled. Lecturers and students are advised to ensure they have access to the relevant online portals before Saturday morning.

The broader disruption to public life caused by the unrest has now touched multiple sectors, from transport, with Metro Express suffering significant damage and a four-day shutdown, to the justice system, with over 150 people arrested. The education sector has been one of the areas where authorities have moved quickly to limit the impact on students, particularly those facing upcoming examinations.

Parents and students are encouraged to follow official communications from their institutions and from the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology for updates on any further changes to the academic schedule in the coming days.

Source: Le Defi Media