Mauritius as a developing education hub

In the last two decades, the higher education landscape of the small island of Mauritius has undergone significant transformation leading to the establishment of Mauritius as an education hub. This article highlights the critical importance that higher education plays in achieving national development goals through an analysis of the policies, incentives and strategies supporting Mauritius’ ambition to be a respected and sustainable education hub. The three higher education strategies Mauritius uses include the recruitment of international higher education providers primarily from Europe, India and the UK as well as international students from around the world; the Smart City initiative which focuses on the creation of new cities where higher education is core to its purpose and function, and the establishment of bilateral academic partnership/network with other countries. Analysis of national data from 2011 to 2019 showed that these strategies have significantly contributed to increased access to higher education for both domestic and international students, a diversified program and provider offer based on three branch campuses, over 35 different international education providers, and a four-fold increase in international students enrollment. The article, using an analytical framework for education hubs assesses Mauritius’ current position as a student hub. Finally, the opportunities and challenges facing Mauritius as a student-oriented education hub are discussed. International higher education researchers, policy makers, and experts will benefit from the lessons learned from Mauritius’ development as an education hub and how it supports the transition of Mauritius from a society and economy based on natural resources to one which prioritizes education, service, knowledge and human development.