Study Mauritius Office to widen access to education

0 Comments 26 February 2011 0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5 (0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5, rated)

The Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology, in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Commission, launched a Study Mauritius Office on Friday.

(From left) Minister Rajesh Jeetah, Father Defleuriot and minister Arvin Boolell proceeding to the launch of Study Mauritius Office at Ebene on Friday

Also, a tertiary education fair was organised at Cyber Tower 1 in Ebène on the same day. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Arvin Boolell, was the chief guest at the event.

Through this initiative, the Ministry of Tertiary Education wants to be at the disposal of all students and guide them in deciding the path they want to take to pursue higher studies in Mauritius and overseas.

In his address, minister Jeetah highlighted the government’s endeavour to make Mauritius a regional hub for tertiary education.

“We want to take the country forward and present it as a platform for education. That is why we are launching this Study Mauritius Office,” Jeetah said.

The demand for access to postsecondary education is increasing dramatically and according to official figures, 46,000 students are enrolled in tertiary educational institutions. This represents an enrolment rate of 45 per cent. The Ministry of Tertiary Education is aiming to achieve an enrolment rate of 72 per cent.

“One of the aims of the Study Mauritius Office will be to open up and widen access to tertiary education so as to increase the gross tertiary enrolment rate to 72 per cent by 2015 and attract 1,00,000 foreign students by 2020,” said Jeetah.

For Boolell, the setting up and launching of this Study Mauritius Office shows the determination and endeavour of the government to transform Mauritius into a platform for tertiary education.

“Everything is being done to achieve this and resources are being mobilised so that by 2020 we have a gross domestic product of 1 trillion and over 1,00,000 foreign students,” said the Foreign Affairs minister.

Boolell added that the government wants the youngsters to propel Mauritius into an era of development and this can be done through education.

The Study Mauritius Office will place the country on the world education map, facilitate visa procedures for foreign students and provide financial help by linking with banks and granting scholarships The tertiary education fair will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.