Higher Education: A National System to Facilitate Credit Transfer

The National Credit Value and Transfer System introduces a common framework for the allocation and transfer of credits in Mauritian higher education. Its goal is to facilitate student mobility, recognize prior learning, and better align training with labor market needs.

Established by the Higher Education Act of 2017 and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in September 2025, the National Credit Value and Transfer System aims to harmonize the management of academic credits in Mauritian higher education. This system promotes student mobility, supports lifelong learning through the recognition of prior learning, and strengthens the link between academic qualifications and labor market needs. It is also part of the government's commitment to modernize higher education and support Mauritius' transition to a knowledge-based and innovative economy.

During a workshop organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) at the Caudan Arts Centre, professionals received an overview of the system's objectives, as well as the mechanisms for transferring and accumulating credits. The Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Kaviraj Sukon, noted that currently, students who complete part of their program at one institution and wish to continue elsewhere do not fully benefit from their achievements. These practices limit their mobility and create inconsistencies in the recognition of credits locally, while such transfers are facilitated abroad.

The Minister specified that the National Credit Value and Transfer System (NCVTS) aims to address these challenges by establishing a common understanding of credits and learning hours, consistent with assessment methods.

Flexibility

Dr. Kaviraj Sukon also emphasized the need for greater flexibility through micro-credentials, recognition of prior learning, and transferable credits to meet labor market needs. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between public and private institutions, as well as alignment with recent amendments to higher education law, to ensure a more transparent sector that aligns with national development goals.

For her part, Dr. Eduarda Castel-Branco, a credit system specialist, indicated that in a context of digital transformations, the NCVTS serves as a pillar within a broader ecosystem.

Professor Romeela Mohee, Commissioner at the HEC, reminded that public and private universities use different credit systems. In September 2025, the HEC Amendment Act stipulated that all institutions must adopt a common system. Today, she calls for widespread alignment, emphasizing that this is an internationally recognized system: a student trained in Mauritius will be able to continue their studies at any university abroad without losing their accumulated credits.

Thus, a person who has obtained a degree in Mauritius will be able to complete their degree elsewhere, thanks to facilitated transfer. Students can start their journey at a university or polytechnic institution and finish it elsewhere, either in Mauritius or abroad.