Higher Education: Strategic Plan 2025–2035 Launched This Morning
This morning, the Ministry of Higher Education launched the National Strategic Plan for Higher Education, Science, and Research 2025-2035 at the InterContinental Resort in Balaclava. This document outlines significant reforms in higher education and research.
The National Strategic Plan for Higher Education, Science, and Research 2025–2035 was presented this morning at the InterContinental Resort in Balaclava. Approved by the Cabinet, this plan serves as a roadmap for the next decade. It aims to profoundly transform the Mauritian academic landscape, focusing on three pillars: excellence, innovation, and digitalization.
Prior to this launch, the Ministry of Higher Education conducted consultations with professionals and students to ground the plan in real-world realities. A summit on higher education was held in June 2025, and the Commonwealth of Learning provided valuable support in drafting the document.
Internationalization remains a critical aspect. In this regard, actions are being taken to position Mauritius as a competitive academic destination, including the creation of attractive programs such as joint degrees and internationally accessible online courses in partnership with foreign universities. Student accommodation has also been identified as a major challenge to host regional and international students.
Five Pillars
The document is structured around five strategic pillars, each embodying a specific vision:
- Excellence in Teaching and Learning: harmonization of standards, modernization of teaching methods, increased support for students, and alignment with international best practices.
- Research and Innovation: strengthened governance, definition of national priorities, consolidation of links between universities and industry, and increased visibility on the global stage.
- Pathways for Lifelong Learning: flexible pathways, micro-certifications, credit transfers, recognition of prior learning, and articulation with technical and vocational training.
- Science Diplomacy: institutionalized cooperation, global partnerships, mobilization of the scientific diaspora, and affirming Mauritius's regional role in science, technology, and innovation.
- Digitalization and AI Excellence: implementation of interoperable systems, efficient digital services, a digital culture, enhanced cybersecurity, and data governance.
The ambition of this plan is to elevate the quality of education, strengthen research, and ensure university access for all. Officials emphasize the necessity for each graduate to master artificial intelligence and digitalization tools, which have become essential in the professional world.
Finally, micro-certifications play a central role in this framework. They allow professionals to acquire targeted skills offered by universities or industry. This approach promotes lifelong learning, enabling learners to progress at their own pace and in their chosen location while addressing the specific needs of the labor market.
The ceremony this morning was presided over by the Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, and his counterpart in Education, Dr. Mahend Gungapersad.