Mauritius

Mauritius Student Visa Application Requirements 

Eligibility for a student visa in Mauritius encompasses various categories:

1. Non-citizens enrolled in recognized tertiary or TVET institutions for specific modules, certificate, or diploma courses lasting at least one academic year.
2. Non-citizens enrolled in recognized tertiary institutions for full-time or part-time undergraduate degree courses.
3. Non-citizens enrolled in recognized tertiary institutions for full-time or part-time postgraduate courses, including Masters, MPhil, or Doctoral levels.
4. Non-citizens conducting post-doctoral research.
5. Non-citizens participating in exchange programs lasting up to one year with recognized tertiary institutions.

Application Process for Student Visa

Applications for student visas must be initiated by the respective educational institution or TVET institution where the student is enrolled. Key steps include:

1. Submission of the “Application to Enter Mauritius” form, duly completed, dated, and signed by the applicant.
2. Providing two recent passport-size photographs.
3. Submitting a photocopy of the applicant’s passport bio-data pages, extending beyond the intended period of stay.
4. Presenting a letter of admission and offer from the educational institution.
5. Providing a letter of acceptance from the student.
6. Furnishing a covering letter from the educational institution, signed and sealed, detailing the course duration and start date.
7. Ensuring confirmation of course duration and full-time or part-time status from the Tertiary Education Commission or Mauritius Qualifications Authority.
8. Presenting accreditation of the program from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) or Mauritius Qualifications Authority (MQA).
9. Providing evidence of financial capacity through bank statements, sponsorship letters, or guardian identification.
10. Submitting proof of accommodation and tenant identification.
11. Presenting a medical certificate indicating the applicant’s health status, including tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, and a chest X-ray conducted in the country of origin. Additionally, a medical certificate within one month of arrival in Mauritius is required.

Adhering to these procedures ensures a smooth application process for a student visa in Mauritius.

Applications for a Student Visa:  must be submitted to the Passport and Immigration Office by the tertiary educational institution or TVET institution where the student is enrolled. For practical training courses integrated into higher studies, visa applications should be directly made to the Passport and Immigration Office by the trainee or by the receiving institution/enterprise in Mauritius.

The Student Visa approval and issuance:

Upon submission, the Passport and Immigration Office evaluates Student Visa applications within two weeks, provided they are complete with the necessary supporting documents. The decision is then communicated to:

• The tertiary educational institution or TVET institution of enrollment.
• The receiving institution/enterprise for practical training courses in Mauritius or directly to the trainee, depending on the case.

Following approval, a provisional entry permit valid for three months is issued to the student to facilitate travel to Mauritius. However, if a medical certificate issued in Mauritius indicates HIV, Hepatitis B, or a chest infection, the provisional entry permit is revoked, necessitating the student’s departure within two weeks.

If the medical certificate does not reveal any contagious or infectious diseases, the Passport and Immigration Office instructs the student to visit the Residence Permit Section for the issuance of a Residence Permit for the study program’s duration.

At the start of each subsequent academic year, the educational institution must furnish documentary evidence to the Passport and Immigration Office to confirm the student’s continued enrollment in the same program.