Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology M​oETEST

Overview

The Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology of Mauritius is a central government agency responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of educational policies and programs across all levels of education in the country. Its mission is to foster a knowledge-oriented, cohesive, inclusive, and productive society by promoting holistic and inclusive education, creating an enabling environment for technical and higher education, and supporting science and technology development. The Ministry aims to equip learners with innovative, cutting-edge knowledge and deep research-oriented skills for increased competence in a dynamic work environment, positioning Mauritius as a regional and continental education hub.

Historical and Legal Framework

The Ministry's evolution reflects Mauritius' commitment to education as a cornerstone of national development. Over the years, several legislative acts have been enacted to regulate and enhance the education system. Notably, the Higher Education Act of 2017 established the Quality Assurance Authority (QAA) to ensure the quality of education and research programs in higher education institutions. The Ministry operates under the guidance of these legislative frameworks, continuously adapting to meet the changing educational needs of the country.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

The Ministry's mission is to re-engineer the education and skills development system to construct a cohesive, inclusive, and productive society. Its vision is to promote a holistic and inclusive education that makes learners upholders of values and grow into resilient and globally-minded citizens. In higher education, the Ministry aims to:

• Establish Mauritius as a world-class destination for higher education through strategic global alliances and the “Study in Mauritius” initiative.
• Align educational standards with international benchmarks to elevate academic quality and institutional prestige.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and international research partnerships to address global challenges.

These objectives are in line with the Ministry's broader goal of transforming Mauritius into a knowledge-driven economy.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The Ministry operates under the authority of the Government of Mauritius and is headed by a Minister appointed by the Prime Minister. It comprises several key departments and agencies:

• Department of Tertiary Education: Responsible for the development and regulation of higher education institutions, ensuring they meet national standards and contribute to the country's economic and social development.
• Quality Assurance Authority (QAA): Established by the Higher Education Act of 2017, the QAA ensures the quality of education and research programs in higher education institutions, aiming to boost international recognition and competitiveness.
• Higher Education Commission (HEC): Nurtures international standards of scholarship while addressing Mauritius’ educational, cultural, social, and economic needs, positioning higher education as a key pillar of the national economy.
• Scientific Research Division: Oversees scientific research initiatives, fostering innovation and technological advancement in various fields.

The Ministry operates with a degree of autonomy, allowing it to implement policies and programs tailored to the specific needs of the Mauritian education system.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

The Ministry, through the Quality Assurance Authority, ensures that all higher education institutions in Mauritius adhere to established standards of quality. The QAA's objectives, as outlined in the Higher Education Act of 2017, include:

• Developing and implementing quality assurance frameworks for higher education institutions.
• Conducting evaluations and assessments of academic programs and institutions.
• Providing guidance and support to institutions to enhance their quality standards.
• Promoting continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and research.

These efforts aim to enhance the international recognition and competitiveness of Mauritius in the field of higher education.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Ministry actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and global standing of Mauritius' education system. It collaborates with various international organizations and participates in global networks to:

• Share best practices and innovations in education and research.
• Participate in international research initiatives and projects.
• Attract international students and faculty to Mauritius.
• Enhance the global visibility and reputation of Mauritian higher education institutions.

These collaborations contribute to the Ministry's goal of positioning Mauritius as a leading education hub in the region.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

Currently, the Ministry is focused on modernizing the higher education sector to meet the evolving needs of the economy and society. Key initiatives include:

• Implementing the "Study in Mauritius" campaign to attract international students.
• Enhancing the quality of academic programs through accreditation and quality assurance processes.
• Promoting research and innovation in various fields to drive economic development.
• Expanding access to higher education through scholarships and financial aid programs.

Looking ahead, the Ministry aims to:

• Further integrate technology and digital learning into the education system.
• Strengthen partnerships with international institutions for collaborative research and academic exchange.
• Develop new programs and courses aligned with emerging industries and global trends.
• Enhance the employability of graduates through industry partnerships and internships.

These efforts are expected to significantly impact the higher education landscape in Mauritius, contributing to the country's development as a knowledge-based economy.

Summary

The Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology of Mauritius plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation's education system. Through its comprehensive approach encompassing policy development, quality assurance, international cooperation, and strategic initiatives, the Ministry strives to provide high-quality education that meets the needs of learners and aligns with national development goals. Its efforts in modernizing the higher education sector, promoting research and innovation, and enhancing global partnerships are instrumental in positioning Mauritius as a leading education hub in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the mission of the Ministry?
  The Ministry's mission is to re-engineer the education and skills development system to construct a cohesive, inclusive, and productive society.
• How does the Ministry ensure the quality of higher education?
  Through the Quality Assurance Authority, the Ministry ensures that all higher education institutions adhere to established standards of quality, conducting evaluations and providing support for continuous improvement.
• What initiatives are in place to attract international students?
  The "Study in Mauritius" campaign is a key initiative aimed at positioning Mauritius as a world-class destination for higher education through strategic global alliances.
• How does the Ministry support research and innovation?
  The Ministry fosters scientific research initiatives through the Scientific Research Division, promoting innovation and technological advancement in various fields.
• What are the Ministry's future plans for higher education?
  Future plans include integrating technology into the education system, strengthening international partnerships, developing new programs aligned with emerging industries, and enhancing graduate employability through industry collaborations.

Organization Name

Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology

Acronym

M​oETEST

Year of Establishment

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

MITD House, ​Pont Fer
Phoenix
Mauritius

Phone

+230 601 5200

Fax

+230 698 9627

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

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