The Mauritian government has announced that it will be ending financial aid to Saint Bartholomew’s College and Royal Holloway College, effective January 2027. This decision was made by the Board of the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) and is in accordance with section 15(1)(c) of the PSEA Act. The two colleges no longer meet the eligibility criteria due to a decline in student population.
According to the PSEA, the colleges no longer satisfy the minimum school population requirement, which is a key eligibility criterion for receiving government subsidies. As a result, the government has decided to withdraw its financial support to these institutions. This move is expected to affect not only the colleges but also the students and staff who will need to be relocated.
Arrangements are being made to transfer students from Saint Bartholomew’s College and Royal Holloway College to other educational institutions near their places of residence. This will ensure that students can continue their education without disruption. The government has assured that it will make every effort to minimize the impact on students and staff.
The government has also announced that eligible permanent teaching and non-teaching staff from the two colleges will be absorbed by the Mauritius Education Development Company (MEDCO) Ltd. These staff members will be redeployed to other MEDCO schools, state secondary schools, or other sectors where their services are required. This move is aimed at supporting staff who may be affected by the closure of the colleges.
The decision to end financial aid to Saint Bartholomew’s College and Royal Holloway College is part of a broader effort to review and reform the education sector in Mauritius. The government has been working to improve the quality of education and ensure that all students have access to quality educational institutions.
The Council of Ministers took note of the decision on September 26, 2026, and the PSEA has been working to implement the necessary arrangements. The government has assured that it will continue to support the education sector and ensure that all students have access to quality education.
The ending of financial aid to Saint Bartholomew’s College and Royal Holloway College is expected to have a significant impact on the education sector in Mauritius. However, the government has assured that it will work to minimize the impact on students and staff and ensure a smooth transition.
Key points
- The Mauritius government has announced that it will end financial aid to Saint Bartholomew’s College and Royal Holloway College in January 2027.
- The decision was made due to a decline in student population at the two colleges.
- Eligible staff from the colleges will be absorbed by the Mauritius Education Development Company (MEDCO) Ltd.
