Education Options for Expat Families in Mozambique

For expat families relocating to Mozambique, one of the primary considerations—and often one of the biggest challenges—is securing a quality education for their children. Due to the standards and language of instruction in the national system, nearly all foreign families rely exclusively on the private international school sector.

Here is a detailed guide to the education options available for expat families across Mozambique.

1. The Reality of Public Education

While Mozambique's national education system is compulsory and free for children up until the age of 12 (the introductory seven years), the system is generally avoided by expatriates.

• Low Standards: Public schools are commonly described as poorly funded, overfilled, and lacking in teachers. The standard of education is considered incredibly low compared to Western expectations.
• Language Barrier: The official language of instruction at public schools and all universities is Portuguese. English is typically only introduced as a compulsory subject at the secondary school level (from sixth grade onwards).
• Fees and Logistics: Although public schooling is technically free, parents often face associated fees for textbooks, uniforms, and extras. Furthermore, due to a lack of space, some public schools divide the day into short sessions to accommodate more students, which can result in a superficial level of education.

The search for better quality education drives wealthier parents (both local and expatriate) to pay for private education, leading to a significant expansion of the private sector in Maputo and other urban areas.

2. International Schools: The Expat Standard

International schools are the preferred, and often necessary, solution for expats seeking educational continuity and internationally recognized qualifications.

Curriculum and Language

Most international schools offer curricula from a foreign country or a globally-recognized curriculum. These include:

• International Baccalaureate (IB): Offered by at least four schools in Mozambique, with the first established in 2005.
• British/Cambridge Curriculum: Schools offer the Cambridge International Curriculum, including the IGCSE and A-Levels.
• American/US Curriculum: Schools may follow a U.S.-based curriculum.
• Language: The language of instruction in the majority of international and private schools is English. French and Portuguese international schools are also available.

Major International Schools (Primarily Maputo)

The majority of international schools are concentrated in the main cities of Maputo and Beira.

School Name Location (City) Curriculum Focus Ages/Grades Source Data
American International School of Mozambique (AISM) Maputo (Costa do Sol) IB World School (PYP, MYP, DP); U.S. college preparatory courses; recognized by the US State Department 3 to 18 (Co-educational)

Maputo International School (MIS) Maputo British National Curriculum; Cambridge International Examinations (IGCSE & A-Levels) 3 to 18 (Co-educational)

Enko Maputo (fka Enko Riverside) Maputo IB and Cambridge Primary/Secondary 5 to 18 (Co-educational)

Lycée Français International Gustave Eiffel Maputo French-language curriculum approved by AEFE Over 500 students

Willow International School Maputo Mozambican National Curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE elements 4 to 18 (Reception to Grade 12)

Stella Maris International School Beira Cambridge International Curriculum (IGCSE & A-Levels) 2 to 18 (Playgroup to Secondary)

Woodrose International School Maputo, Matola, Pemba, Nampula International education with university partnerships in UAE, Canada, Malaysia, Philippines, and South Africa N/A (Has 5 campuses across four provinces)

Escola Portuguesa de Moçambique Maputo Portuguese National Curriculum 3 to 18

3. Costs, Demand, and Logistics

Education costs for private and international schools are one of the most important budget lines for expat families and can be steep.

• High Tuition Fees: The costs associated with international schools are high, often matching or exceeding costs in Western countries. Tuition fees can range from $8,000 to $20,000 per year (approximately €7,000 to €17,500), depending on the institution and level of education. Private international schools were previously estimated to charge roughly MT 190,000 ($2,220) per year for primary education.
• High Demand for Places: Demand for places at Maputo's international schools is fierce and getting ever more intense due to the swelling expat population.
• Timing is Key: Due to limited space and high demand, applying for admission should be a main priority prior to moving to Mozambique.
• Negotiate Allowances: Expats moving for work are strongly advised to attempt to negotiate a schooling allowance into their relocation package to help cover the high tuition fees.
• VAT: Private schools are included in the scope of extended VAT collection.

4. Alternative Education Pathways

Some families explore alternatives outside the mainstream international school model:

• Bilingual and Local Private Schools: Some private Mozambican schools provide quality bilingual education (Portuguese and English). Private schools using the Mozambican curriculum charge significantly lower fees, around MT 60,000 to 80,000 (roughly $700–$925) per year.
• Homeschooling and Online Learning: Families, particularly those in more remote areas where international schools are unavailable, may opt for homeschooling or online schooling, which is becoming easier due to improving internet infrastructure.
• University Level: Mozambique has universities, including the Universidade Eduardo Mondlane and the Universidade Pedagógica. Most universities are based in Maputo, and the language of instruction at all of them is Portuguese.

5. Residency and Visa Requirements for Children

The immigration process for children attending school in Mozambique is linked directly to the primary applicant's residency status:

• Dependant Status: Minor children attending primary or secondary school are covered under the main applicant's residence authorization (work permit or DIRE).
• No Separate Study Visa: Minor children do not need to apply for a separate Study Visa to attend primary or secondary school.
• Proof of Enrolment: However, a school enrolment letter must be submitted as part of the application for the Accompanying Dependants Visa.