International Education Options in Maputo and Beyond

For expatriate families relocating to Mozambique, the decision regarding education is paramount. Given that the local public education system generally features low standards and the language of instruction is Portuguese, almost all foreign families rely exclusively on the private international school sector.

The majority of international schooling options are concentrated in the capital, Maputo, and, to a lesser extent, Beira.

1. International Schools in Maputo City and Provinces

Maputo City and its satellite city, Matola, host the most reputable and diverse range of international schools, offering curricula recognized globally. The language of instruction in the majority of these institutions is English.

Leading International Schools in Maputo

School Name Location Curriculum Focus Ages/Grades Details

American International School of Mozambique (AISM) Maputo (Costa do Sol) International Baccalaureate (IB) 3 to 18 Recognized and supported by the US State Department, offering US-style college preparatory courses. Offers the IB Primary Year, Middle Year, and Diploma Programmes.

Maputo International School (MIS) Maputo British National Curriculum / Cambridge 3 to 18 A registered Cambridge Primary and Secondary School, accredited to offer IGCSE and A-Levels. Founded in 1975. Offers Portuguese courses.

Lycée Français International Gustave Eiffel Maputo French National Curriculum 3 to 18 This is the only school in Mozambique to offer a complete French-language curriculum. It is approved by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE).

Enko Maputo (formerly Enko Riverside) Maputo IB Diploma Programme and Cambridge Primary/Secondary 5 to 18 Focuses on international university access. Admissions are based on an entrance test.

Willow International School Maputo Mozambican Curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE elements 4 to 18 A certified Cambridge International School and Exam Centre. Graduates can earn both national and Cambridge certificates.

Aga Khan Academy Maputo Matola "A" (Maputo Province) IB N/A Features fabulous facilities and focuses on creating future global leaders. Set record-breaking results for its IB Diploma Programme in 2025. Offers residential (boarding) options.

Woodrose International School Maputo City & Matola City & Matola Rio Cambridge International Curriculum (IGCSE/A/AS Level) Pre-Primary to Secondary Taught in English, this school also teaches Portuguese, History, and Geography of Mozambique in the Primary level.

Grandeur International School Maputo Cambridge IGCSE and Calvert Curriculum 2 to 18 An English language school.

Escola Portuguesa de Moçambique Maputo Portuguese National Curriculum 3 to 18 Follows the Portuguese education system.

2. International Schools in Other Cities and Provinces

While Maputo is the most centralized location for international education, the expansion of private schools has created options in other strategic cities.

Beira (Sofala Province) Stella Maris International School Offers the Cambridge International Curriculum (IGCSE and A-Levels). It is one of only two international schools in Beira. Caters to ages 2 to 18.
Young Gemynds Has branches in Beira, Maputo, and Nampula.

Nampula (Nampula Province) Woodrose International School Has a branch in Nampula City.
Young Gemynds Has branches in Nampula.

Pemba (Cabo Delgado Province) Woodrose International School Has a branch in Pemba City.

Tete (Tete Province) Young Gemynds An English Medium School located in Matema. Fees were reported to be affordable (approx. $300/month in 2010). Emerald International School Follows the American Calvert system. Located on Rua dos Macondes, Tete City.

Chimoio International School (CIS) Located in Chimoio; uses the Cambridge Curriculum up to Grade 13 and offers boarding facilities.

3. Key Considerations for Expat Families

Curriculum Variety and Accreditation

Mozambique has 4 International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools, the first of which was established in 2005. Overall, international schools offer a diverse range of schooling options, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Cambridge International Curriculum. Many international schools also provide internationally accepted accreditation.

High Demand and Costs

• Intense Demand: Demand for places at Maputo's international schools is fierce and intensifying due to the growing expat population. Expats are strongly advised to apply for admission as a main priority prior to moving to Mozambique, as space is limited.
• High Fees: Education costs, particularly for private and international schools, can be steep. Tuition fees often match or exceed costs in Western countries. Expats moving for work should attempt to negotiate a schooling allowance into their relocation package to cover these high fees.
• VAT: Private schools are subject to VAT collection.

Residency and Legal Status

Minor children attending primary or secondary school are covered under the main applicant's residence authorization (work permit or residence permit) and do not need a separate Study Visa. Students enrolling in Mozambican universities or colleges, however, must apply for a dedicated Study Visa.

National Holiday Periods

The calendar for national school holidays exists, although exact dates change annually. Expats are encouraged to check the Mozambican School Holidays Calendar when planning travel. Travel tips specifically note the periods that generate high traffic and demand for tourist accommodation:

• Mid-Year and October: Mid-year and October school holidays are common periods for family getaways in Mozambique.
• Festive Season: The December holidays and New Year are extremely popular periods for South African tourists (whose school summer holidays fall during this time).

Oficial National Holidays in Mozambique

January 1st - New Year's Day

February 3rd - Mozambican Heroes' Day In honor of Eduardo Mondlane

April 7th - Mozambican Women's Day In honor of Josina Machel

May 1st - International Workers' Day

June 25th - National Independence Day

September 7th - Victory Day In honor of the signing of the Lusaka Accords

September 25th - Armed Forces Day In honor of the beginning of the Armed Struggle for National Liberation

October 4th - Peace and Reconciliation Day In honor of the General Peace Agreement

December 25th - Family Day

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.