Education in Comoros
The Comoros, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, has three official languages — Comorian (Shikomori), Arabic, and French — and an education system that blends a French-model secular system with strong Quranic and Arabic schooling. Literacy is moderate and improving, and the system is limited by the country's small size and resources.
Structure & stages
The secular system follows the French-derived model, alongside Quranic schooling:
- Primary (6 years)Ages ~6–11
- Lower secondary (4 years)Collège, ending with the BEPC
- Upper secondary (3 years)Lycée, ending with the Baccalauréat
Many children also attend Quranic schools, and Arabic-language Islamic education is widespread.
Compulsory education & enrolment
Primary education is compulsory in principle and intended to be free, from around age 6. Access and completion vary across the three islands. The school year runs roughly September to June.
Public schools
Most children attend public schools, taught in French with Arabic instruction, alongside a strong tradition of Quranic education. The system faces resource and teacher constraints typical of a small island economy.
Private & international schools
The Comoros has a private and religious school sector, including Franco-Arab and Islamic schools, offering alternatives to public schooling.
Curriculum & language of instruction
Instruction combines French (secular subjects) and Arabic (Islamic and language study), covering the standard academic subjects. The interplay of French, Arabic, and Comorian is a defining feature.
Exams & qualifications
The secular path uses French-style national exams — the CEP, BEPC, and Baccalauréat — the last of which is the gateway to university.
Higher education
Higher education centers on the University of the Comoros (Université des Comores), the country's main institution. Many Comorian students pursue higher education abroad, especially in France and the region.
Studying in Comoros from abroad
The Comoros is not a destination for international students; capacity is limited.
- LanguagesFrench and Arabic are used in education
- Comorians abroadMany students study abroad, particularly in France and neighboring countries
- PracticalitiesCheck visa and entry requirements directly
Special education & support
Special-education provision is very limited, delivered mainly through NGO and community programs.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is not an established route; education is school-based, alongside widespread Quranic schooling.
Costs & funding
Public primary education is, in principle, free, though families bear indirect costs. Private and religious schools charge fees. The currency is the Comorian Franc (KMF).
Key facts for families
- LanguagesComorian, Arabic, and French
- Structure6 + 4 + 3 (French-derived), plus Quranic schooling
- CompulsoryFree primary in principle
- ExamsCEP, BEPC, and the Baccalauréat
- Higher edUniversity of the Comoros
Accreditation & quality assurance in Comoros
Every country oversees its own schools and universities through its education ministry or a national quality-assurance agency. To confirm that a specific Comoros institution is recognized — and to understand how a Comoros qualification is recognized in the U.S. and worldwide — start with the resources below.
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current details: