Education in Nauru
Nauru — the world's smallest island republic — runs an Australian-influenced education system using Nauruan and English. The system is shaped by the country's tiny size, and higher education is provided through regional and overseas institutions.
Structure & stages
The system is organized as:
- PrimaryThe foundation stage, in Nauruan and English
- SecondaryFollowing an Australian-influenced model
Compulsory education & enrolment
Education is compulsory from about age 6 to 16 and free. The school year runs roughly January to December, on an Australian-style calendar.
Public schools
Nauru's children attend a small number of government schools, with Nauruan used in early grades and English higher up. The country's size means the whole system is compact and centrally run.
Private & international schools
Given the size, there is little private-school provision; education is overwhelmingly public.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum, influenced by Australia, covers English, Nauruan, mathematics, sciences, and social studies.
Exams & qualifications
Assessment follows Australian-influenced approaches; students continuing to higher education typically study through regional institutions or abroad.
Higher education
Nauru does not have its own university; higher education is provided through a University of the South Pacific (USP) presence and by studying abroad, particularly in Australia and Fiji.
Studying in Nauru from abroad
Nauru is not a destination for international students; its students study regionally or abroad.
- USPThe regional University of the South Pacific serves Nauru
- AbroadMany students study in Australia and Fiji
- LanguageEnglish is used in later schooling and higher education
Special education & support
Special-education provision is very limited, delivered through a small number of programs with regional support.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is not an established route; education is school-based.
Costs & funding
Public education is free. Higher study through USP or abroad involves fees (with scholarships). The currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
Key facts for families
- LanguagesNauruan and English
- StructurePrimary + secondary (Australian-influenced)
- CompulsoryAges 6–16, free
- Higher edUSP presence; most study abroad
- School yearJanuary to December
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current details: