Education in Seychelles
Seychelles, an Indian Ocean island nation, has three official languages — Seychellois Creole (Kreol), English, and French. Education uses Creole in early grades and shifts to English (with French taught), and the country provides free education with high literacy. Seychelles uses Cambridge-based examinations.
Structure & stages
The system follows a British-influenced structure:
- Crèche + Primary (6 years)Ages ~5/6–11, beginning in Creole
- Secondary (5 years)Leading to IGCSE and, for some, A-Level examinations
Compulsory education & enrolment
Education is compulsory and free from age 6 to 16. The school year runs roughly January to December. Seychelles has invested strongly in universal education.
Public schools
Most students attend free state schools, with Creole used in early grades and English becoming the medium of instruction, alongside French.
Private & international schools
Seychelles has a small private and international-school sector, alongside the dominant public system.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers Creole, English, French, mathematics, the sciences, and social studies, geared toward Cambridge examinations, reflecting the country's trilingual character.
Exams & qualifications
Secondary certification uses Cambridge examinations — the IGCSE / O-Level and, for advanced study, A-Level — alongside local assessments.
Higher education
Higher education centers on the University of Seychelles, along with the Seychelles Institute of Technology and other colleges. Many students also study abroad, often on government scholarships.
Studying in Seychelles from abroad
Seychelles is not a major destination for international students; capacity is limited by the country's size.
- LanguageEnglish (and French) are used in higher education
- Seychellois abroadMany students study abroad on scholarships, in the UK, Mauritius, India, and elsewhere
- PracticalitiesConfirm admission and visa requirements directly
Special education & support
Seychelles supports inclusive education, integrating students with additional needs into mainstream schools with support, alongside special provision.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is uncommon in Seychelles; education is school-based.
Costs & funding
Public education is free. Private and international schools charge tuition, and higher study (often abroad) is frequently supported by scholarships. The currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR).
Key facts for families
- LanguagesSeychellois Creole, English, and French (trilingual)
- StructurePrimary (6) + Secondary (5)
- CompulsoryAges 6–16, free
- ExamsCambridge IGCSE and A-Level
- Higher edUniversity of Seychelles; many study abroad on scholarships
- School yearJanuary to December
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current details: