Education in Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands, a Melanesian nation in the Pacific with dozens of local languages, runs a British-influenced education system with English as the official medium and Pijin as the common lingua franca. The system is shaped by the country's scattered geography, and the government has pursued free-education policies to widen access.
Structure & stages
The system is organized as:
- PrimaryTaught with local languages/Pijin and increasing English
- SecondaryJunior and senior secondary, with national and regional examinations
Compulsory education & enrolment
Primary education is the focus of compulsory schooling, and the government has introduced fee-subsidy policies to expand access. The school year runs roughly January to December. Access is uneven across the islands.
Public schools
Most children attend public and church-run schools (churches are major education providers), with early grades often in Pijin or a local language and English becoming the medium higher up.
Private & international schools
The private-school sector is small; church organizations run many schools alongside government provision.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers English, mathematics, sciences, and social studies, with a shift from local languages/Pijin to English.
Exams & qualifications
Students sit national and regional (Pacific) examinations in secondary school, which govern progression and higher study.
Higher education
Higher education centers on the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), along with a University of the South Pacific (USP) presence and teacher/technical colleges. Many students also study in the region and abroad.
Studying in Solomon Islands from abroad
Solomon Islands is not a destination for international students; higher education is largely regional.
- USP & SINUServe local and regional students in English
- AbroadMany students study in Fiji (USP), Australia, and New Zealand on scholarships
- 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 church and NGO involvement.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is not an established route; education is school-based.
Costs & funding
Primary education is subsidized (with free-education policies), though families face indirect costs. Church and private schools may charge fees. The currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD).
Key facts for families
- LanguagesEnglish (medium), Pijin (lingua franca), many local languages
- StructurePrimary + secondary
- CompulsoryPrimary (free-education policies)
- Higher edSolomon Islands National University, USP presence
- School yearJanuary to December
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current details: