Education and schools in Mozambique

Education in Mozambique is organised into three stages: primary education, secondary education and higher education.

While the country does have a somewhat functional national education system, the language of instruction in Mozambican public schools is Portuguese. As a result of this, and a variety of challenges faced by public schools in the country, very few expats opt to send their children to public schools, preferring to make use of private and international schools.

Mozambique is home to a good variety of private and international schools, most of which can be found in Maputo and Beira.

Public schools in Mozambique

The first nine years of education are compulsory in Mozambique. Children start their first year of school at the age of six. Public schools are generally understaffed and stretched for resources, often resulting in high dropout rates.

The language of instruction at public schools in Mozambique is Portuguese. This creates a language barrier for many expats. While public schools are technically free, you’ll have to pay for textbooks, uniforms and other extras.

Due to space constraints, school is typically held in two or three sessions a day. This means some children attend a morning session and others attend school in the afternoon. Sessions are short in order to cater to as many students as possible. The result is often a lower quality of education.

For these reasons, most expat parents opt for international schools instead.

Useful links

• Ministry of Education and Culture

Private schools in Mozambique

Those who can afford it tend to send their children to private schools in Mozambique. These schools tend to have smaller classes, more qualified teachers and better teaching resources at their disposal.

There are many private schools in Mozambique, with the majority being located in Maputo or Beira. Private schools offer a wide variety of curricula and teach primarily in English or Portuguese. The standard of education and cost of tuition vary, so it’s best to research your options thoroughly before enrolling your child.

International schools in Mozambique

You can choose from a number of international schools in Mozambique. These schools teach foreign or globally recognised curricula, like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British curriculum.

Schools usually teach in the language associated with their country of origin. The majority of these schools offer classes in English. Most of Mozambique's international schools are clustered in Maputo and Beira, with a few scattered in other areas around the country.

Admission and enrolment procedures vary from school to school. Demand for international schooling in Mozambique is high, and space is limited. For this reason, it’s best to start the application process as early as possible.

Tuition fees vary widely, with the best international schools charging high fees. Expats moving to Mozambique for work should attempt to negotiate a school allowance into their relocation package to cover these costs.

Best International Schools in Mozambique

Special-needs education in Mozambique

Though there has been a push for more inclusive education options, provisions for special-needs education in Mozambique are limited. While the need for integrated classes is recognised, few schools can afford the resources and staff to support this, with public schools in particular being afflicted by this. Schools that cannot offer comprehensive support may be reluctant to admit students with behavioural, learning or physical disabilities or challenges.

You’re more likely to find support programmes for your special-needs child at private or international schools. It's best to contact the schools directly to find out what support services are available.

Tutors in Mozambique

There are tutors available in Mozambique, mainly located in the bigger cities and other expat enclaves. Whether you want your children to get better acquainted with Portuguese, catch up academically, or get extra support close to exam time, private tutors can help.

One of the best ways to find a tutor is through networking and asking other families. There is also a wide variety of tutoring companies available online.