Student Entry/Residence Permit
The Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) issues a Student Entry/Residence Permit to non-citizens enrolled at a higher education institution registered with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) or a training institution registered with the Mauritius Qualifications Authority (MQA). The institution enrols the student on the National E-Licensing System (NELS), which generates an enrolment key. The student applies online with that key, receives an entry permit, takes medical tests after arrival and attends an appointment to have original documents checked before the residence permit is granted. Full-time students may work up to 20 hours a week. The rules come from PIO guidelines dated 11 September 2026.
Life in Mauritius
Money
3
Currency
Mauritian Rupee
MUR
Mauritian Rupee
Cost of living
44
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
10–20%
Income tax (national)
VAT 15%
0% on first Rs 500,000, 10% on next Rs 500,000, 20% above; plus 15% Fair Share Contribution for net income above Rs 12m (income years to 30 June 2028).
Living
1
Happiness
#71 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-citizens accepted on a course at an HEC-registered higher education institution or an MQA-registered training institution in Mauritius, including exchange students and post-doctoral researchers.
Eligibility
Undergraduate, diploma or certificate
Enrolled full-time at an HEC-registered higher education institution on a course leading to a certificate, diploma or undergraduate degree lasting at least one academic year.
Postgraduate
Enrolled full-time or part-time at an HEC-registered institution at postgraduate level (Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, Masters, MPhil or Doctoral level).
Post-doctoral research
Conducting post-doctoral research at a registered higher education institution.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementVocational training
- Document checklistPassport bio-data pages (copy)
- Steps to applyThe institution posts its accredited course on NELS and enrols the student, whic
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 4 more requirements
- 9 documents
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Mauritius
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Mauritius
- Visit & tourismTourist visa and entry as a visitor
- Work permitsOccupation Permit - Professional
- Permanent residencePermanent Residence Permit
- FamilyResidence Permit as Dependent of an Occupation or Residence Permit holder
- Status in-countryResidence Permit for Retired Non-Citizens
- Investors & entrepreneursMauritius Premium Visa
