On 14th of June 2010, I held a press conference at Four points, Sheraton, Ebene. In order to increase access to Tertiary Education the following measures were announced:
• Introduction of Foundation Programme for Students with one ‘A’ Level only
At present some 1,500 students come out of the HSC exams with only one ‘A’ Level every year. It is estimated that some 10,000 students have not proceeded to tertiary education because they have only one ‘A’ Level. In line with practices overseas, it is proposed that tertiary education institutions offer a one-year foundation programme to enable such students to access tertiary education.
• Recognition of Prior Learning
Government has also established a policy for recognition of Prior Learning for the tertiary education sector. Students who have passed the School Certificate and with at least 3 years of relevant working experience may now have access to tertiary education.
• Admission of Mature Students
In line with practices in other countries the Government has also approved a policy for admission of mature students in the tertiary education institutions. Henceforth any person aged 25 and above and who has passed for School Certificate may have access to tertiary education.
• Application of the 24/7 Concept to Tertiary Education
The 24/7 concept will be applied gradually to the tertiary education sector. In the first instance the University of Mauritius will extend its opening hours up to 22.00 hrs on week days and on Sundays up to 15.00 hrs. This will enable more students to access tertiary education and existing students to avail themselves of the facilities at the University of Mauritius during the extended hours hence making optimum use of resources.
