Reply: In line with Government’s vision, as stated in the Government programme 2025-2029, to position Mauritius as a globally competitive and vibrant higher education hub, my Ministry, in collaboration with the different institutions operating under its aegis, has initiated numerous actions in the areas focused on science, research, innovation and higher education. At the centre of these actions is the setting up of the National Committee on Internationalisation of Higher Education, National Committee of Branding and Marketing of Higher Education, and the “Study-in-Mauritius” Committee. These committees have presented their findings at the Higher Education Summit which was held from 04 to 06 June. Each committee comprised several experts with the mandate of recommending a set of strategies to successfully implement the internationalisation of our higher education sector under the “Study in Mauritius” banner. The Committees are actively developing a roadmap to attract international students from key regions. This also includes reviewing and proposing amendments to visa and work permit policies, simplifying application processes, and introducing a post-study work visa framework to retain talent. Secondly, taking into consideration the importance of students’ well-being and integration, the Committees are also working on guidelines for language support, cultural adaptation, access to health services, student orientation, and housing standards tailored to international needs. Thirdly, our strategy includes promoting transnational education through joint degrees, academic exchanges, and virtual mobility programmes. The Committee is further exploring partnerships with globally reputed institutions to co-organise conclaves of university leaders, research collaboration platforms, and international academic festivals in Mauritius. To facilitate the internationalisation process and position as a preferred destination for the higher education sector, a strategic collaboration has been established between the Higher Education Commission and the Quality Assurance Agency of the United Kingdom in May of this year. This collaboration will lead to a streamlined accreditation process within the Mauritian higher education jurisdiction, as programmes which have already been quality assured by QAA-UK will be subject to a streamlined accreditation process by HEC. This will be instrumental in positioning Mauritius as a credible, quality-driven educational hub.

148 We are also encouraging our higher education institutions to foster international partnerships, not as a symbolic gesture, but as a meaningful collaboration that enhances institutional quality, research output, and global relevance. All these measures converge towards developing the higher education sector as a key economic pillar and transforming Mauritius into a beacon of academic and research excellence. MFA SEMI-FINAL MATCH – CERCLE DE JOACHIM vs LA CURE WAVES – CHANGE OF VENUE