Pioneer of Distance Education
The Open University of Mauritius (OU) was established on July 12, 2012, under the Open University of Mauritius Act 2010, integrating the Mauritius College of the Air set up in 1971. As the first ISO-certified public university in Mauritius, OU caters to the growing demand for quality higher education locally and globally. It offers a range of programs from short courses and Continuous Professional Development for medical professionals to degrees up to the doctoral level.
Growth and Educational Model
In 2014, OU was the only local university with significant growth, achieving an 88% increase in enrollments. By its fourth year, OU had over 5,000 students, primarily studying through a blended open-distance learning model. Study materials are available online via a specialised e-learning platform, and students can attend on-campus enrichment sessions.
Collaborations and Memberships
OU has developed partnerships with prestigious institutions like Imperial College London and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. It is also a member of international associations, including the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the International Association of Universities (IAU), and the African Council for Distance Education (ACDE).
Initiatives and Scholarships
On January 6th of 2017, the Africa Platform for Regional Integration Development Effectiveness (PRIDE) was established at OU to provide training on Regional Integration. OU also offers scholarships to learners from the African region and inmates of the Mauritius Prison Service, underscoring its commitment to accessible education for all.
