Mozambique has a public and private school system. The public school system is taught in Portuguese. English is introduced to students during secondary school, and is a compulsory course from sixth grade onwards.

In order to be taught entirely in English, students must enroll at one of three English-based private schools (see the International school section for more information).

The Mozambican school system is broken down into the following levels.

1. Pre-school: For children under the age of 6
2. Primary School, 1^st degree ('EP1'): 5 years, grades 1 - 5, beginning at a minimum of age 6
3. Primary School, 2^nd degree ('EP2'): 2 years, grades 6 - 7
4. Secondary School, 1^st cycle: 3 years, grades 8 - 10
5. Secondary School, 2^nd cycle: 2 years, grades 11 - 12
6. Tertiary school (university, technical college, etc.) - 2 - 5+ years

Technically, primary school is free and mandatory for all Mozambicans; however, in practice there are often a number of associated fees for books, uniforms, etc. These fees are an obstacle for many Mozambicans.

Private School in Mozambique

There is an enormous range of private schools located throughout Mozambique. Private schools vary in terms of courses offered, quality of the education, the cost of tuition and the language of instruction. Private schools are located throughout the country, but are most centralized in Maputo and Beira.

Generally, people prefer to send their children to private school if they can afford it. Here, you find lower class sizes, more qualified teachers and better resources for teaching.

Fees

There is an enormous range in the tuition fees charged by private schools (USD 100 - 2000+/semester). Most private schools do not publish their rates online. Rather, you will need to contact them directly. It is not uncommon for them to charge a fee for you to receive the full fee information.

Universities in Mozambique

Mozambique has 14 universities, half of which are public and half of which are private. Most universities are located in Maputo, and the school year runs from August to June. The language of instruction at all universities is Portuguese, and most universities will offer a 4 or 5-year Bachelor's ('Licenciatura') degree. Some offer Master's programs as well.

In order to apply to university, students must pas a university admission exam at the university they wish to apply to. After accepting students with the highest grades, unaccepted students have a chance to re-write the exam.

Some of the main universities in Mozambique include, the following:

• Universidade Eduardo Mondlane: the largest and oldest university in the country (public, located in Maputo)
• Universidade Pedagógica (public, main campus in Maputo with secondary schools in Beira, Nampula, Quelimane, Gaza and Niassa).
• Instituto Superior Politécnico e Universitário (private, located in Maputo)
• Universidade Católica de Moçambique (private, located in Beira)
• Instituto Superior de Relações Internacionais (public)
• Instituto Superior de Ciências e Tecnologia de Moçambique (private, located in Maputo)

Libraries in Maputo

Maputo has a variety of libraries, some of which offer English reading materials.

• National Library of Mozambique: Predominantly Portuguese material 
•  British Council Library: English material
• Centro Cultural Português: Portuguese material only
• American Cultural Centre/Information Resource Center: Good English reading material
• National History Museum: Small library at the back of the museum
• Maputo French School Library: Majority of materials are in French, some English and Portuguese
• University campus libraries

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