Universities in Seychelles: Admission, Costs and How to Apply
By Muntasir • Published Dec 14, 2025 • Updated Sep 20, 2026 • African Countries & Cities, Africa Admissions & Exams
Seychelles has one public university, one national TVET institute, and a maritime academy. Local students at the University of Seychelles pay from about USD 875 a year, while international students pay from about USD 17,500 a year.
🎓 University of Seychelles (UniSey) runs four faculties covering business, arts, research, and lifelong learning
🏠 Main campus sits at Anse Royale on Mahé island
📩 You need 12 years of schooling or an equivalent qualification such as A-Levels to enter a bachelor's program
💵 Master's degrees run roughly USD 4,000 to USD 6,000 a year
⏱️ Seychelles Institute of Technology and Seychelles Maritime Academy cover technical and maritime training outside the university system
Higher Education Options in Seychelles
Seychelles is a small island nation, and its higher education system reflects that scale. Instead of dozens of competing universities, students choose between one public university, a national technical and vocational institute, and specialist training centers for fields like maritime work. Most Seychellois students study locally through secondary school and then decide between these local options or funded study abroad.
University of Seychelles (UniSey)
The University of Seychelles is the country's only public university. It operates through four faculties: the Faculty of Arts and Social Development, the Faculty of Business and Sustainable Development, the Faculty of Research and Innovation, and the Faculty of Lifelong Learning and Professional Development.
Programs span computing and information systems, education, health and social care, business and finance, environmental science, law, and tourism and cultural heritage. UniSey also runs postgraduate programs, including doctoral degrees such as the Doctor of Business Administration. Its main campus is at Anse Royale on Mahé, the country's largest island.
Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT)
SIT is the national technical and vocational education and training (TVET) body, operating under the Ministry of Education since it became a Professional Centre in January 2015 under the Tertiary Education Act 2011, according to UNESCO-UNEVOC . SIT offers full-time diplomas, advanced certificates, and certificates, alongside work-based training and apprenticeships, plus short industry courses. It suits students heading into technical trades, engineering support roles, and applied professions rather than academic degrees.
Seychelles Maritime Academy
Given the country's dependence on fishing, shipping, and tourism, maritime training has its own institution. The Seychelles Maritime Academy offers internationally accredited training in ocean navigation, marine engineering, and fisheries studies, run in partnership with Sri Lanka's CINEC Campus. Graduates typically move into seafaring, port, and fisheries-sector careers.
Admission Requirements
Entry to UniSey bachelor's programs generally requires completion of 12 years of schooling or an equivalent qualification, such as A-Levels or another recognized international secondary certificate. Specific programs set their own subject and grade requirements, and applicants typically need to be at least 17 or 18 years old for degree-level study. Contact the UniSey admissions office directly for the exact entry grades your intended program requires, since these vary by faculty and change between intakes.
Tuition Fees
Fees at UniSey differ sharply by residency status.
| Level | Local students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | From about USD 875/year | From about USD 17,500/year |
| Master's degree | Roughly USD 4,000-6,000/year | Varies by program |
These figures come from published fee guidance and can shift between academic years, so confirm the current schedule with UniSey's admissions office before you budget. SIT and the Maritime Academy publish separate, generally lower fee structures tied to their diploma and certificate programs.
How to Apply
Check the program list and entry requirements on the UniSey, SIT, or Maritime Academy websites
Submit your secondary school transcripts and any required qualification certificates through the institution's application portal or admissions office
International applicants should confirm visa and student pass requirements alongside the academic application
Apply for government scholarship support through the Careers and Further Education Agency (CaFEA) at the same time as your program application, since funding decisions can affect which offer you accept
Studying Through International Partnerships
Seychelles also expands access to higher education through partnerships. The Ministry of Education's partnership with Unicaf lets students pursue accredited online degrees affiliated with international universities without leaving the country, which suits working adults and students in outer islands who cannot easily reach a Mahé campus.