FAQ Open University of Mauritius

Open University of Mauritius (OU), the 1st ISO-Certified public university in Mauritius was established on 12 July 2012 under the Open University of Mauritius Act 2010.  OU does not only offer courses that are accessible, affordable and of high quality, but also provides great flexibility to learners who can study while they are in employment.  For more information About OU or visit our web page http://www.open.ac.mu/

There is no age limit. The Open University operates within a framework of opening access to education through the use of distance learning.

Kindly forward your updated personal information in writing together with any supporting documents to the Admission Office on admission1@open.ac.mu and copied to Exam Unit on examstudentservice@open.ac.mu and Academic Affairs Division on studentsupport@open.ac.mu

Refer to the following link to have access to OU's general rules and regulations. 

https://www.open.ac.mu/2018/12/11/know-the-rules/ 

The following courses are available at OU:

• Courses Foundation Level
• Undergraduate Courses
• Master’s Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• Employability Skills

• Courses Foundation Level
• SC/GCE O-Level with 3 credits + 1 A-Level (Applicants should be less than 25 years of age).
• Mature candidates (25 years old or more), will be considered on their own merit.

• Undergraduate Courses
• A minimum of three credits including a credit in English language at School Certificate Level/GCE O Level.
• Either Three “A” Level or two “A” Level at Cambridge Higher School/GCE A Level
• Fresh HSC school leavers must either have a full HSC or a minimum of 2 “A” Level and 2 “A” Level subsidiary.

• Master’s Degree
• CEMBA/CEMPA Programme
• An undergraduate degree with good standing
• A minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification experience
• Residency within Commonwealth countries (where the programme is offered)
• A working knowledge of the English language at the post-graduate studies level
• MBA: MBA with specialisation, MBA Educational Leadership
• A Bachelor’s degree with at least second class from a recognised University or alternative qualifications, including professional qualifications, acceptable to the Open University of Mauritius
• Candidates must have a good mastery of English Language.
• Prior Learning and Prior Experiential Learning may be considered by the University for admission to this programme.
• Applicants may be asked to pass an entry test.
• Doctoral Degree
• A Master’s-level degree, either an MBA or a specialist MA or MSc in a related area.
• Evidence of substantial management or professional work experience, including within the academic profession.
• Prior Learning and Prior Experiential Learning may be considered by the Open University of Mauritius for admission to this programme.

• Employability Skills
• Employability Skills: Mininum 4 'O' Levels (further details on https://www.open.ac.mu/faq-v2/ )
  
• Top Up Programme
• A recognised Diploma in the programme that is being upgraded to a BSc (Hons) Degree

 

• For information on fees (Mauritian Applicants) click here
• For information on fees (International Applicants) click here
• For general information (exemption fee, application fee, re-sit fee, fee for resubmission of dissertation, special self-study module fee, graduation ceremony fee, request for testimonial fee, re-issue of transcript fee, re-issue of certificates fee, fee for appeal against disciplinary committee decision and fee for review of exam results) on fees click here.
• What is the refund of fees policy?

Learners may be eligible for refund of fees subject to satisfying specific criteria

(a) Learners who do not benefit from free tertiary education and who pay all module fees (Tuition Fees + Administrative Fees)

1. Non-Starter, i.e., the learner withdraws before the Induction Session - 90% refund of fees paid. Download Refund form (The form is in the 'General Rules & Regulation of OU' at Appendix 6)
2. Request for refund is made within 3 weeks after the Induction Session - 75% of fees paid. Download Refund form (The form is in the 'General Rules & Regulation of OU' at Appendix 6)
3. Request is made after end of the 3rd week from start of the Course - No refund
4. Request for refund of fees, either in part or in full, be considered on a case to case basis by the Director, Academic Affairs Division and approved by the Director-General, if a learner cannot follow the course because of any one of the following reasons:
   1. A major unexpected debilitating life event (for example: a major illness, death in the family, accident requiring long term treatment and convalescence);
   2. Financial difficulties due to breadwinner passing away;
   3. Ill-health / loss of job of learner or guardian;
   4. Any other exceptional/extenuating circumstances deemed valid by OU.
   
   All applications should be supported by evidence.
   
   
5. A refund of 50% of the course fee paid for the semester provided the request is made during the semester and not at the end. Currently no refund is made after the third week from the start of the course deemed to be the Induction Session.
6. As regards to learners who have settled the full programme / course fee upon enrolment, 50% of the fee for the current semester and 90% of the fee for the forthcoming semesters be refunded.
7. As regards to learners who have enrolled for a programme but neither attended any face-to-face session nor submitted any assignment, 75% refund of the fees paid provided the request is made within one year from the date of induction that the learner attended/was expected to attend.
8. Learners who are offered conditional seats for a particular programme be refunded 100% of the total amount of the fees paid if they are not given firm offer of seat on the programme.
9. For learners who enrol for more than one programme:
   • 100% refund applicable provided the learner did not attend any tutorial session and submit his request before start of face-to-face sessions.
   • 75% refund applicable provided the learner did not attend any session and did not submit any assignment and the request for refund is made within one year from the date of induction that the learner attended/was expected to attend.
   • No refund if the learner attended any face-to-face session and/or submitted assignment.

In any scenario, the learner will have to return the tablet provided to him/her by OU, otherwise the cost incurred for the tablet, which is approximately Rs3,000, will be withheld before processing the refund.

(b) Learners who pay the administrative fees only :

1. 90% refund provided the request for refund is made before the induction session. Download Refund form (The form is in the 'General Rules & Regulation of OU' at Appendix 6.)
2. 75% refund provided the learner did not attend any face-to-face session and did not submit any assignment during the semester and provided the request for refund is made within one year from the date of induction that the learner attended / was expected to attent. Download Refund form (The form is in the 'General Rules & Regulation of OU' at Appendix 6.)
3. No refund if the learner attended face-to-face session and/or submitted any assignment during the semester.
4. As regards to learners who are offered conditional seats for a particular programme, they will be refunded 100% of the total amount of the fees paid if they are not given firm offer of seat on the programme.
5. Requests for refund of fees, either in part or full, be considered on a case-to-case basis by the Director, Academic Affairs Division and approved by the Director-General, if a learner cannot follow the course because of any one of the following reasons:
   1. A major unexpected debilitating life event (for example: a major illness, death in the family, accident requiring long term treatment and convalescence);
   2. Financial difficulties due to breadwinner passing away;
   3. Ill-health / loss of job of learner or guardian;
   4. Any other exceptional/extenuating circumstances deemed valid by OU.
   
   All applications should be supported by evidence.
   
   
6. In any scenario, the learner will have to return the tablet provided to him/her by OU, otherwise the cost incurred for the tablet, which is approximately Rs3,000, will be withheld before processing the refund

• When you enrol on an OU programme, you will receive:
• Your Study Pack in soft copies consisting of the course materials, which includes, media materials, access to password-protected internet resources, glossaries, appendices and case studies & other resource
• Payment facilities, i.e., payments can be effected semester wise instead of the full programme fee.  You are also entitled to a 5% discount applicable to only those paying the full programme fee and not applicable on the administrative fee.
• Access to OUlearn platform
• A free tablet, applicable only for undergraduate & postgraduate programmes
• Library & E-Library facilities
• Transport facilities to go to OU study centers & shuttles are available all day long on Saturdays only during face to face sessions
• Printing & Photocopying facilities against payment at the OU Curepipe Campus ( OUCC )

 E-vbab scholarship programmes: https://www.open.ac.mu/e-vbab-scholarship-programmes/

For information on how to apply & to proceed with the online application click here

• I am a foreign student & I wish to study at OU, should I look for equivalence of certificate?

Yes, the onus to submit equivalence of educational certificate is on the applicant.

• Is there any visa facility?

International learners enrolled on full-time programme will be eligible for a stay visa.  Currently, OU is not offering full-time programme.

 

Late applications may be accepted on a case to case basis. Applicants should submit their request to the Admissions Office by email on admissions1@open.ac.mu

 

An allowance granted to a learner with respect to a module/course of a programme deemed to have already been fulfilled as recommended by the Director, Academic Affairs/Programme Manager and approved by the Academic Council.  For more information about the exemption criteria, ( https://www.open.ac.mu/). Download Exemption Form.

Interruption of studies is the period during which a learner is allowed to temporarily discontinue his/her studies on grounds approved by the Academic Council upon recommendation of the Director of the Academic Affairs Division.

• What is the maximum allowable period of interruption for studies?

Interruption of Studies may be granted a period of 2 semesters, renewable for 1 more period of up to 2 semesters on emergency grounds is allowed.  Download Interruption of studies Form.

• Who is eligible for Interruption of studies?

 - Students enrolled on Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes

- Students enrolled on Doctorate programmes

 

Withdrawal from programme refers to the termination of a learner’s registration from a programme on grounds laid by the Academic Council or at the request of the learner.  Download Withdrawal form

• What is the procedure for withdrawal from programme?

Learner contacts the Academic Affairs Division by sending an email to their respective academic support staff with a specific and valid reason for withdrawal along with duly filled withdrawal form. Academic Affairs Division processes the request and notifies the learner whether the withdrawal request has been accepted or not.

Learners will get a link by the Student Affairs Unit to re-register for their module. Once payment has been effected, the learner is requested to submit his re-registration, eligibility form, and proof of payment by email. (More information is available on the re-registration form).

The testimonial provided by the Academic Affairs Division will certify that you are an OU learner and provide details regarding your course duration

Examination constitutes a very important aspect of the University activities and the University wishes to state firmly that the conduct of its examinations is taken seriously. The University will not condone any form of examination misconduct/irregularity. OU will endeavour to ensure that processes for making assessments and for moderating marks are clearly articulated and consistently operated by those involved in the assessment process.

 

For more information regarding Examination Regulations, kindly click and read the current OU general rules and regulations on  https://www.open.ac.mu/2018/12/11/know-the-rules/

The University considers plagiarism as an act of intellectual and academic dishonesty and shall under no circumstance accept or tolerate any case of plagiarism.

For more information regarding Examination Regulations, kindly click and read the current OU general rules and regulations on https://www.open.ac.mu/2018/12/11/know-the-rules/

• Miss out an examination
• If a registered learner misses an examination, he/she will need to notify the Programme Manager/Exam Unit in writing and provide justifiable reason for the absence.
• He/she may thereafter be given another opportunity either at a subsequent semester.
• The learner’s request may need to be supported by documentary evidence (e.g. medical certificate) and must be received at OU Registry not later than 1 week after the examination date.
• No excuse would be accepted for missing an examination due to a misreading of the examination timetable
• Resit for a module
• The Examination Unit will open the examination registration on the Oulearn Platform
• Learners are kindly requested to fill in the Exams Entry Form and to follow the instructions.
• Learners will need to pay a Resit fee per module
• Learners will need to submit the duly filled in form and payment receipt to Exam Unit

• How long does it take to publish exam results?
• Examination results are expected to be published at least 8 weeks after the end of the examination period
• Where can I access for my results?

• Results are available by accessing the OUlearn platform under the Exams section. 
  

• What is an appeal?
  
• A request from the learner for review of a decision concerning his/her. A learner who is not satisfied with his/her results may make an appeal to the registrar or his/her representatives for a re-marking of his/her paper/s against payment of a fee as determined by the Open University
  

• When can a learner request for an appeal on results?
• Appeal can be made within 14 days after publication of official results.  

• What are the procedures for appeal?
• Learner has to fill in an  Academic Appeal Form available on OUlearn Platform.
• Pay a fee of Rs. 3,000.00 to the finance section.
• Submit the form duly filled in together with payment receipt to Exam Unit. 
• There is an intervention of a third marker who gives the final result. 
• If the result is upgraded and the learner gets more marks, his full fees are refunded, if there is no upgrade, the learner loses his refund.

• Is the OU certificate recognised by employers?
• Yes, OU certificate is recognised by employers and by the Higher Education Commission. 
• What is the procedure in case I have loss my certificate?
• In case you have lost your original certificate, you should send a mail to the registrar of Open University requesting the certificate who will do the necessary and notify you of the fee of issuing the certificate.  
• The University may issue a copy on the following conditions:
• The holder of the original certificate must produce a sworn affidavit.
• The copy issued will have ‘copy’ marked across it.
• A copy will be issued against a prescribed fee

• The Exam Unit provides which types of Testimonial document?
• Testimonial for Study Leave.
• Testimonial of results for modules taken.
• What is the procedure to have a Testimonial document?
  
• An official request is submitted to the Exam Unit on examstudentservice@open.ac.mu by providing the following mandatory information:
• Learners full name
• Student ID number
• Contact details (Email, phone number & address)
• Programme & intake
• Payment receipt of Rs. 250.00 (To effect payment at the Finance Cash Counter during week days from 9.30 - 15.00 prior to collection of testimonial from Exam Unit)

• At the start of each academic year, OU organises Induction Sessions to offer registered learners’ necessary information about the university, giving them study techniques, outlining procedures to be followed and also providing relevant guidelines to enable learners to progress successfully at OU during their studies. Learning materials are also distributed at the Induction Session.
• Throughout the semester, OU provides the following support:
• The organisation of face-to-face sessions, i.e., learners will have direct contact with Tutors and peers to enable the them clarifies any areas of difficulty in relation to course materials.
• Tutorial Support will be given by Tutors to give the learners the appropriate guidance for their assignments or any other related difficulties.  Your Tutor will also interact with you online on OUlearn Platform.
• Facilities for Peer Group Interaction, i.e., for each course, there will be an online forum for discussion.  Learners will also have peer group interaction during face-to-face sessions.
• Study Skills Resources Study are the skills you need to develop in order to reach your learning objectives as a distance learner and materials will be provided to raise your awareness and to develop your skills.
• Employability Skills Courses, i.e., undergraduate as well as postgraduate OU learners will benefit from free access to the OU Employability skills courses.

You should submit your assignment to your respective tutor on the due date during the face-to-face sessions. If you are unable to hand over the assignments to the tutors during the sessions, you must liaise with the respective tutor accordingly in order to agree on the way forward. However, you should ensure that your Programme Manager is in copy of all emails that you send to the tutors. 

Some examination papers are available on OUlearn Platform under Exams section.

• How do I login to OUlearn Platform?
• Click on OUlearn Platform on the OU website.
• Log in using your username and password, which will be provided by the Student Affairs Unit.
• Do students have to be online all the time to use OUlearn Platform?
• Yes, Internet Connection is a must to access OUlearn Platform.
• Can I access OUlearn Platform from my mobile phone?
• Yes, OUlearn Platform is compatible to all devices.
• How to get access to my resit/defer module courses on OUlearn Platform?
• Access will be granted as soon as the Student Affairs Unit receives request from the respective programme manager or admin support. 
• As a registered learner, why I am not getting access to OUlearn Platform?
• You have changed your username which is not allowed and our system does not recognise you. In that case, send an email to the Student Affairs Unit on studentaffairsunit@open.ac.mu
• Can I change my OUlearn Platform username and password?
• No, you cannot change your username.
• Yes, you can change your password.
• How to change my OUlearn Platform password?
• Login using the username and password provided to you by email.
• On the top right hand corner click on the drop down arrow near your name.
• Click on preferences.
• Then click on change password link below and follow the steps.

• Why I am unable to download PDF files from OUlearn Platform?
• In order to view or download pdf file from OUlearn Platform, you must have the appropriate software (e.g. adobe reader).

• Why I am unable to view video from OUlearn Platform?
• In order to view or download videos from OUlearn Platform, you must have the appropriate software (e.g. adobe player or flash or MP4 Player).

• I cannot find planner/results/information/past exam papers on OUlearn Platform
• General materials can be found under important information on the home page of the OUlearn Platform.
• How to get information on the Menu Student Support Services on the home page of the Oulearn Platform? 
• After you insert your Credentials on the Oulearn Platform, Click on Enrol Me on each Menu to have access to Student Support Services / Exams / Library

 

• What is Turnitin?
• Turnitin is a text-matching software that verifies a learner’s written work against electronic texts from the Internet, published works (such as journal articles and books), and assignments previously submitted to Turnitin by other learners and academics, to check for Similarity Index.
• At OU, dissertations as well as assignments are submitted on Turnitin software for the detection of plagiarism.
• I am unable to upload my dissertation on Turnitin software
• The file size must be less than 2MB
• Remove all photos and charts before using the software.
• What is the percentage acceptable for the Turnitin report?
• Below or equal to 20% but not more that 20%
• How many times can I submit on Turnitin?
• Up to 5 times
• What is the waiting time to receive the Turnitin report?
• 30 mins for the first time
• More than 24 hours the second time
• Why I cannot submit my dissertation on Turnitin?
• The due date to submit dissertation has lapsed.  Send a request to the Student Affairs Unit on studentaffairsunit@open.ac.mu to extend the due date. 
• Guidelines available on the OUlearn platform.

• What do I do if I know beforehand that I won’t be able to submit my TMA on due date?
• Write to your Programme Manager to ask for extension, giving a valid reason and providing evidence if available. Programme Manager will liaise with your tutor.
• If I score high marks in either TMA or exams, but fail to get pass mark in either of them, do I get the award?
• No. You need to score a minimum of 40% in each.
• How long does it take for TMAs to be marked and returned to the learner
• Two weeks. It may not be always the case.

 

All full-time and part-time staff and registered learners can use the library.

Refer to OUlearn platform, Library page - URL: https://www.open.ac.mu/oulearn/index.php

• User Education Training & Skills
• How to use Online Databases?
• World Book Day
• Organising Webinars

The activity details are given by email to learners at the appropriate time and/or on OUlearn Platform.

 

Yes, photocopy and printing facilities are available against payment at OU Curepipe Campus only.

Learners who have registered for their appropriate manual are kindly requested to fill the order form for hard copies of manuals available on the OUlearn platform under Library page. If the manuals requested are available the library will reply within one week with quoted prices. 

Open University of Mauritius

Help Desk Unit

Réduit 80837, Mauritius

Tel: +230 403 8200

Email: ask@open.ac.mu