Study in Morocco for Foreign Students: Benefits & Requirements

If you were looking for a unique university experience, you may be fascinated by the study program in Morocco. From the geographical side, Morocco is distinguished by its high and marvelous Atlas Mountains, a view on the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, and the Sahara Desert. All of this make the study in Morocco for foreign students an unprecedented, remarkable experience.

Table of Contents

Why Would You Study in Morocco?

Whether you want to study a course in the field of peace studies or Arabic language in Morocco, there are various and interesting number of options for programs. There are as well cities to choose from, including Marrakesh, Tangiers, and Fez.

If you are thinking about your study in Morocco as an interactive textbook, you will find that this country features numerous influences including Berber, Jewish, Arabic, French, and Spanish legacies.

Benefits of Studying in Morocco

Morocco is a great starting point to build relations between cultures and understand the Islamic world deeply. There are many places to study in Morocco, especially in the major cities.

AMIDEAST has an Arabic and language studies program. In Rabat, the students live with Arabic-speaking families and learn the modern and Moroccan accents in the classrooms.

Rabat is the headquarters of the intercultural learning center. The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) abroad, and the cultural programs of the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) promote the Moroccan language and studies. There are also intensive summer workshops in the francophone and Arabic studies. If you prefer a more diversified curriculum, join Al Akhawayn University in Ifran. There you can learn anything, from the Berber’s history to engineering and social studies.

The Contemporary Morocco

Morocco is one of the most stable countries in the region. It has a constitutional royal system and popularly-elected parliament. The King of Morocco, who has vast executive experience, can dissolve the government and deploy the military, among other responsibilities.

Opposition political parties are legal. Several parties have arisen in the last few years, which is a good thing for both the Moroccans and visitors and those who are staying in the country for a temporary period, such as the students.

In which cities can foreign students go to study in Morocco?

As for the student cities, you have the choice between the sights and sounds of places like Marrakesh and quieter ones such as Tangier, Fez and Essaouira. Whatever city they choose to study in Morocco, foreign students will have the opportunity to immerse in the local culture and historic architecture, taste the local food and encounter warm, welcoming people.

Higher Education in Morocco

Morocco is home to around 14 universities, in addition to other technical institutes. Most of the courses are in French. You can also find courses in English. Studies are based on the bachelor, master, and PhD degrees system. The academic year consists of two semesters. Also, many programs accept a large number of foreign and exchange students.

Al Akhawayn University in Ifran offers an American-style university program. It completely depends on the English language. Moreover, medical schools, business universities and engineering universities are growing in popularity and in number in the country.

Enrollment Procedures in the Moroccan Universities

To enroll in most of the public higher education institutions in Morocco, you have to pass through the diplomatic channel of your country, which will help you with your request. After that, your request will be sent to the International Cooperation Moroccan Agency.

To apply for most of the private universities, you can send your application directly to the university you wish to enroll in.

Learn more about how to apply to universities in Morocco

Requirements for international students to study in Morocco

Foreign students who wish to join a Moroccan university need to have a baccalauréat certificate or the equivalent of a high school diploma at the university entry year. Also, the master students are required to have a bachelor’s degree.

Any specific requirements will be set by the institution and may vary depending on the university or the program. Some bachelor’s programs have a relatively easy entry requirements, while more specialist programs will need you to pass entry tests as part of the admission process.

Moreover, you have to hold a master’s degree to be able to join a PhD program. You should also determine the selected university and the sector. Most of the university programs are in French, although the number of English programs is increasing. A few number of programs are in Standard Arabic.

Tuition fees in the universities of Morocco

Morocco is in general a cheaper country for foreign students to study in. University tuition fees in the country are around $10,000 – $15,000 a year. Depending on the university, some living costs may be included. These costs are anyway very reasonable, especially when it comes to food.

Learn also about the cost of studying and living in Morocco

Residence Permit in Morocco

You have to contact the Moroccan embassy or consulate in your area to get more information about the visa requirements, based on your nationality. You will need either to submit a student visa application before your arrival or within 90 days of arrival.