Morocco is known as one of the friendliest Arab nations, and its healthy tourism industry means it is a hospitable place for people of different cultures. While becoming more contemporary by the day, Morocco was able to keep its culture alive. It is home to ancient palaces, charming crafts, diverse natural wonders, and multicultural people. Whether in and out of university, there sure is so much to explore in Morocco. In this article, we will be looking at the best universities in Morocco for international students.

Is Morocco good for international students to study in?

With around 14 universities and several technical institutes, Morocco can accept a large number of international students. Many higher learning institutions offer American-style academic systems that are also internationally accredited, so students will earn degrees that can jumpstart their careers wherever they wish.

Morocco is a perfect starting point for students interested in many cultures, especially those who wish to understand Islam. The culture and traditions of Moroccans are very much alive, and students will be immersed with local crafts, architecture, food, and practices wherever they go. Moreover, Morocco’s location at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East make it an ideal place to learn about international relations and diplomacy. Other popular subjects are architecture, archeology, history, anthropology, and theology.

Living in Morocco is also cheaper than in other more common study destinations. While there are differences between major cities like Marrakesh and minor ones like Rabat or Casablanca, prices of goods, food, rent, and other necessities are generally more affordable when compared to Western countries. A one-bedroom apartment is only between $168 and $390 a month, meals are $6 or less, and a monthly transport pass is only around $17.

Check Also: Available Programs for International Students

Can international students work in Morocco while studying?

In Morocco, a student residency card does not have regulations about employment, and one of the requirements for a student visa is to have a financial guarantor or justify means of subsistence. Thus, international students are not advised to work alongside their studies. Those hoping to engage in a part-time job may have to apply for a special permit with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Can international students stay in Morocco after graduation?

Foreign nationals must leave the territory of Morocco once the validity of their residency permit expires. If the student visa is expiring, they may have to replace it with a tourist, work, business, or researcher visa and others to be able to stay in Morocco after they graduate.

Best Universities in Morocco

1. Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University (USMBA)

Named after the 18th century Sultan and the architect of modern Morocco, the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University is the best university in Morocco for international students. It was founded in 1975 as an autonomous higher learning institution that can offer degrees in the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate levels. Today, it educates over 80,000 students across the fields of Economics, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Science and Technology.

The university’s current plan involves promoting technology, which it strengthens through its Innovation Center that focuses on students’ projects and start-ups. USMBA also actively participates in many international programs, making it one of the best representatives of Moroccan higher education to the rest of the world.

2. Université Hassan II de Casablanca

The Université Hassan II de Casablanca is a public higher learning institution also established in 1975. It is the third-largest Moroccan university, having over 24,000 students, including local and foreign. This top university in Morocco also harbors more than 1,100 full-time faculty members across the sciences, arts, and humanities, medicine and pharmacy, dentistry, economic and social sciences, and law. Their school of business and management is listed as one of the best in the country as well.

As a member of the International Association of Research Universities, the Université Hassan II de Casablanca enrolls several international students every year. Most of these students are from French-speaking countries, such as Senegal, Congo, Mali, and Haiti, to name a few.

3. Ibn Tofaïl University

The Ibn Tofaïl University is a top university in Morocco operating three faculties and two schools. These are the faculties of sciences, literature and humanities, and law, economics, and social sciences, the National School of Applied Sciences, and the National School of Business and Management. Across these disciplines, the university hones the skills of over 33,000 undergraduate and graduate students, including degree-seekers from different parts of the world.

While excelling nationally in terms of academics, the Ibn Tofaïl University is also known for its dynamic student life. Students are encouraged to join a selection of clubs, from theatre to calligraphy to rugby, tennis, or basketball.

4. University of Cadi Ayyad, Marrakech

Founded in 1978, the University of Cadi Ayyad in Marrakech is a relatively young university but has been ranked one of the most prestigious universities in Morocco since the early 2000s. It presently comprises 13 academic institutions in the capital of Morocco, and supports the faculties of technology and applied sciences in the nearby towns. Besides numerous physical campus sites, the university also developed an e-learning program and launched its excellent courses online. Either way, international students are welcome to study in the university.

The University of Cadi Ayyad is a leading scientific and research center in Morocco. They have recently been commended for their participation in the MOSS Project, a French-Moroccan-Swiss initiative that discovered one near-Earth object and two major comets.

5. Mohammed V University of Rabat

The Mohammed V University of Rabat is a dual-campus university named after the Moroccan sultan who granted the royal decree of its establishment. It comprises two independent campuses at Souissi and Agdal where they share a total of 18 colleges in the fields of education, economics, dentistry, medicine and pharmacy, engineering, and the sciences.

While Rabat is a less hectic city than Marrakech or Casablanca, students of Mohammed V University can enjoy a variety of attractions in between their studies. Rabat is known for historical sites, breathtaking sea views, and quaint dining districts.

 

We hope that this article on the best universities in Morocco for international students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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