Morocco is located in northwest Africa, with coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea near the Strait of Gibraltar. Its culture reflects Amazigh, Arab, Jewish, Spanish, and French influences, making it an appealing destination for international students who want to experience rich culture, history, and traditions.
The Moroccan government and its partners have continued to invest in education, higher education reform, and literacy initiatives. Morocco is also home to the University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fez, founded in 859 and widely recognized as one of the world’s oldest continuously operating institutions of higher learning.
Unfortunately, public universities in Morocco generally do not publish a single standard tuition table for international students on their official university pages. International admission is often handled through official channels such as the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) and the Ministry of Higher Education. Because of this, students should confirm current tuition, registration fees, and any scholarship conditions directly with the university or the relevant official admissions channel before applying. Now, let’s go over the affordable universities in Morocco for international students.
Affordable Schools in Morocco for International Students
1. Mohammed V University (UM5)
Mohammed V University (UM5) is a major public university in Rabat. Its academic offer covers fields such as science and technology, engineering, health sciences, education, humanities and social sciences, and legal, economic, and management sciences. UM5 structures its initial training under the LMD system, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral pathways, with some programs offered in adjusted schedules for working students.
2. Hassan II University of Casablanca (UH2C)
Hassan II University of Casablanca (UH2C) is a major public university in Casablanca. Its institutions cover educational and social sciences, legal, economic and management sciences, science and technology, and health sciences. This makes it one of the main public university options for students who want to study in Morocco’s largest city.
3. Cadi Ayyad University (UCA)
Cadi Ayyad University (UCA) is a major public university based in Marrakesh. The university has institutions in Marrakesh, Safi, Essaouira, and El Kelaa des Sraghna, and its academic offer includes both initial and continuing education. Students can find programs across areas such as science, law, economics, social sciences, technology, medicine, and business-related fields.
4. Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University (USMBA)
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University (USMBA) is a public university in Fez. Its establishments include faculties and schools in fields such as sciences, law, economics and social sciences, letters and humanities, commerce and management, engineering, medicine and pharmacy, and technology. International students should check the relevant faculty or school for current admissions procedures and program-specific requirements.
5. Abdelmalek Essaâdi University (UAE)
Abdelmalek Essaâdi University (UAE) is a public university in northern Morocco, with a strong presence in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Its institutions include faculties and schools in Tetouan, Tangier, and other nearby cities, with offerings in areas such as science, technology, law, economics, humanities, translation, business and management, and health-related fields.
FAQS About Studying in Morocco
How Is the Higher Education System in Morocco?
Moroccan higher education includes public higher education, partnership-based higher education, and private higher education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, official open data lists 12 public universities with 165 public university establishments, including 162 training institutions and 3 research institutes. Student enrollment remains concentrated in the public sector, although private and partnership-based institutions are also part of the system.
How is the Admission Process in Moroccan Universities?
International admissions procedures vary by university and program. At public universities, international applications are commonly submitted through diplomatic channels to AMCI and then processed through the Ministry of Higher Education and the relevant university or faculty. New international students may need an electronic authorization to enroll. Regulated or highly selective programs, such as medicine, engineering, and some master’s programs, may also require entrance exams, interviews, or faculty approval.
What Is the Language of Instruction at Moroccan Universities?
Morocco’s official languages are Arabic and Amazigh. In higher education, Arabic and French are widely used, and French remains common in many science, technology, engineering, and health-related programs. English is also becoming more visible in Moroccan higher education reforms and some university programs. Even if your program includes English-taught coursework, learning some French, Arabic, or Moroccan Arabic can make daily life and administrative tasks much easier.
How Much Are Tuition Fees in Morocco?
Tuition fees depend on the institution, degree level, and program. Public universities may not publish one standard international tuition rate online, so students should confirm the current cost directly with the university, AMCI, or the relevant faculty. Private and partnership-based universities are more likely to publish their own fee schedules, but those fees can be significantly higher than public university costs.
Is Living in Morocco Expensive?
Living costs in Morocco are generally lower than in many Western study destinations, but costs vary by city and lifestyle. Recent cost-of-living estimates place monthly expenses for one person, excluding rent, at around 4,600 MAD. Casablanca and Rabat have tram networks, and buses and taxis are also common. Students should ask about taxi prices or meters in advance and budget separately for accommodation, local transport, food, health insurance, and personal expenses.
We hope that this article on the cheap universities in Morocco was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
