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Morocco

Study Master in Morocco 2024

Study in Morocco

Higher Education in Morocco
There are 14 universities in the country, as well as technical track institutions, which provide vocational and professional training. French is the primary language of instruction at most tertiary educational institutions; many also offer Arabic courses; additionally, there are several English institutions.

The most well-known of Moroccan universities is the Mohammed V University. The University of Al-Karaouine, meanwhile, is an important center for Islamic studies; established in 859, it was named the “oldest existing educational institution in the world” by the famed Guinness Book of World Records. International university Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane has an American based curriculum, and was North Africa's first private English university. Other Moroccan universities include Mohammed V University in Rabat; Hassan II Ain Chok University in Casablanca; Hassan II Mohammedia University in Mohammedia; Mohamed Premier University in Oujda; Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech; Ibnou Zohr University in Agadir; Hassan Premier University in Settat; Chaouaib Doukkali University in El Jadida; and Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra.

Why Study in Morocco?
Studying abroad in Morocco provides a non-traditional course of education set against the backdrop of Morocco's extraordinary diversity and rich history of culture, geography and architecture. In addition to rigorous academic studies, opportunities for exploration abound, thanks to Morocco's historic cities, breathtaking beaches, mountain scenery, and stunning architecture.

Change currency

Basic monthly living cost

  • Rent in a shared flat

    171
  • Share of utilities

    12
  • Internet subscription

    31
  • Local transportation

    14

Sample lifestyle cost

  • Fast food combo

    5
  • Cinema ticket

    5
  • Pint of local beer

    2

About Morocco

Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is the most westerly of the North African countries. It has Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, and a rugged mountain interior. Morocco is an ethnically diverse country with a rich culture and civilization. Morocco's economy is considered a relatively liberal economy governed by the law of supply and demand.

The Kingdom of Morocco, located at Africa's northwestern point, is a study in contrasts. Separated from the rest of the continent by the Atlas Mountain and the Sahara Desert, the northern part of the country is characterized by an unexpected Mediterranean composition in terms of climate, geography, and history. As travelers head southeast into the mountains and away from the south's beaches and lush valleys, the Sahara--and a more conventional African experience--unfurls ahead. Bordering both Spain and Algeria, Morocco abuts the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. At nearly 450,000 sq km of land, the country is just smaller than Spain, and slightly bigger than California, with a population exceeding 32 million.

Morocco's geography is variable, comprising formidable mountain ranges, dense river valleys, breathtaking coasts--showing off beaches as well as cities--and endless swathes of desert. Sunny, pleasant weather with cool ocean breezes makes Morocco a desirable tourist destination. While cities like Marrakech, with its bustling main square; Fes, Morocco's oldest imperial city full of magnificent mosques and piquant tanneries; the coastal town Essaouira, known for its beaches and seafood; and the mountain town of Chefchaouen all add to Morocco's sense of intrigue, glamour and old-world charm.

Morocco is divided into 16 regions, which are subdivided into 62 prefectures and provinces. The current head of the government is Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, and the executive role of head of state is occupied by King Mohammed VI.

For over 20 years, Morocco has functioned according to the privatization of certain economic sectors formerly under government control. The country is the fifth-rated African economy, according to GPD, and achieves a consistently high ranking in the World Economic Forum's African Competitiveness Report. Additionally, Morocco has held the top African spot in the Economist Intelligence Unit's quality-of-life index. Morocco's economy relies on agriculture, tourism, and phosphates. In fact, it is the world's biggest of phosphorus. Industry and mining account for a third of Morocco's GDP, while seafood sales are also important. The textiles and clothing industry is part of the rapidly developing manufacturing sector.

While the majority of Morocco's population is Arab by identity, Morocco's rich culture is determined by its multiethnic society. The many occupants of Morocco--from the indigenous Berbers to Arabs, Sub-Saharan Africans, Romans, and Andalusians. Each of Morocco's regions has a distinct flavor, all adding up to a unique national culture. The country strives to protect and preserve its diverse cultural heritage. Food plays a big role in Moroccan culture, and parallels the richness of the country itself through aromatic scents, signature spice combinations, exotic specialties and timeless traditions celebrated the whole world over.

Essential Facts about Morocco

  • Located at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg on the Atlantic, Morocco's capital is Rabat, also its third-largest city.
  • While Arabic is Morocco's official language, French dominates the business world--particularly in central and southern region. Spanish, English and several Berber languages are also spoken.
  • A meaningful color in Moroccan history, red is heavily featured on its flag, serving as background for the centrally featured green pentagram.
  • Morocco achieved independence from French colonial rule on November 18, 1956.
  • Morocco's largest city, Casablanca, was featured in the eponymous 1942 American film.

Morocco's Climate
Morocco is consistently arid, with minor rainy seasons in the months between November and March. Because of the diversity of Morocco's geography, temperatures fluctuate according to season and local. Summer months swelter in the desert region, and can exceed 100 degrees. Refreshing ocean breezes and cool nights make the high temps tolerable. The mountain ranges remain cool during the warm season, but reach extremely low, freezing temperatures during winter. Skiing is even possible in the snow-covered, mid-range Atlas Mountains. Despite these variations across its geography, Morocco can typically be described as moderate and sub-tropical--making it a desirable tourist destination. Because of its generally warm temperatures and diversity of geography, Morocco is an ideal four-season destination for visitors: Wherever you are in Morocco, an appealing climate is within easy reach.

Morocco Currency
Morocco's current is the dirham or Dh. Issued by Morocco's central bank, the Bank Al-Maghrib, the currency is made up of 100 centimes. The Moroccan Dirham dates back to the drachm of the Byzantine Empire. The name “Dirham” has Roman origins in the word, “denarius.”

Religion in Morocco
As the state religion of Morocco, Islam dominates; nearly the entire population is Sunni Muslim. Just one percent of the population is Christian, with an even more negligible Jewish population.

Visa Requirements

What type of Visa do you need?

Visa name

Student Visa

Price and currency

The student visa fees for Morocco vary based on the nationality of the applicant.

For US citizens, the fees are the following:

  • 3 to 90 days stay period (one entry): $23.85
  • 3 to 90 days stay period (two entries): $35.80

Who can apply for the visa?

Many nationalities can enter Morocco for up to 90 days without a visa.

If your study course is longer than 90 days, you will need to get a student visa.

Where can you make the application?

Moroccan embassy / Online

Apply for your student visa at the nearest Moroccan embassy in your resident country. You may also be able to send in the application online.

Website:

How to make the application?

Apply for the visa after you have received a letter of admission to a recognized institution in Morocco.

You will typically need to submit the following documentation:

  • A visa application form duly filled out and signed
  • Original passport (valid for over 6 months at the entry date)
  • Copy of the original passport (Pages 1-3)
  • Two passport size color photos with white background
  • Copy of the admission letter or class registration issued by the school in Morocco
  • Copy of the plane tickets or of the confirmed reservation
  • Certification that you have the required amount of money for maintenance based on the length of your course.

When should you apply?

The application processing times are between 2 and 15 working days.

The student visa to Morocco is typically valid for a period of 3 years.

Processing time

15 Days

Work opportunities

Foreign residents cannot work in jobs that could be filled by a Moroccan citizen. Student visa holders are usually not allowed to work while they study in Morocco. Check with your embassy.

Hours per week

0

Why do you need this type of visa?

Your visa application may be rejected if you are not able to show proof of the required funds, or if you provide incorrect or incomplete documents.

Please note that before a visa can be issued, all student visa applicants must demonstrate strong social and economic ties to their country of residence such that compel their return after a temporary study stay in Morocco.