Morocco reaches 1.3 million university students

Morocco's Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Abdellatif Miraoui, has announced that the number of university students in the Kingdom has increased by 6% during the current academic year, which means a total of 1.3 million students, 94% of whom are studying in public universities.

For this reason, and in response to a question in the House of Councillors, Miraoui said the authorities will increase the capacity of higher education institutions to 18,600 places, reports Morocco World News.

The notable increase in the number of university students in Morocco is due, in part, to "the renovation, expansion, modernisation and growth initiatives launched by several universities," according to the minister.

Among the universities that have designed such projects are Ibn Zohr University, which will offer 6,402 additional places; Sultan Moulay Slimane University, with 2,460 more places; Abdelmalek Essaadi University, with 1,876; and Ibn Tofail University, to which 1,112 places will soon be added.

In addition, the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation itself will increase places in other institutions through the opening of three faculties of medicine and pharmacy in Errachidia, Beni Mellal and Guelmim. 

In this regard, Minister Miraoui said that during the 2023-2024 academic year, new university campuses will be opened in Taza, Kenitra and Agadir, while two will be expanded in Rabat and Nador.

Miraoui also indicated that the capacity of the campuses to be opened will be 1,300 places in Taza, 1,800 in Kenitra and 1,600 in Agadir. On the other hand, the expansion in Nador and Rabat will consist of 820 and 1,200 places respectively.

In addition, a new student residence will be opened in Agadir in partnership with the private sector and will have a capacity for 574 students. 

The Ministry of Education is now working, through the National Office of University Social and Cultural Works, to accelerate the completion of ongoing projects.

These include campuses in Fez with a capacity of 1,600 students, Mohammedia with 1,400 places and Al Hoceima with 1,400 beds, in addition to completing 11 student residence schemes in partnership with the private sector with a capacity of approximately 6,523 students.