Rabat – Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation Abdellatif Miraoui has confirmed that the number of students at Moroccan university institutions increased by 6% during the current university academic year, to reach 1.3 million students, 94% of whom are studying in public universities.
In response to a question in the House of Advisors, Miraoui said that the capacity of higher education institutions will increase by about 18,600 places.
He pointed out that this number is primarily the result of expansion projects and modernizations undertaken by some universities.
These universities include Ibn Zohr University with 6,402 additional seats, Sultan Moulay Slimane University (2,460 seats), Abdelmalek Essaadi University (1,876 seats), and Ibn Tofail University, which will soon see1,112 seats added.
In addition, the ministry will add seats in institutions with limited polarization by opening three colleges of medicine and pharmacy in Errachidia, Beni Mellal, and Guelmim.
In the same vein, the minister stated that the 2023-2024 academic season will see the opening of new university campuses in Taza, Kenitra, and Agadir, in addition to the expansion of two campuses in Rabat and Nador.
Mirawi explained that the capacity of these campuses amounts to 1,300 beds in Taza, 1,800 in Kenitra, and 1,600 in Agadir.
Likewise, the Nador and Rabat campuses will also be expanded by 820 beds and 1,200 beds respectively.
Additionally, a new student residence will be opened in Agadir in partnership with the private sector, with a capacity of 574 beds.
The ministry is now working, through the National Office for Social and Cultural University Works, to accelerate the completion of projects under implementation.
These include campuses in Fez (1,600 beds), Mohammedia (1,400 beds), and Al Hoceima (1,400 beds), in addition to completing 11 student residence projects, in partnership with the private sector, with a capacity of approximately 6,523 beds.
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