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Fez – A new chapter is unfolding in Morocco’s higher education scene, and it’s one that could change the game for generations of students.
The Private University of Fez (UPF) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), one of the top-ranked and most innovative universities in the United States.
More than just a formal agreement, this is a full academic alliance powered by Cintana Education, ASU’s global academic partner.
At the center of this initiative is the creation of the “American International Institute” within UPF: a dedicated hub that will offer ASU-designed programs, starting as early as this September.
For the first time in Morocco, students will have access to official ASU courses, taught in Morocco, with the option to transfer to ASU’s U.S. campus to complete their degrees.
“This is a first in Morocco,” said Professor Mohamed Ouazani-Jamil, Vice-President of UPF. “We’re talking about students starting their education here and finishing it in the U.S., earning Arizona State University degrees, whether bachelor’s or master’s. That kind of access didn’t exist before.”
But this partnership goes far beyond degrees. Through the ASU–Cintana global alliance, UPF now joins a network of more than 30 international universities spanning five continents.
That means Moroccan students in Fez could soon find themselves collaborating on research with peers in Asia, Europe, Latin America, or Australia, without ever leaving the country.
“We’re opening doors that simply weren’t open before,” said Ouazani-Jamil. “And it’s not just for Moroccan students.
Our university will now serve as a regional hub for students across Africa, especially from Sub-Saharan countries, who want to pursue American degrees and need a flexible, high-quality pathway to get there.”
Agueda Benita, Chief Academic Officer at Cintana Education, sees the move as part of a much bigger vision.
“Arizona State University always chooses the right partner in every country,” she said. “In Morocco, UPF was the obvious choice. It’s an ambitious, forward-thinking institution with the potential to grow into a world-class university.”
That ambition is now backed by tangible plans. Starting with five programs this fall, UPF will gradually expand its American curriculum, and ASU faculty will begin teaching on the Fez campus.
Students will be exposed not only to rigorous academics but also to a global environment focused on both hard and soft skills.
“They’ll develop technical skills, global mindsets, and have real career advantages, not just in Morocco but anywhere in the world,” Abelka explained.
“This is not a generic exchange program. It’s a dual-degree pathway with all the depth and credibility that comes with the ASU name.”
The exclusivity of the partnership is another key point. Cintana and ASU have chosen to work solely with UPF in Morocco, a move that reinforces the university’s central role in this initiative.
While smaller collaborations with other institutions may happen in the future, no other Moroccan university will offer this level of integration with ASU.
“This is an exclusive partnership,” Agueda confirmed. “Creating the American International Institute, developing dual degrees, enabling mobility and joint research, this is all only with UPF.”
And there’s a long-term strategy in place. While the first campus for this collaboration is based in Fez, both institutions are already looking ahead.
Plans are underway to expand into Rabat and possibly into other Moroccan regions and African countries.
From a policy and regional development perspective, this move positions Morocco as an emerging educational hub, one that not only retains local talent but also attracts international students looking for world-class education without the overwhelming costs of relocating directly to the U.S.
“This will allow our students to take the first step here in Morocco before heading to the U.S.,” said Ouazani-Jamil.
“It makes global education more accessible and less intimidating. And it will create a generation of graduates who are equipped, connected, and ready for global opportunities.”
Both institutions agree: this is not just a partnership, it’s a transformation. And it’s happening now.
As Agueda put it best: “I’m sure companies in Morocco will want to recruit our future graduates. They’ll be more employable than so many others, not just because of where they studied, but because of how they were prepared for the real world.”
