Rabat – Morocco plans to more than double its public universities from 12 to 27 as part of a higher education reform that aims to reduce regional disparities and give more students access to university education close to home.
Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation Minister Azzeddine El Midaoui announced the plan on Monday at the House of Representatives, where he outlined the government’s efforts to improve the geographical distribution of higher education institutions.
The minister said Morocco established 66 university institutions between 2024 and 2026, while 17 more await approval of their respective draft decrees.
Of the 66 institutions, 46 resulted from the division or restructuring of existing open-access institutions, while the other 20 belong to a new generation of university institutions.
El Midaoui also noted that four provinces, Taourirt, Taroudant, Tiznit, and Taounate, now have university institutions for the first time.
Government seeks to reduce pressure on universities
The planned reform of Morocco’s university map would raise the number of public universities to 27 and ensure that every region has at least one, including Dakhla, Laayoune, Guelmim, and Errachidia.
The plan aims to address the heavy concentration of students at existing universities. According to El Midaoui, the average number of students per university would fall from approximately 95,000 to fewer than 40,000 under the proposed structure.
The first phase carries an estimated budget of MAD 200 million ($20.1 million) for the construction and management of university headquarters.
The minister said the project draws on assessments of all 12 regions, with particular attention to population needs, local resources, and each region’s economic and social strengths.
The new institutions will cover all academic disciplines, with programs tailored to local needs while also serving national priorities and strengthening Morocco’s academic reach across Africa and internationally.
The 17 institutions still under review have already passed the National Coordination Commission, El Midaoui said.
Closer universities could ease costs for families
The reform seeks to address the financial and social barriers that prevent some students from pursuing higher education.
Students who must leave their home regions to attend university often face additional expenses for accommodation and transportation. A broader university network could reduce these costs and make higher education more accessible to families with limited means.
El Midaoui said the plan would also improve access for girls and vulnerable groups in rural areas, where distance from educational institutions can create additional obstacles.
The government also expects the reform to strengthen graduates’ employment prospects through more attractive academic programs that better reflect labor market needs.
Universities should serve their surrounding communities while preparing students for national development priorities and shifts in the global economy, he argued.
The initiative is also intended to boost regional investment and expand cultural, social, and scientific activity beyond Morocco’s main university hubs.
El Midaoui said a more balanced distribution of universities and qualified professionals would help narrow regional inequalities and strengthen national cohesion.
The success of the reform will ultimately depend on whether the expansion translates into accessible, well-equipped institutions and academic programs that respond to students’ needs and regional employment opportunities.
