The Moroccan government has taken a significant step towards reforming its higher education system with the adoption of three new decrees. These decrees are part of the implementation of Law 59.24, which aims to modernize, open up, and make the university system more accountable. The law, which was passed in 2024, seeks to address the shortcomings of the current system and make Moroccan universities more competitive internationally. The decrees were presented by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation.
The new law and decrees aim to transform the governance and financing of universities in Morocco. One of the key changes is the suppression of the master's degree entrance exam, which was abolished in 2025. This move is expected to increase access to higher education, but also requires students to prepare more rigorous application dossiers. The government has also introduced measures to improve the protection and social welfare of students, including the provision of scholarships in the private sector.
The reform also focuses on improving the quality of education and research in Moroccan universities. The new law introduces a more flexible and autonomous system, allowing universities to define their own strategies and be evaluated periodically by control bodies. The law also encourages the diversification of resources, including partnerships with the private sector, to reduce dependence on public funding. Additionally, the law provides for the valorization of teachers and researchers, including continuous training and the development of their skills.
Another key aspect of the reform is the opening up of the higher education sector to private and foreign institutions. The new law allows for the creation of private universities and the establishment of partnerships with foreign institutions. This move is expected to increase the attractiveness of Morocco as a regional educational hub and provide students with more choices and opportunities. However, the law also sets strict standards for the establishment and operation of private institutions.
The reform also aims to improve the employability of graduates by making the education system more responsive to the needs of the labor market. The new law introduces more flexible and diversified training programs, including alternating and hybrid programs, which are designed to provide students with practical skills and experience. The law also encourages the development of continuing education and the valorization of skills acquired through experience.
The implementation of the new law and decrees is expected to have a significant impact on the Moroccan higher education system. The government has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of universities and the use of public funds. The law also provides for the establishment of a national commission to coordinate higher education and research, which will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the reform and evaluating its impact.
Overall, the reform of the higher education system in Morocco is a significant step towards modernizing and improving the quality of education and research in the country. The new law and decrees provide a framework for the development of a more autonomous, accountable, and responsive higher education system, which is better equipped to meet the needs of students, employers, and society as a whole. The government has emphasized its commitment to implementing the reform and ensuring its success.
Key points
- The Moroccan government has adopted three decrees to implement Law 59.24, which aims to transform the country's higher education system.
- The reform focuses on improving governance, financing, and the quality of education and research in Moroccan universities.
- The new law and decrees aim to make Moroccan universities more competitive internationally and responsive to the needs of the labor market.
