The free public university system will not apply to all courses. Starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, programs offered outside regular hours will likely incur standardized fees across all Moroccan universities.
This so-called “adapted time” system is primarily aimed at civil servants, employees, and professionals who wish to continue their studies during the evening or on weekends.
Proposed fees could reach 5,000 dirhams per year for a bachelor’s degree, 18,000 dirhams for a bachelor’s program, and 15,000 dirhams for a master’s degree. Doctoral programs would be the most expensive, with fees potentially reaching 20,000 dirhams per academic year.
These amounts aim to eliminate pricing disparities that have existed among different public universities up to now.
20,000 Dirham Degrees Spark Controversy
However, this standardization reignites the debate about the growing prevalence of paid programs within Morocco’s public university system. Despite schedules being tailored for working individuals, these fees may exclude employees who cannot afford multiple years of study.
This system could therefore create two parallel pathways: a traditional free education and a paid pathway offering more flexibility for those already in the workforce.
The question of quality also arises. The same teachers generally conduct both traditional classes and those offered during adapted time slots. Universities will need to ensure adequate supervision, especially for master’s and doctoral programs, where individual attention and research play a central role.
There are also calls for stricter monitoring of attendance and diploma acquisition conditions to prevent the perception that paying fees provides an easier route to obtaining a university degree.
The new pricing structure is set to take effect with the next academic year. It must balance two challenging goals: enabling working individuals to resume their studies while ensuring equal access and maintaining the credibility of Morocco’s public diplomas.
