Approximately 86% of all scholarship applications to Moroccan universities have been accepted and will be funded this year, up from 82% last year, Morocco’s Ministry of Higher Education, Minister Azzedine El Midaoui said on Monday at the parliament.
Every year, a joint decree from the Ministries of Economy and Finance and Higher Education determines the number of available scholarships. This year, however, the review process for undergraduate scholarship applications changed pursuant to Morocco’s Law No. 72-18, enacted to improve access to social support.
Now, a ministerial committee, working under the Ministry of Higher Education, is reviewing applications instead of regional committees, using data from the national social registry to help determine a student’s eligibility.
El Midaoui also addressed the availability of housing and dining services at Morocco’s universities. With the current dormitory and cafeteria capacity at 60,000 spots, he acknowledged that the available spaces do not meet the growing demand from students.
The ministry will be working with regional authorities and private partners to expand housing and dining options, to increase the number of students who can benefit from these services.
El Midaoui also said that the ministry plans to work closely with partners across the education system to diversify funding sources to expand the availability of scholarships.