Education in Morocco
Morocco offers diverse educational options for expat families, from the affordable public system to international schools, plus growing higher education options.
K-12 Education
Public Schools:
- Free for all residents
- Instruction in Arabic and Amazigh
- French introduced from 3rd grade
- Quality varies significantly by region
- Can be overcrowded
- Good for cultural immersion and language learning
French-Medium Private Schools (Mission Schools):
- Follow French curriculum
- Lycée Descartes (Rabat), Lycée Lyautey (Casablanca)
- Fees: 3,000-8,000 MAD/month ($300-800)
- High academic standards
- Popular with Moroccan upper/middle class and French expats
- Long waiting lists
International Schools:
- American, British, or IB curricula
- Fees: 50,000-150,000 MAD/year ($5,000-15,000)
- English-medium instruction
- Located in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Tangier
Top International Schools
Casablanca:
- American School of Casablanca (ASC)
- George Washington Academy
- Casablanca American School
Rabat:
- Rabat American School (RAS)
- International School of Rabat
Marrakech:
- American School of Marrakech
- International School of Morocco
Tangier:
- American School of Tangier (one of oldest in Africa)
Higher Education
Top Universities:
- Al Akhawayn University (Ifrane) - English-medium, American-style
- Université Mohammed V (Rabat) - largest public university
- Université Hassan II (Casablanca)
- ISCAE (business school, Casablanca)
- UM6P (Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir) - research-focused
Tuition:
- Public universities: 1,000-5,000 MAD/year ($100-500) for Moroccan students
- International students: Slightly higher
- Private universities: 40,000-80,000 MAD/year ($4,000-8,000)
- Al Akhawayn: ~80,000 MAD/year ($8,000)
Language of Instruction:
- Public: Arabic and French (varies by department)
- Al Akhawayn: English
- Private: Often French or bilingual French-English
For Expat Children
Age and Enrollment:
- School age: 6 years old for 1st grade
- School year: September to June
- Documents: Translated transcripts, passport, carte de séjour
Language Considerations:
- Young children adapt quickly to French or Arabic immersion
- International schools maintain home language
- French-medium schools offer a middle ground
- Arabic immersion is challenging for older children
Choosing the Right Option:
| Situation | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Short-term stay (1-2 years) | International school |
| Long-term/permanent | French-medium private |
| French-speaking family | Mission schools |
| Budget-conscious | Public + tutoring |
| University | Al Akhawayn (English) |
Homeschooling
- Legal but not well-regulated
- Growing among some expat families
- Online international programs available
- Consider socialization options
Pro Tips
- •Book international school places early - popular ones in Casablanca have waiting lists
- •French-medium mission schools offer excellent quality at lower cost than international schools
- •Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane is the top English-medium option for higher education
- •Young children adapt to French-medium schools quickly - consider this over international schools
- •American School of Tangier is one of the oldest in Africa with a strong reputation
Have questions about education in Morocco?