Studying in Marrakesh is like a dream come true for many international students. Once you are accepted into a Faculty/School, you will have the chance to get in touch with students of different nationalities from various backgrounds. You will also have the opportunity to learn about Moroccan cultures and languages.
In Marrakesh, there are two universities, one of which is public and the other private.
Universities in Marrakesh
Marrakesh is home to one public university named 'Cadi Ayyad'. It is well-known around the country for its excellent reputation. Basically, students who graduate from this university are favored in the labor market since studying there is a bit hard and competitive. This university is subdivided into thirteen Faculties, namely:
- Faculty of Sciences (located in Semlalia of Marrakesh)
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy (in Marrakesh)
- National School of Management (in Marrakesh)
- Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences (in Marrakesh)
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities (in Marrakesh)
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy (in Marrakesh)
- Faculty of Science and Technology (in Gueliz)
- National School of Applied Sciences of Marrakesh (in Gueliz)
- National School of Applied Sciences (in Safi)
- Poly-disciplinary Faculty (in Safi)
- School of Technology (in Safi)
- Higher School of Technology (in Essaouira)
- Faculty of Arabic Language (in Marrakesh)
Cadi Ayyad University
Cadi Ayyad is a public university founded in 1978. Over the years, it has evolved and proved its national and international position. As mentioned above, it includes thirteen Faculties, nine of which are located in Marrakesh, three in Safi and one in Essaouira.
Faculties inside Marrakesh
Cadi Ayyad Uni has nine faculties in Marrakesh. They are all accessible by means of taxis and buses. Here is some useful information about each faculty:
Faculty of Sciences
Address: Bd. Prince My Abdellah, B.P. 2390, 40000 Marrakesh
Phone: ( 212) 5 24 43 46 49
Fax: ( 212) 5 24 43 67 69
E-mail: fssm@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/fssm
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy
Address: Sidi Abbad, B.P. 7010, Marrakesh 40000
Phone: ( 212) 5 24 33 98 99
Fax: ( 212) 5 24 43 28 87
E-mail: fmpmcontact@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/fmpm
National School of Commerce and Management
Address: Av. Allal El Fassi BP 3748 Amerchich ' Marrakesh
Phone: ( 212) 5 24 30 46 92
Fax: ( 212) 5 24 30 83 97
E-mail: encg@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/encg
Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences
Address: Daoudiate B.P. 2380, 40000 Marrakesh
Phone: ( 212) 5 24 30 30 32
Fax: ( 212) 5 24 30 32 65
E-mail: contact@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/fsjes
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Address: Quartier Amerchich, B.P. 3737, 40000
Phone: ( 212) 5 24 30 27 42
Fax: ( 212) 5 24 30 20 39
Email: contact@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/flshm
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy
Address: Sidi Abbad, B.P. 7010, Marrakesh 40000
Phone: 212 5 24 33 98 99
Fax: 212 5 24 43 28 87
E-mail: fmpmcontact@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/fmpm
Faculty of Science and Technology
Address: Bd. Abdelkrim El Khattabi, B.P. 618 Guéliz, 40000
Phone: ( 212) 5 24 43 31 63
Fax: ( 212) 5 24 43 31 70
E-mail: k.mahrou@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/fstgm
National School of Applied Sciences of Marrakesh
Address: Bd. Abdelkrim El Khattabi, B.P. 618 Guéliz, 40000
Phone: ( 212) 5 24 43 31 63
Fax: ( 212) 5 24 43 31 70
E-mail: k.mahrou@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/fstgm
Faculty of Arabic Language
Address: Avenue Allal Fassi. B.P 1483 Marrakesh
Fax: 212 524 303 647
E-mail: contact.flam@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/flam
Faculties outside Marrakesh
Outside Marrakesh, you will find three higher schools and one faculty that are part of Cadi Ayyad's University. They are located in Safi and Essaouira, which are two small cities close to Marrakesh.
National School of Applied Sciences of Safi
Address : Route Sidi Bouzid BP 63, 46000
Phone: ( 212) 5 24 66 91 55
Fax: ( 212) 5 24 66 80 12
E-mail: contact@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/ensas
Poly-disciplinary Faculty
Address: Sidi Bouzid, B.P. 4162, 46000 SAFI
Phone: ( 212) 5 24 66 93 57
Fax: ( 212) 5 24 66 95 16
E-mail: fpsdecanat@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/fps
Higher School of Technology of Safi
Address : Route Dar Si Aïssa, B.P. 89, 46000
Phone: ( 212) 5 24 62 50 53
Fax: ( 212) 5 24 62 70 26
E-mail: contact@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/ests
Higher School of Technology of Essaouira
Km 9, Route d'Agadir, Essaouira Aljadida, BP. 383
Phone: ( 212) 5 24 79 20 64
Fax: ( 212) 5 24 79 26 48
E-mail: contact@uca.ma
Website: www.uca.ma/site/este
Admission conditions in Marrakesh public universities
Students who have never had a university-like study are required to produce their baccalaureate or anything equivalent to enrolling in an undergraduate program. Those seeking a Master's degree should hand in their Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Those who opt for a Ph.D. need to provide their Master's degree or equivalent. These students should consider that most courses and programs are in French since very few are available in English. Therefore, the ability to speak and write in French is a must.
In addition, the first-year enrolment is open to all Baccalaureate (or its equivalent diploma) holders selected following the entrance exam. To register, you must first complete an online registration form, print it out, and send it to the Registrar's Office. You may also need to submit the following documents:
- two identity photos;
- a certified copy of the secondary school leaving certificate;
- a motivation letter if necessary.
University campuses in Marrakesh
Currently, the University of Cadi Ayyad hosts about 70,000 students, including more than 600 international students. Once accepted, ladies will have the opportunity to choose between Amerchich University Campus and Gueliz University Campus. The choice for men will be restricted to Amerchich University Campus. These two campuses have everything a student may need, such as the copyshop, hammam, a restaurant, etc. Prices inside the campus are beyond reasonable. For example, printing a colored page costs 1 Dh. Another benefit of living on-campus for international students is that it gives them the opportunity of learning two languages: Moroccan Arabic and Tamazight, through their daily contact with Moroccan students.
Working in Marrakesh as an international student
An international student can find a part-time job at any call center of their choice. The salary usually ranges from 2500 Dhs to 6000 Dhs per month, depending on their production. If the student is already engaged in online freelance jobs, they can then use the university's free Wi-Fi connection. Other than that, they are free to manage their time as long as they adopt proper behavior and don't miss classes.
Private universities in Marrakech
The Private University of Marrakesh is a university authorized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Management Training and Scientific Research. It contains more than 50 programs, Bac 3, Bac 5 and Bac 8/9. For students who want a Bac 3 degree (Bachelor's degree), they are expected to pay yearly fees of 28,200 Dhs. Those who look forward to having a Bac 5 degree (Master's degree) should expect fees of 61,790 Dhs per year. Regarding students who would like to have a PhD degree (Bac 8/9), they will have to budget around 83,130 Dhs per year. All students have the chance to divide their payments up to three times a year.
Private University of Marrakesh
Address: Km 13, Route d'Amezmiz - 42312
Phone: 212 (0) 5 24 48 70 04 / 05
Fax: 212 (0) 5 24 48 38 49
E-mail: admission@upm.ac.ma
By applying to this university, students have the opportunity of choosing among the following programs:
- Tourism, Hotels & Lifestyle
- Business & Governance
- Engineering & Innovation
- Health
- Sport
- Digital, Media, Arts & Culture
- Executive programs
The Moroccan academic year
An academic year in Marrakesh, as in the rest of Morocco, typically begins in September and ends by the end of July. It is divided into two semesters: the first semester goes from September to January, while the second semester is between the end of January and July. Within these semesters, there are many holidays and breaks lying between one and 15 days.
Student cards in Marrakech
The student card is usually delivered when the student is registered and gives access to certain advantages and discounts in certain places. The card is directly related to studies and generally allows you to access the library, university restaurants, and sports facilities. Your student card can be used to:
- borrow documents in the library;
- access some classes;
- identify yourself during your exams;
- play sports at the university;
- pay for your meals in the university restaurants;
- benefit from reduced prices with many other companies, including trains, urban transport systems, etc.
Elected students
The elected student members of the Faculty Council are the liaison between the faculty and all students. As members of the council, they participate in its meetings as well as in its decision-making. They are expected to defend and support the students' interests in accordance with their duties.
Leisure and sports activities in Marrakech
Most students engage in academic, cultural and sports activities as organized by the university. In order to maintain and develop the activities, each faculty has a university sports association that aims to promote sports and their practice within the faculty and is responsible for representing the faculty in different local and national university competitions.
The cultural and sports activities program is aimed at :
- Creating a social, cultural and sports space for students;
- Enhancing the university's reputation;
- Contributing to students' empowerment;
- Contributing to the university campus' entertainment and sports activities;
- Strengthening the sense of belonging to the university by getting involved in cultural projects and sports competitions.
Most universities organize sports activities every year as per a well-established program and following the schedule set by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation:
- Inter-establishment competition
- National championship between Moroccan universities
Healthcare services in Marrakech
The medical students' healthcare is an essential element for the well-being of future graduates in a stressful and challenging training environment. The faculties of Marrakech understand this stake and are trying to ensure the health of their students. Each year, some faculties organize awareness campaigns on health and well-being matters. In addition, there is free access to health services for students in health centers set up by the Ministry of Health.
Curriculum, timetables and schedules
Schedules and programs are updated annually and made available on the website of each faculty. Examination, practical and tutorial timetables, as well as holiday schedules, are also published on the same website. All these elements are also found in the corresponding yearly stalls in the main hall of each faculty. In addition, information about the sports and socio-cultural activities of the students is displayed at the various sites of the faculty, notably in the main hall.
Course materials and online courses
Most professors offer course materials to students in the form of handouts. Additionally, there are many courses available on the faculty's platform.
IT resources
Student account
All university students are required to activate their student accounts. You can activate your account by entering your student number (6 to 8 digits), which appears on your student card, along with your date of birth.
Computer facilities
You can use computers in the university libraries. There are also computer rooms freely available on university campuses.
Access to Wi-Fi services
Access to Wi-Fi is usually offered in most university departments and rooms.
Official website
Each university's website gives access to all information concerning studies, research, student life and the structure of the University.
On-campus food services in Marrakech
Faculty cafeteria
Each faculty in Marrakech has its own cafeteria offering fast food in the form of sandwiches, salads, savory pies, hot and cold drinks and Moroccan meals.
University restaurant
Entry to the university restaurant is open to all students, both residents and non-residents. Each student has to present a ticket corresponding to a meal in order to take it. Tickets are usually available at the restaurant of the University Residence Building (Cité Universitaire).
University restaurants are open every day except Sunday. For non-residents, entrance is granted upon submitting the following documents:
- Handwritten request;
- Copy of enrolment certificate;
- Copy of ID card.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
