Ask any Moroccan student what makes public university different from private schools…
And you’ll probably hear the same answer.
« At least it’s free. »
For decades…
That was largely true.
If you earned your place at a public university, tuition wasn’t supposed to be the biggest obstacle.
The real challenges were housing.
Transportation.
Books.
Living expenses.
But starting with the 2026–2027 academic year, something important is changing.
Certain part-time and continuing education programs offered by public universities will now charge tuition.
And depending on the program…
A doctoral degree could cost up to 20,000 dirhams.
That number immediately raises a question.
If public education starts introducing paid programs…
Where exactly is the line between public and private higher education?
Now, to be fair…
These fees don’t apply to every student.
Traditional public degree programs remain tuition-free.
The new charges concern specific formats, particularly programs designed for professionals or students following an adapted schedule.
But for many young people…
The symbolism matters.
Because for the first time, the idea that « public university is always free » is no longer entirely accurate.
At the same time…
Another trend is putting pressure on families.
Private education is becoming more expensive too.
Several French international schools operating in Morocco—including institutions such as Descartes and Saint-Exupéry—have announced tuition increases that can reach 10,000 dirhams per year.
The reaction was immediate.
In cities like Rabat and Kénitra, groups of parents organized demonstrations and voiced concerns about rising education costs.
Because here’s the reality facing many households.
Everything is becoming more expensive at the same time.
Rent.
Transportation.
Food.
School supplies.
And now…
Education itself.
Imagine being the parent of two or three children.
One is entering university.
Another is still in secondary school.
A tuition increase doesn’t affect one person.
It affects the family’s entire financial balance.
That’s why this debate goes far beyond tuition fees.
It’s really about access.
Education has always been presented as one of the most powerful ways to climb the social ladder.
But when the cost of studying rises…
People inevitably ask whether opportunity is rising at the same pace.
Of course, universities also face their own challenges.
Modern laboratories.
Digital infrastructure.
Research funding.
Qualified professors.
Maintaining quality costs money.
The question isn’t whether education has a price.
It always has.
The question is…
Who should pay that price?
The student?
The family?
Or the public system?
And maybe that’s why this conversation matters so much just before the new academic year.
Because for today’s generation…
Choosing a university is no longer just about reputation.
It’s becoming a financial calculation.
Not simply,
« What do I want to study? »
But…
« What can I realistically afford? »
Education remains one of the best investments a person can make.
The challenge is making sure that investment doesn’t become out of reach before the first class even begins.
The real question is…
If both public and private education are becoming more expensive… will tomorrow’s students choose their dream university… or simply the one their family can still afford?
