Midaoui: The Number of Master’s Programs in Morocco is “Very Low” and It’s Unreasonable for Students to Stop at Bachelor’s Degree
The Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, Azeddine Midaoui, emphasized the urgent need to significantly increase the number of master’s programs at Moroccan universities, describing the current numbers as “very low.”
During his comments at a meeting of the Education, Culture, and Communication Committee in the House of Representatives, the minister condemned the requirement for students to stop their education and leave university at the age of 21 after obtaining their bachelor’s degree, arguing that at this age they “won’t be able to do much.”
He stressed that giving these graduates the opportunity to pursue master’s studies would have a “significant impact,” citing France as an example, where it is the responsibility of university presidents to provide a seat for every bachelor’s degree holder wishing to continue to a master’s program.
He added, “In Morocco as well, we will soon find a solution to this issue, as the master’s degree is the foundation of scientific research,” emphasizing the need to adopt an approach aimed at accommodating as many bachelor’s degree holders in master’s programs as possible, given its positive implications for the quality of graduates and scientific research in the kingdom.
In addition, the minister outlined his vision for improving and adapting university education offerings by creating new institutions and programs that align with national priorities and keep pace with international job market developments. This includes revising national pedagogical standards, establishing and generalizing centers for innovative pedagogy, and promoting the establishment of employment and competency agencies (ANAPEC) within universities.
Moreover, he discussed developing a national language education platform, reactivating and expanding language centers, creating a suitable regulatory framework for continuous education, vocational training, lifelong learning, and establishing an effective early guidance and academic advising system, while also generalizing career centers to support graduates and facilitate their integration.
In the context of “promoting scientific research and innovation,” Midaoui highlighted the importance of evaluating the “national scientific research strategy for 2025” and preparing a new strategy for the period 2025-2035. He called for strengthening leadership mechanisms in scientific research, focusing on development research and technology transfer, and rationalizing the national scientific research system through the establishment of a reference framework for the accreditation of research structures and diversifying funding sources and employment patterns.
He also underscored the need to establish regional hubs for training, research, and innovation, thematic research institutes, technology platforms, and diversifying categories of researchers: post-doctoral researchers, associate researchers, and honorary professors, while enhancing the engagement of Moroccan competencies abroad.
Additionally, he announced the launch of a doctoral program in the industrial sector in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, and increasing the number of master’s programs as they serve as incubators for preparing future researchers.
