Education system Morocco (12362 kB)

Education system

Morocco

The Moroccan education system described and compared with the Dutch system

Education system | Evaluation chart

Education system Morocco

Education system Morocco | EP-Nuffic | 1st edition October 2015 | version 5, January 2015 2

This document provides information about the education system of Morocco. It also includes the Dutch comparison of qualifications obtained in Morocco.

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L0 Education level

0 Duration of education

Click here to view a sample of the diploma

L2

3

Attestation du Baccalauréat (senior secondary general education)

L3

2-4

Diplôme de Technicien Spécialisé or Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie / Diplôme de Technicien Supérieur(higher professional education)

L1

9

Enseignement Fondamental(primary education)

L6

4

Doctorat(PhD)

post

grad

uate

unde

rgra

duat

e

L3

4

Diplôme d’Ingénieur d’Application(higher professional education)

L3

2

classes préparatoires

L5

2

Master / Master Spécialisé(university education)

L2

2

Diplôme de Technicien(secondary vocational education)

L2

2-4

Qualifications Professionnelles(professional training programmes)

L3

2

DEUG/DEUP(university education)

L3

3

Diplôme d’Ingénieur d’Etat(Ecole d’Ingénieur)

L3

1

Licence d’Etudes Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle




Evaluation chart

In the following chart, the left part lists the foreign qualifications. The right part lists the Dutch equivalents, with corresponding levels in the Netherlands and European qualification frameworks.

Degree or qualification Dutch equivalent and NLQF level EQF level

Attestation du Baccalauréat at least a HAVO diploma 4 4

Attestation du Baccalauréat

(with vocational component)

HAVO diploma with vocational subjects 4 4

Diplôme de Technicien MBO diploma (qualification level 3 or 4) 3/4 3/4

Diplôme de Technicien Spécialisé/Brevet de Technicien

Supérieur

1 to 2 years of HBO 5 5

Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie (DUT) at least 2 years of HBO 5 5

Diplôme d’Ingénieur d’Application HBO bachelor’s degree 6 6

Licence at least 1 year of WO 6 6

Master WO bachelor’s or master’s degree 6/7 6/7

NB • The information provided in the table is a general recommendation from which no

rights may be derived. • NLQF = Netherlands Qualifications Framework. EQF = European Qualifications

Framework. • The evaluation of a foreign qualification in terms of the EQF/NLQF does not

necessarily mean that all of the learning outcomes associated with these levels have been achieved.

• Information on the Dutch equivalent qualifications is available in our Netherlands Education System. See: http://www.nuffic.nl/en/library/education-system-netherlands.pdf

• The information regarding international study programmes at VMBO and MBO level is issued by SBB, the foundation for the Co-operation Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market.

http://www.nuffic.nl/en/library/education-system-netherlands.pdf

http://www.nuffic.nl/en/library/education-system-netherlands.pdf




Introduction

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a head of state who occupies a strong position in terms of constitutional law. The country also has a bicameral parliamentary system, with elections taking place every 3 years. Although the Moroccan government pursues a policy involving regionalization and delegation of competencies, the national government remains ultimately responsible. Since 1996, Morocco has had a single Ministry of Education, combining the former Ministère de l’Education Nationale (responsible for primary and secondary school legislation) and the Ministère de l’ Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique (responsible for higher education legislation). Up until that time, the Ministère des Travaux Publics, de la Formation Professionnelle et de la Formation des Cadres organized professional education and middle-management training, yet this responsibility now also falls under a single ministry: the Ministère de l’Education Nationale et de l’Enseignement Supérieur de la Formation des Cadres et de la Recherche Scientifique. In addition, a range of line ministries are responsible for (higher) professional education programmes in their own area of specialization, for example in mining, sport and healthcare. Competencies for primary and secondary education are delegated to the educational districts (académies). Higher education is legislated in the 2000 Higher Education Act (Dahir nr 01-00). This Act came into force in 2003 and covers the introduction of a new system following the European bachelor’s-master’s degree structure, and in particular the LMD (Licence-Master-Doctorat) system, following France. Education in Morocco has undergone a range of changes over the past decades. The most recent being the reforms in primary and secondary education in 2000 and those introduced in 2000 (coming into force in 2003) in higher education. In 1985 the phasing in of a 9+3 system was initiated to replace the former 5+4+3 system in primary and secondary education. As part of this process, primary education (enseignement primaire) and lower secondary education (enseignement secondaire provided by a collège) were merged into the 9-year enseignement fondamental (basic education). This structure came into effect in the 1992/1993 school year, and applied to all year levels of Moroccan basic education. Upper secondary education (enseignement secondaire provided by a lycée) remained unchanged.




Education in Morocco is officially compulsory for 9 years, for children aged 6-14 (enseignement fondamental). This is followed by 3 years of upper secondary education, with a general or general/vocational component. Pupils can also take lower and secondary vocational education, which lead on to short programmes in post secondary professional education. Higher education consists of university education, so-called managerial staff training programmes, Ecoles or établissements d’enseignement supérieur ne relevant pas des universités, and various forms of higher professional education; this last type includes many programmes offered by private institutions. The language of instruction in secondary education is Arabic, and French is a compulsory subject of the curriculum from the age of 8. English is offered as a foreign language in secondary education. Higher education in sciences is still provided in French, whereas the language used in humanities and social sciences is usually Arabic. The academic year runs from September until the end of June.




Primary and secondary education

Class levels in secondary education (enseignement secondaire) are indicated by année secondaire (AS) and are counted from the first year of senior secondary education onwards: 1AS to 3AS. Prior to 2000, the examination was completed in various sections during this 3-year programme. The reforms in 2000 included a modification to the manner in which the final examination is administered. The examination consists of a (compulsory) regional examination set by the académie, and a national written examination. The final marks are determined by three components: twenty-five per cent by the average grade over the last school year (sometimes the last 2 years, depending on the policy of the académie), twenty-five per cent by the final mark on the regional examination, and fifty per cent by the national written examination. The regional examination is conducted in the second-last year, and the national written examination at the end of the final year. The government remains responsible for the exit qualifications, yet the separate académies have been given more authority in the content and the structure of the diploma. The national inspectorate conducts regular inspections in the various districts. The certificate awarded is a state diploma, called Attestation du Baccalauréat (since 2003).. The results obtained in the year of the final examination are crucial in determining the final result, which are incorporated into a final examination list, the Relevé de Notes du Baccalauréat. The relative weighting of the subjects in a certain programme is indicated in terms of the coefficients attached to each subject. The (statutory) implementation of delegated authorities means that the content of the programme and the final examination, the organization of the final examination, the assessment of the results and the award of the diploma fall fully under the responsibility of the relevant académie, the educational district of which the secondary school in question is a part of. Prior to 2003, the final diploma was called Baccalauréat de l’Enseignement Secondaire. An attestation du baccalauréat was a (sometimes easily counterfeited) copy of the original diploma.




Baccalauréat programme The Baccalauréat includes three programme types with distinctive specializations: General secondary education: A. Baccalauréat Lettres (languages), subdivided into:

• lettres modernes (modern languages); • lettres originelles (classical languages), language of instruction is Arabic.

B. Baccalauréat Sciences (science). The first year pupils follow a common curriculum. As of the second year, the programme is subdivided into: • sciences expérimentales (experimental sciences); • sciences mathématiques (mathematics); • sciences originelles (a classical variant with additional attention devoted to Arabic

and Islamic sciences), language of instruction is Arabic.

In terms of level, the Attestation du Baccalauréat is comparable to at least a

HAVO diploma.

Education with a vocational component:

C. Baccalauréat Technique, subdivided into • génie mécanique (mechanical engineering), with a range of specializations; • génie électrique (electrical engineering), with a range of specializations; • génie civil (construction engineering), with a range of specializations; • chimie (chemical engineering). • sciences économiques (economics or economics/business administration); • sciences agronomiques (agriculture).

These vocational training programmes are mostly made up of general subjects such as mathematics, modern languages and, depending on the vocational specialization, physics (technical specializations), chemistry (chemical engineering), biology (specializations in agriculture) and geography/history (specializations in economics). Approximately one-third of the programme consist of specific vocational skills.




The Baccalauréat Technique programmes are counted as part of regular secondary education in Morocco, and all lead on to programmes in higher education. The following specializations were introduced after 2000: Section littéraire: • série lettres; • série lettres spécialité « langues;

Section enseignement originelles: • série lettres orginelles; • série juridiques (la Chariaâ); • série sciences expérimentales originelles;

Section sciences: • série sciences expérimentales; • série sciences mathématiques (A); • série sciences mathématiques (B);

Section génie mécanique (mechanical engineering): • série industrie mécanique; • série sciences et techniques; • série fonderie;

Section génie électrique (electrical engineering): • série électronique; • série électrotechnique;

Section génie civil (civil engineering): • série conception et bâtiment; • série arts plastiques; • série arts et industries graphiques;

Section chimie (chemical engineering): • série chimie industrielle;

Section génie économique et gestion (specialization in economics or economics/business administration): • série techniques de gestion administratives; • série techniques de gestion comptable; • série sciences économiques;

Section sciences agronomiques (specialization in agriculture): • série sciences agronomiques;

In terms of level, the Attestation du Baccalauréat with vocational component is

comparable to a HAVO diploma with vocational subjects.




It is possible to obtain the secondary school diploma Attestation du Baccalauréat through regular daytime classes, yet it can also be obtained via a candidat libre state examination. In such cases, only the marks of the regional and national written examinations play a role in determining the final grade. Secondary vocational education Professional training programmes exist at various levels, which until recently were coordinated by the Office de Formation Professionelles et de Promotion du Travail, a section of the former Ministère des Travaux Publics, de la Formation Professionnelle et de la Formation des Cadres. Since 1996 these programmes were placed under a single ministry, the Ministère de l’Education Nationale et de l’Enseignement Supérieur de la Formation des Cadres et de la Recherche Scientifique. The highest level of these professional training programmes is provided by the Instituts de Technologie Appliquée (I.T.A.). Graduates of these programmes are awarded the Diplôme de Technicien. Admission to an I.T.A. may be granted based on at least a certificate of transfer from 2AS into 3AS (usually in the form of a Certificat de Scolarité, a school certificate). The Diplôme de Technicien itself grants access to certain short programmes in higher professional education, upon completion of an entrance examination.

In terms of level, the Diplôme de Technicien is comparable to an MBO diploma at

qualification level 3 or 4, depending on the programme and provided it is obtained at an

institution recognized by the state.

Admission to higher education

The Attestation du Baccalauréat is required for admission to higher education in Morocco. The programme includes both general and general/vocational subjects. Additional criteria apply for entry into specific programmes, in the form of both entrance examinations (including for engineering programmes and medical specializations) and in terms of prerequisite subject clusters or specializations. Students’ final examination average can also play a role in admission.




Higher education

Morocco has university and non-university higher education. In total, there are 14 state and other universities and around 200 non-university higher education institutions, 107 of which are private. There is also an English-language university with a separate status, the Al Akhaouayn University in Ifrane. Morocco has public and private higher education institutions. The majority of public institutions are governed by the Ministry of Higher Education, yet they may also be set up by other line ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture or the Ministry of Health. It is possible to distinguish between two types of higher education in Morocco:

1. academic education provided by universities; 2. applied (technical) higher education provided by écoles, also called managerial staff

programmes. Programmes in university and in applied higher education are run in two phases (or ‘cycles’), at the end of which a diploma is awarded. Students can then continue their studies in the same specialization (even at a different institution). There are also engineering programmes that are provided by special institutions offering professional and/or specialist higher education. These institutions are sometimes referred to as Grandes Ecoles, however, this is not an official name. Admission is granted after a 2-year preparatory programme called classes préparatoires, provided by lycées designed especially for this purpose, and passing an entrance examination. Education system (from 2003 onwards) The system is based on a division of higher education into three stages (or 'cycles') of 3+2+3 years. Graduates are awarded the Licence diploma at the end of the first cycle, the Master at the end of the second cycle, and the Doctorat after the third cycle and the public defence of a doctoral thesis. The first cycle consists of an initial (propedeutic) year, after which students may choose between a theoretical specialization (études fondamentales) and a professional specialization (études professionnelles). Upon completion of this cycle, graduates are awarded the Licence d’Etudes Fondamentales or the Licence Professionnelle. The second cycle has a duration of 2 years and also has two specializations, one leading to a Master, the other to a Master Spécialisé.




At the student’s request, it is also possible to obtain the following interim diplomas:

1. following 2 years of higher education in the first cycle, the interim diploma Diplôme d’Etudes Universitaire Générales (DEUG) or the Diplôme d’Etudes Universitaire Professionelles (DEUP);

2. after 1 year in the second cycle (i.e. 3+1 years in total) a Maîtrise diploma (can be a final qualification).

Continuation onto higher years (following the second, third and fifth year) is determined by means of a selection procedure. The new structure features a subdivision of the academic year into semesters, and a study programme made up of modules. A semester consists of 16 weeks of instruction, including examinations. Each semester is made up of at least three modules, with a minimum of 360 hours. The ECTS system applies: DEUG/DEUP = 120 credits; Licence = 180 credits; and the Master = 120 credits following the Licence. A new higher education system was introduced in Morocco from the 2003/2004 academic year onwards. Both systems ran side-by-side for some time.The first diplomas from the new system were awarded in 2006, initially only the Licence d’Etudes Fondamentales.

In terms of level, the Licence diploma is comparable to at least 1 year of university

education (WO) in the Netherlands, depending on the programme of study.

In terms of level, the Master diploma is comparable to at least 3 years of university

education (WO) in the Netherlands, depending on the programme of study.

Managerial staff training programmes (Ecoles) In addition to state institutions, écoles (or: grandes écoles) publiques and établissements d’enseignement supérieur ne relevant pas des universités for managerial staff training programmes, there is also a large number of private institutions approved (authorisées) by the government. There are also many private institutions, called établissements d’enseignement supérieur privés. Diplomas from institutions approved by the government are not nationally recognized diplomas and do not provide eligibility for admission to university education.




Institutions for managerial staff training recognized by the government (called Ecole, Ecole Nationale, Ecole Supérieure, Institut) can be divided into three groups:

1. schools for technical (or scientific) education, including agricultural programmes 2. schools for economic, legal and social education 3. teacher-training programmes.

Ecoles d'Ingénieurs occupy a prominent position within the first category. These schools provide education in technology and science, comparable to the programmes provided by a technical university in the Netherlands. As preparation for the entrance examinations for these institutions, prospective students follow a 2-year programme after secondary school comprising primarily mathematical subjects, in what are called classes préparatoires. A similar common curriculum also exists for programmes in agricultural specializations, called the année préparatoire aux études supérieures d'agronomie (A.P.E.S.A.). It lasts for 1 year. The institutions for managerial staff training offer different types of programmes that vary in length. Some have a strong practical focus. Most such programmes follow a cycle-based structure similar to that of the universities, and offer programmes of 2 to 4 years in length. Exceptions are programmes in Veterinary Medecine and Architecture, which each require 6 years of study. The Ingénieur d’Etat programme lasts for 3 years after the classes préparatoires. In terms of level, the Ingénieur d’Etat diploma is comparable to an HBO or WO bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands, depending on the programme of study. In some cases, students with a university degree can continue on to managerial staff training programmes. Higher professional education Higher professional education in Morocco has several types of (short) programmes in applied higher professional education, Ecoles de formation des Cadres, with or without a Baccalauréat as admission requirement. 1. A 2-year specialist programme in a certain area of specialization, for which the

minimum admission requirement is the Diplôme de Technicien. Graduates of these programmes are awarded the Diplôme de Technicien Spécialisé, in most cases offered by an ISTA (Institut Supérieur de Technologie Appliqué), or an institution referred to in current legislation as an Etablissement d’enseignement supérieur ne relevant pas des universités. These programmes are intended as final programmes of study, and do not grant access to university education. In addition, there are (mostly) 2-year specialist advanced programmes culminating in a Brevet de Technicien Supérieur or a diploma of Adjoint Technique (Specialisé). This diploma sometimes only states the name of the relevant specialization, e.g. dessinateur (draughtsman), instituteur (teacher), or technicien de premier grade.




In terms of level, the Diplôme de Technicien Spécialisé or Brevet de Technicien

Supérieur is comparable to 1 or 2 years of higher professional education (HBO) in a similar specialization, depending on the

programme and provided it is obtained at an institution recognized by the state.

2. A 2-year Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie (DUT) / Diplôme de Technicien

Supérieur programme, which has the Baccalauréat and an entrance examination as admission requirements. The programmes are provided by institutions that are affiliated with universities, and are intended as final programmes of study. Continuation to university study is an exception.

In terms of level, the Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie (DUT) / Diplôme de

Technicien Supérieur is comparable to at least 2 years of higher professional

education (HBO) in a similar specialization, depending on the programme and provided it is obtained at an institution recognized by

the state.

3. A 4-year programme in higher professional education, culminating in the Diplôme

d’Ingénieur d’Application. The admission requirement is a Baccalauréat diploma and, in some cases, an entrance examination.

Programmes are provided by both public and private institutions.

In terms of level, the Diplôme d’Ingénieur d’Application is comparable to an HBO bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands, depending on the programme and the

content, and provided it is obtained at an institution recognized by the state.




Assessment systems

The Moroccan education system uses an assessment scale from 0-20 at all levels:

Qualification frameworks

Morocco is currently in the process of establishing a national qualification framework. The Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Formation Professionelle is developing a framework by the name of Cadre National des Certifications au Maroc. Information about this project can be found on the following websites: • www.etf.europa.eu/eventsmgmt.nsf/(getAttachment)/2296CA87927255CAC125758B

00394478/$File/30%20Jan%2004%20Development%20of%20a%20National%20qualifiation%20framework%20(Morocco).pdf

• www.etf.europa.eu/pubmgmt.nsf/(getAttachment)/4A8D354287EDC383C125761D00592061/$File/NOTE7V9N5H.pdf

Morocco is also a participant in the MEDA -ETE-project (www.meda-ete.net/meda-ete-web.nsf). Establishing a national qualification framework is part of this project. However, for the time being, this concerns only technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Quality assurance and accreditation

Quality assurance for higher education resides with the inspectorate of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, or of the relevant line ministry. The Commission Nationale d’Accreditation et d’Evaluation (CNAE) gives advice to the minister on requests to offer third-cycle programmes or regarding authorization to conduct academic research. Quality assurance in primary and secondary education is mainly the responsibility of the académies. The Mission de Coordination de l'Enseignement privé accredits recently founded private institutions.

Numerical grade Description Meaning

16-20 Très bien Very good

14-15 Bien Good

12-13 Assez bien Quite satisfactory

10-11 Passable Satisfactory

0-9 Insuffisant Unsatisfactory

http://www.etf.europa.eu/pubmgmt.nsf/(getAttachment)/4A8D354287EDC383C125761D00592061/$File/NOTE7V9N5H.pdf

http://www.etf.europa.eu/pubmgmt.nsf/(getAttachment)/4A8D354287EDC383C125761D00592061/$File/NOTE7V9N5H.pdf

http://www.meda-ete.net/meda-ete-web.nsf

http://www.meda-ete.net/meda-ete-web.nsf




International treaties

There are no international recognition agreements between Morocco and the Netherlands.

Addresses

www.dfc.gov.ma and www.men.gov.ma Website of the Ministère de l’Education National, de l’Enseignement Supérieur, de la Formation des Cadres et de la Recherche Scientifique. www.s-bb.nl Website of SBB, the foundation for the Co-operation Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market.

Composition of file

Secondary school certificates consist of the Baccalauréat diploma with an official final examination list of results (not hand-written). In higher education, a diploma is issued with transcripts and grade list from all years, along with any interim certificates awarded.

List of higher education institutions

www.enssup.gov.ma/ Website of the Ministry of Education, including an overview of state and other universities. www.dfc.gov.ma Website of the Ministry of Education, including an overview of (private) institutions. Some have been recognized by the state.

http://www.dfc.gov.ma/

http://www.men.gov.ma/

http://www.s-bb.nl/

http://www.enssup.gov.ma/

http://www.dfc.gov.ma/




Baccalauréat de l’enseignment secondaire - after 2003




Baccalaureat de l'enseignement secondaire - before 2003 (transcript)




Attestation du Baccalaureat - after 2003




Attestation du Baccalaureat - from 2000/2003 onwards




Diplôme de Technicien




Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie




Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie (transcript)




Certificat Universitaire d’Etudes Scientifiques




Certificat Universitaire d’Etudes Scientifiques (transcript)




Licence




Diplôme d’etudes supérieures approfondies




Licence en Etudes Fondamentales – 2008 (diploma)




Licence en Etudes Fondamentales – 2008 (translation diploma)




Licence en Etudes Fondamentales - 2008 (transcript) (page 1)
























Master diploma 2010




Master – 2010 (translation)




Master – 2010 (transcript) (page 1)
















Qualification Morocco

Attestation du Baccalauréat

• general secondary education diploma • grants access to all higher education programmes in Morocco upon completion

of entrance examinations

This qualification is comparable to at least a HAVO diploma in the Netherlands. NB: This information is a general recommendation from which no rights may be derived.





Licence

• first cycle higher education diploma • grants access to master’s programmes in Morocco • has a nominal duration of 3 years

This qualification is comparable to at least 1 year of university education (WO) in the Netherlands, depending on the programme of study. NB: This information is a general recommendation from which no rights may be derived.





Master

• second cycle higher education diploma • grants access to PhD programmes in Morocco • has a nominal duration of 2 years

This qualification is comparable to at least 3 years of university education (WO) in the Netherlands, depending on the programme of study. NB: This information is a general recommendation from which no rights may be derived.

Documents

Education system Morocco (12362 kB)