Government Council Approves New Reforms in Higher Education

Rabat – The Moroccan Government Council approved on Thursday a draft decree aimed at updating the mandate of university institutions, the structure of higher education programs, and the awarding of national diplomas. 

The new measure, presented by the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, Azzedine El Midaoui, seeks to modernize Morocco’s academic system and improve the international recognition of its degrees.

The adopted draft decree No. 2.25.456 modifies and completes decree No. 2.04.89, which has been in effect since 2004.

Under the new provisions, programs in selective-access higher education institutions will continue to be delivered in person, but will now also allow for the integration of distance learning and alternating education formats, in line with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.

The decree also mandates the implementation of a standardized credit system across all study cycles in selective-access institutions, harmonizing them with the credit structures used in open-access universities. 

Another key measure includes the introduction of a “diploma supplement,” a document accompanying each national diploma that provides details on the student’s extracurricular activities, as well as their language and digital skills.

These diploma models and their supplements will be standardized and approved by the higher education authority, a step intended to streamline the diploma system nationwide and boost its international visibility.

Reform extends to engineers and architects

In addition to educational reform, the government council approved a second draft decree concerning professionals within the Ministry of Justice. 

Draft decree No. 2.25.430, presented by Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi, introduces regulatory measures benefiting engineers and architects working within the ministry.

The measure extends provisions from key articles of decree No. 2.11.473, which governs the status of court registry staff, to include these two professional categories.

It also integrates elements from previous decrees adopted in 2020 and 2024, ensuring that engineers and architects in the ministry enjoy the same legal recognition and benefits as other civil servants within the justice sector.