University Housing in Morocco: The Government Acknowledges a Shortfall of Nearly 400,000 Beds

The shortage of university housing remains one of the main challenges facing higher education in Morocco. During the oral question session at the House of Representatives, the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, Azzedine El Midaoui, acknowledged the magnitude of this issue while highlighting the progress made in scholarship funding.

According to the Minister, access to decent housing and financial aid is an essential condition for enabling students, particularly those from modest backgrounds, to pursue their university education under favorable conditions.

A Significant Improvement in Scholarship Coverage Rates

Azzedine El Midaoui emphasized that government efforts have led to a substantial increase in the coverage rate of university scholarships. This rate has risen from 83% in 2024 to 95% in 2026, with the ambition of reaching 97% by the end of the government’s term.

This progress, according to the Minister, reflects the public authorities’ commitment to enhance social support for students and improve their chances of success.

An Estimated Shortage of 400,000 University Beds

Conversely, the situation regarding university housing remains particularly concerning. The Minister acknowledged that achievements in this area are insufficient in light of the ever-increasing demand.

He stated that Morocco has only about 60,000 university beds created over the past three to four decades, while actual needs are estimated at nearly 400,000 beds, illustrating the magnitude of the deficit the country faces.

Law 59.24 to Diversify Funding for University Housing

In response to this situation, Azzedine El Midaoui believes that the state cannot bear the funding of university infrastructure alone. He highlighted the provisions of Law 59.24, which now allows local authorities and benefactors to contribute to the funding of university housing and scholarships.

This new legal framework enables the allocation of part of the budgets of local authorities to support students and enhance housing capacities in educational institutions.

A Call for Collective Mobilization

The Minister stressed the need for broader involvement from all stakeholders, reminding that several benefactors were already supporting students through scholarships, but without a proper legal framework.

Thanks to the new legislation, these initiatives can now be organized and expanded to diversify funding sources for students.

While affirming that the government continues its efforts, Azzedine El Midaoui acknowledged that addressing the deficit in university housing will take time; constructing new university facilities is a long-term project. He finally called on local authorities and philanthropists to contribute more to this national effort aimed at helping Moroccan students succeed.