HEM Becomes an International University in Fall 2026
HEM Takes a Significant Step Forward with the Launch of the International University HEM for the 2026-2027 Academic Year
As the 2026-2027 academic year approaches, HEM is officially embarking on a new journey under the banner of the International University HEM, following the approval of its operational status. This transformation marks a key milestone for the institution, expanding its academic offerings and introducing a new organizational structure.
Traditionally recognized for its management training programs, HEM is now broadening its scope to encompass several disciplines within higher education. The new university aims to strengthen its position within the Moroccan academic landscape while enhancing its international reach.
A Broader Academic Offering
The International University HEM now consolidates various educational hubs. Its framework includes a Business School in Casablanca and Rabat, the Averroes Engineering School, a Faculty of Law, and a dedicated unit for Executive Education.
This new configuration allows the institution to provide programs that cover diverse fields and respond to the evolving skill demands expressed by businesses and economic players.
The official launch of this new structure was held in Casablanca, attended by numerous dignitaries, including Abdellatif Maâzouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council.
A Rethought Governance Structure
Transitioning to university status also brings about a revamped institutional organization. The governance model involves LCI Education, CDG Invest—a subsidiary of the CDG Group—and Averroes Holding.
The architecture supporting this transition includes a General Management, a Dean, as well as a Strategic and Scientific Council, all aimed at guiding the university’s development.
Younes Slaoui, Chair of the Board of Directors, emphasizes that this transformation comes at a time when professions are rapidly evolving and companies are in search of new skill sets.
Training that is More Connected to the Business World
A significant focus of the new model is on the relationship with the professional world. The International University HEM seeks to enhance the connection between the programs offered and the concrete needs of employers.
As a result, curricula will prioritize work-study arrangements and practical experiences to facilitate the acquisition of skills that are immediately applicable in the job market.
Bouchra By, the General Director, notes that this approach aims to better align academic paths with the realities and transformations of the employment market.
Internationalization at the Heart of the New Strategy
HEM’s integration into the LCI Education network also serves as a catalyst for accelerating its international outreach. The network comprises over 20,000 students across five continents.
The International University HEM plans to leverage this presence to enhance student mobility, forge partnerships with foreign institutions, and offer more programs that lead to dual degrees.
This international dimension continues the collaborations already established by HEM with various foreign institutions.
A Historic Partnership with Paris Dauphine-PSL and IAE Paris-Sorbonne
Among its notable partnerships, the MBA program developed in collaboration with Paris Dauphine-PSL University and IAE Paris-Sorbonne stands out.
This program is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Since its inception, it has enabled more than 800 executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs from Morocco and Africa to benefit from this training.
This experience underpins the foundations upon which the International University HEM aims to build its academic and international development.
Research Takes on a New Dimension
The transition to university status is also set to enhance the role of research. The Research Center at the International University HEM, led by Driss Ksikes, will focus on studies related to economic and social transformations in Morocco and Africa.
The expressed ambition is to further foster interactions between researchers, businesses, institutions, and civil society to produce works that shed light on the economic and social changes in the region.
With this change in status, HEM seeks to evolve from an institution historically focused on management to a multidisciplinary, international university that is more connected to the needs of the professional world.
