Spain is now one of the most popular destinations for Moroccan students. According to the PermanentImmigrationObservatory (OPI), the number of Moroccan students enrolled in Spanish institutions increased by 31.1% in 2025, making it the second largest community after Venezuela (41.8%) to have recorded a sharp increase in Spain.
We meet six Moroccan students who chose Spain for their higher education. They recount their journey, the challenges they face on a daily basis, and their role in bringing Morocco and Spain closer together.
A new El Dorado for Moroccan students?
The six students immediately agree that there has been a significant increase in the number of Moroccan students enrolling in Spanish universities. « The available indicators show a clear upward trend in the number of Moroccan students in Spain, » observes Moataz Kobry, a student of computer engineering at the University of Castilla-La Mancha and security policy and crime control at the Catholic University of Ávila (UCAV).
For this 22-year-old student, who chairs both the Moroccan Youth Council for Diplomatic and International Cooperation (MYCDIC) and the Association of Moroccan Students in Spain (AEME), created in 2024, this increase « cannot be separated from the general context of strengthening Moroccan-Spanish relations, based on dialogue, mutual trust, and structured cooperation in strategic sectors such as higher education and academic mobility, « explains the president of the MYCDIC.
According to Moataz, Spain « is establishing itself as a leading university destination » for Moroccan students, primarily because of the « quality of its educational offerings. » All of our interviewees agree on this point. This quality is particularly evident« in the fields of science and health, » notes Mariyem, a 23-year-old from Meknes who is pursuing her pre-doctoral studies at the University of Huelva in southern Spain. But it can also be explained by « geographical proximity, ease of integration, the relatively affordable cost of studying…, » she adds.
Soufiane echoes this sentiment. The 21-year-old student from Agadir arrived in Spain in 2023 thanks to a mediator. To continue his studies in civil engineering at the University of Jaén, he had to spend a preparatory year in Spain (selectividad, in Spanish). « The cost of studying remains affordable. I pay eight hundred euros a year, « he says. He adds: « Spanish institutions have all the necessary infrastructure and equipment. »
« Obtaining a European degree is a significant advantage. »
The Moroccan students interviewed also explain this increase in enrollment by the « value » they place on European degrees. « Obtaining a European degree is a significant asset, « says Hajar, 23, who is enrolled in a master’s program in economics at the University of Granada.
In addition, all students acknowledge the « warm » welcome they receive from Spanish students, teachers, and citizens. « Spaniards are friendly people, always smiling and ready to help, » says Soufiane. « I have never personally experienced discrimination or racism, « he notes.
Popular courses
Douae arrived in Spain in October 2024 and is studying electrical engineering at the University of Vigo. The 19-year-old student from Rabat had always dreamed of continuing her studies abroad. « After graduating from high school, I decided to pursue my higher education abroad, » says the young student , who chose Spain « largely because of friends who already lived there. »
« Through their experiences, I discovered a country that is close to Morocco, both geographically and culturally,« she acknowledges.
« Moroccan students in Spain favor engineering, advanced technologies, AI, economics, and international relations. »
Moroccan students in Spain choose different specialties and evolve in diverse environments. Moataz Kobry, who is pursuing his studies at two universities, points out that « Moroccan students tend to gravitate towards engineering, advanced technologies, AI, economics and management, as well as international law and international relations. »
Fatima Zahrae, a native of Tetouan, chose sociology. « I got my bachelor’s degree in sociology in Morocco, then I went to France to continue my studies in social sciences at the University of Bordeaux, where I obtained a master’s degree in comparative sociology and political science, » says the 26-year-old student, who is now enrolled in a doctoral program at the University of Granada.
« The idea came to me after spending a semester, from September to December 2024, at the Faculty of Sociology at the University of Granada, » recalls the young doctoral student, who is preparing her thesis on « Moroccan seasonal workers in Huelva and the processes of stigmatization and emancipation at work on social media. » She is proud of this approach: « Joint supervision is particularly important in my case, as my supervisor Chadia Arab, in France, is a specialist in this subject, « says the researcher.
« I obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology at Moulay Ismail University in Meknes, then a master’s degree in interactive biology, physiopathology, and health at Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, » says Mariyem. « After obtaining my master’s degree, I chose to continue my studies in Spain with another master’s degree in health chemistry, » continues the young student, who is now pursuing her pre-doctoral studies in Huelva, « with a scientific focus in the fields of microbiology, pharmacology, and biomedical sciences. »
For Moataz Kobry, « these choices reflect a clear-sighted and responsible vision among Moroccan youth, who are keen to acquire high value-added skills. »
Between aspirations and obstacles
While Moataz Kobry believes that « the overall situation for Moroccan students in Spain is very positive, « our other interviewees still mention a few difficulties.
Soufiane laments that in Morocco, « we face long delays at the consulates, where responses can take more than a month, or even two, while the academic year has sometimes already begun in Spain. » Among other recurring problems is access to housing:« There is a shortage of housing and a significant increase in rent prices,« Soufiane says.
The same is true for Hajar, who, upon her arrival in Spain, took« about two weeks to find an apartment. » « The requirement for a guarantor is often a necessary condition for obtaining housing in Spain, especially for students, « the young student laments.
« It was very difficult to get an appointment to submit the necessary documents, particularly for the visa and residence permit, which caused a lot of stress and uncertainty, » recalls Douae, who was forced to juggle her studies and work to finance her education. « Juggling studies and work is possible, but it’s not always easy, especially with the academic workload and the administrative constraints associated with student work, » explains the electrical engineering student at the University of Vigo.
According to Soufiane, many Moroccan students « encountered problems this year when renewing their residence permits, due to new laws that were unclear and poorly explained, » says the young student, who manages a WhatsApp group with more than 1,000 members, including parents and students in Morocco. « With each new change, I find out what’s going on and share the information with the group, explaining what’s new to help students and their families better understand the steps they need to take. »
Youth or « parallel » cooperation
As part of « a dynamic of responsible engagement by Moroccan youth in promoting the Kingdom and strengthening its presence on the international stage, « the Moroccan Youth Council for Diplomatic and International Cooperation (MYCDIC) « was designed as a structured framework for supporting and promoting parallel diplomacy, in perfect harmony with the enlightened vision of His Majesty the King, placing youth at the heart of Morocco’s strategic partnerships, » explains Moataz Kobry.
Based in Madrid, this institution is present in more than sixty countries around the world. It advocates an « organizational model based on representation, training, and action, » says the young man, who also chairs the network of young Moroccan students in Spain and the Association of Moroccan Students in Spain (AEME). « Our approach through the AEME is based on a clear strategic vision: to make the Moroccan student community in Spain a key player in Moroccan-Spanish relations, « says the Council President.
« Moroccan students play a very important role in strengthening relations between Morocco and Spain, » adds Douae, who also manages a TikTok account with over 16,000 followers, where she shares information with Moroccan students wishing to enroll in higher education in Spain.
As Moroccans living abroad (MRE), these students try to « give a positive image of Morocco » through their participation in activities organized within and outside their institutions. « Discussions about my culture and origins often came up during group work or academic assignments, « says Fatima Zahrae, who also attends « several events organized by environmental organizations and groups in order to understand the issues and participate in the climate dialogue. »
« Moroccan youth are a strategic asset for the Kingdom. »
It is clear that « this reality confirms that Moroccan youth are a strategic asset for the Kingdom, « observes the president of the MYCDIC, adding: « Our responsibility is to support these young people with method, vision, and consistency, so that they can express their potential and continue to embody with dignity and competence the image of a modern Morocco that is open and engaged in solid and balanced partnerships. »
Despite the challenges faced by Moroccan students in Spain, they continue to « distinguish themselves consistently through their seriousness, their ability to integrate, and their academic excellence, » concludes Moataz Kobry.
Written in French by Karim El Haddady, edited in English by AngloMedia Group.
