Studying in the United States: Scholarships, Tests and Applications for Moroccans

American universities attract students with their research excellence and the flexibility of their curricula, but their fees are among the highest in the world. The key to a realistic project is to aim for the financial aid that institutions themselves grant, in addition to national programmes such as Fulbright.

How admission works

Each university sets its own criteria. For a bachelor's, you most often apply through a common platform (Common App or equivalent) with a school record, tests, essays and recommendations. For a master's or doctorate, you apply to the department with transcripts, a statement of purpose, a CV, recommendations and, depending on the discipline, a test such as the GRE or GMAT. Deadlines often fall between autumn and early winter for the following autumn intake.

Tests to plan for

• TOEFL or IELTS: English level, required by almost all programmes.
• SAT or ACT: for some bachelor's programmes, even though several universities make them optional.
• GRE or GMAT: for master's and doctoral programmes, less and less systematically.

Check the requirements of each university: they change from one year to the next.

Funding your studies

University aid

Many private universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships to international students. They are awarded at admission: an excellent file can greatly reduce the real cost.

Assistantships and doctoral contracts

For a doctorate, most serious programmes fund their students through research or teaching assistant positions, with a fee waiver and a salary. This is the main route to a doctorate without an external scholarship.

Fulbright and other programmes

The Fulbright programme, managed in Morocco by a dedicated commission, funds master's and doctoral studies. Other programmes target professional profiles or specific fields. See the dedicated Fulbright guide.

The F-1 visa

After admission, the university issues an I-20 form that allows you to apply for the F-1 student visa at the embassy. Plan for the visa fee, proof of funds and the consular interview. Procedures change: check the official website of the US embassy in Morocco.

Working on campus

F-1 visa holders may work part-time on campus within a weekly limit. This income supplements a budget but does not pay tuition fees.

Practical advice

• Aim for a balanced list of universities: ambitious, realistic and more accessible.
• Study the financial aid on offer before applying; some universities offer none to international students.
• Take care over the essays: they are decisive and must tell a precise personal story.
• Prepare a complete budget including health insurance and housing.