Studying in France: Scholarships, Admission and Procedures for Moroccan Students

For many Moroccan students, France is the natural destination: linguistic proximity, long-standing university agreements, a wide range of programmes and moderate public tuition fees. But access to the French system follows a precise procedure, and funding requires combining several sources. Here are the essential points.

The higher education system in brief

The offer is divided between public universities, grandes écoles (engineering, business), specialised schools and preparatory classes. Degrees follow the bachelor's (bac+3), master's (bac+5) and doctorate (bac+8) pattern. Public universities apply differentiated registration fees for non-European students, higher than those for Europeans but lower than in many countries: check the current scale on the website of the institution you are targeting.

The admission procedure

Applications go through the "Études en France" platform, run by Campus France. Depending on your level, this may be a prior admission request (first year of a bachelor's) or a master's or doctoral application. The file includes your background, transcripts, a reasoned study project and a certified level of French (TCF, DELF/DALF) when the programme is taught in French. A Campus France interview may complete the procedure. See our dedicated guide to the Campus France procedure for the step-by-step details.

Sources of funding

• Eiffel excellence scholarships: for master's and doctoral studies, submitted by institutions.
• French government scholarships and cooperation programmes: awarded according to agreements between countries.
• Institutional scholarships (university foundations, engineering schools): often merit-based and sometimes cumulative.
• Regional and local aid: some regions support international students.
• Doctoral contracts: for a doctorate, a funded employment contract lets you live from your research.

Find the open opportunities on the scholarships for France page.

The student visa

After admission, the application for a long-stay visa equivalent to a student residence permit is made online through France-Visas. The usual documents include the admission certificate, proof of resources, proof of accommodation and insurance. Processing can take several weeks: start as soon as you have your admission.

Budget and housing

The cost of living varies greatly by city: Paris and its region are significantly more expensive than most provincial university towns. Housing is the first expense item. Look for student housing (CROUS university residences, private residences, shared flats) as soon as you are admitted, because places go fast. Housing aid exists for eligible students.

Working during your studies

A foreign student holding a student residence permit may work part-time within the annual limit set by regulations. This helps to cover everyday costs but does not replace a solid funding plan.

After your studies

Master's graduates may, under certain conditions, apply for a temporary residence authorisation to look for a first job related to their training. Find out from the prefecture before the end of your studies.

Typical calendar

• September to November: identifying programmes, language tests, first scholarship searches.
• October to January: Campus France files and applications to institutions.
• January to April: interviews, admission answers, scholarship files.
• May to August: visa, housing, tickets, administrative registration.