Scholarships to study abroad do exist for Moroccan students: from host governments, from universities themselves and from exchange programs. They are selective and their calendars come early, often a full year before the start of studies, so the students who obtain them are usually the ones who prepared first.
Key takeaways
- There are three families of scholarships: government programs, university awards and exchange programs such as Erasmus+.
- Most scholarships target master's and doctoral students; first-year undergraduates rely more on university awards and fee reductions.
- Deadlines often fall 8 to 12 months before the start of studies: plan your calendar backwards from them.
- Excellent grades help, but a clear project, a strong motivation letter and good references make the difference.
- No agency can guarantee a scholarship: be wary of anyone who promises one in exchange for a fee.
The three types of scholarships
- Government scholarships: funded by the host country, often through its embassy or a national agency. They usually cover tuition, a monthly allowance and sometimes travel and insurance.
- University scholarships: awarded by the institution itself, on merit or on need. They often take the form of a tuition reduction rather than a full grant.
- Exchange and cooperation programs: Erasmus+ mobility between partner universities, Erasmus Mundus joint master's degrees, and cooperation scholarships offered to Moroccan students by partner countries.
Some cooperation scholarships for Moroccan students are announced by the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education: follow its announcements, because the calls are often short.
The main scholarships by destination
France
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship funds master's and PhD students, but you do not apply alone: the French institution that admits you submits your application. French embassy scholarships and some university awards also exist. Read our guide to studying in France.
Canada
Scholarships for international undergraduates are mostly offered by universities, on merit. In Quebec, some agreements between governments allow exemptions from the additional tuition fees paid by international students: check the eligibility conditions with your institution. See our Canada page.
United Kingdom
Chevening is the UK government's scholarship for one-year master's degrees, open to future leaders with work experience. Universities also offer their own awards for international students. See our United Kingdom page.
United States
The Fulbright program funds graduate studies in the United States. For undergraduates, financial aid comes mainly from the universities: some offer generous need-based aid to international students, others merit scholarships. Strong SAT and TOEFL scores help. See our United States page.
Germany
Tuition at most public universities is low, which already makes Germany affordable. The DAAD, the German academic exchange service, lists hundreds of scholarships, mostly for master's and doctoral students. See our Germany page.
Spain
Public university fees in Spain are moderate. Scholarships for international students come mainly from universities, regions and some public programs, with calls published each year. See our Spain page.
China
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is one of the most generous programs open to Moroccan students, from bachelor's to doctorate, and can cover tuition, accommodation and a monthly allowance. Universities and provinces offer other scholarships. See our China page.
When to apply: the scholarship calendar
Scholarship deadlines are usually earlier than admission deadlines. As a rule of thumb, for a start in September:
- 12 to 18 months before: list the scholarships you are eligible for and note each deadline.
- 10 to 12 months before: take your language tests and ask for your recommendation letters.
- 8 to 10 months before: submit your admission and scholarship applications.
- 4 to 6 months before: answer interviews, compare the offers and prepare the visa.
How to build a strong scholarship application
- A coherent project: explain clearly what you want to study, why in this country, and how it serves your plans in Morocco or elsewhere.
- Strong academic results: transcripts, rankings and distinctions, translated where required.
- A tailored motivation letter for each scholarship, not one generic text.
- Recommendation letters from teachers or employers who know your work.
- Language test scores at the required level: IELTS, TOEFL, TCF, DELF, TestDaF or HSK depending on the destination.
- Extra-curricular involvement: associations, volunteering, projects or competitions show who you are beyond grades.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for the admission before looking for a scholarship: most deadlines will already be over.
- Applying to scholarships whose eligibility conditions you do not meet (level, age, field, work experience).
- Building the whole budget on a scholarship that is not yet obtained.
- Paying someone who "guarantees" a scholarship: official scholarships are free to apply for and decided by the funders only.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a scholarship right after the Moroccan Baccalauréat?
Yes, but the offer is smaller than for master's studies. Look at university merit scholarships, need-based aid in the United States, the Chinese Government Scholarship and cooperation scholarships announced in Morocco.
Does a scholarship cover all costs?
It depends on the program. Some cover tuition, living costs, travel and insurance; many only reduce tuition. Read what is included and keep a realistic family budget for the rest.
Does a scholarship help with the student visa?
Yes: an official scholarship letter is usually accepted as proof of financial resources, fully or partly. Check how the consulate of your destination treats it.
Is a good IELTS or TOEFL score required?
For English-taught programs, yes, and a score above the minimum makes your file more competitive. ProTrain offers IELTS preparation and TOEFL preparation in Marrakech.
How ProTrain can help
ProTrain helps you identify the scholarships that match your profile, plan your applications around their deadlines and prepare a coherent file with our orientation and admission support. Book a consultation in Guéliz, Marrakech, or online.
Official sources
- Campus France: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: eligibility and calendar.
- Chevening: UK government scholarships for master's degrees.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: graduate studies in the United States.
- DAAD scholarship database: scholarships to study in Germany.
- Study in China (CSC): Chinese Government Scholarship.
- Erasmus+: exchanges and Erasmus Mundus joint master's degrees.
- EduCanada: scholarships: scholarships for international students in Canada.