Morocco has taken a significant step in reforming its higher education system with the publication of Official Gazette No. 7430, which implements provisions of Framework Law No. 51.17 on education and training.
The new measure mandates that universities and professional schools using foreign languages for instruction include at least one module in Arabic within their scientific, technical, and professional programs.
Framework Law No. 51.17, passed by Parliament in 2019, outlines a comprehensive plan for reforming Morocco’s education system. A key focus of the law is linguistic engineering, aimed at revitalizing the role of Arabic in higher education while preserving the country’s commitment to multilingualism.
Article 32 of the law specifically requires the introduction of Arabic-taught courses in programs where the primary language of instruction is foreign.
The publication of this decision in the Official Gazette on August 14 gives it legal force, turning the provision into a binding requirement for institutions like faculties of science, engineering schools, and medical colleges to adjust their programs.
For the first time, Arabic will formally enter fields of higher education traditionally dominated by French, English, or Spanish.
This development holds both symbolic and practical importance. It strengthens Arabic's position as a language of knowledge and science, aligning with Morocco’s cultural and linguistic identity. It also represents a shift in the academic landscape, as universities must now adapt curricula to meet the new linguistic requirements.
The implementation of this measure marks the start of a new phase in Morocco’s educational reform, reflecting the country's commitment to balancing multilingual education with a renewed focus on Arabic in scientific and professional training.