Rabat – The Université Privée de Fès (UPF) has announced the launch of the American International Institute (AII) in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU) and Cintana Education.
To celebrate the launch, UPF will host a two-day event, with celebrations on September 22 in Fez and September 23 in Rabat.
This initiative follows UPF’s announcement in July that it had joined the ASU–Cintana Alliance, a global network of universities dedicated to delivering high-quality, internationally connected education.
The AII is the first institution in Morocco to offer American double-degree programs in partnership with ASU, which has been ranked the most innovative university in the U.S. for 10 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report.
The event will bring together academic leaders, students, government officials, business representatives, and international partners, under the theme: “Building a Global Campus in Morocco: The Future of Higher Education Starts Here.” The ceremony in Rabat will feature senior officials from Morocco's Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Economic Inclusion and Employment, and representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Rabat.
Rick Shangraw, President of Cintana Education, will deliver a keynote address titled “Global Education for the Next Generation of Moroccan Leaders.”
Double Degrees and Global Opportunities
The AII will offer American double-degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Students will graduate with two diplomas: one from UPF, recognized in Morocco, and one from Arizona State University.
The courses will be taught in English and follow ASU’s curriculum, which is designed to meet global industry needs and is enhanced by digital learning tools, according to a press release from UPF.
Students will also have access to international learning and mobility opportunities within the ASU–Cintana Alliance, which includes 32 institutions across 28 countries. They can participate in global competitions, masterclasses, and signature courses from ASU, as well as benefit from advanced, technology-driven learning experiences.
Faculty members will also have opportunities for academic development, joint research, and exposure to international best practices in education.
“With the American International Institute, we are bringing world-class education directly to Morocco,” said Mohammed Aziz Lahlou, President of UPF. He emphasized that through this partnership with Arizona State University and Cintana Education, “students will now have access to double degrees, international experiences, and academic excellence, preparing them to become Morocco’s next generation of leaders.”
The university added that the creation of AII aligns with Morocco’s higher education reforms, which focus on digital transformation, internationalization, employability, and quality assurance.