Alarm Bells: Severe Warnings Over the Worsening University Housing Crisis in Morocco

The university system in Morocco is facing growing challenges related to the socio-economic conditions of students. The Moroccan Network for the Civil Alliance of Youth has warned of the dangerous repercussions of the worsening university housing crisis, noting that it has become a major driver of university dropout rates, especially among students from vulnerable families and rural or semi-urban areas.

In this context, Abdelwahed Ziyat, president of the network, emphasized that thousands of students face extreme difficulties in completing their academic journeys due to the widening gap between low scholarship values and the continuous rise in housing and living costs.

Insufficient Government Measures and Lack of Social Support

The official stated that the government has not taken sufficient measures to address the limited capacity of university dormitories, nor has it adopted effective social strategies to alleviate housing burdens, such as increasing scholarship amounts and providing additional grants for students from low-income backgrounds.

Special Situations and Concerning Social Disparities

Ziyat highlighted the need for special attention for students with disabilities, criticizing the lack of additional support for their specific needs. He also pointed out that private student housing remains prohibitively expensive, which exacerbates social inequality and undermines equal opportunity in higher education.

Serious Psychological and Academic Consequences

The network warned that rising rents force many students to seek shared housing in marginalized neighborhoods, often lacking safety and stability. This directly impacts academic performance and the psychological well-being of students. The organization emphasized that addressing the dropout crisis requires radical housing solutions and a comprehensive public policy to reform the scholarship system.