Time for your little one to leave the nest, eager to spread his/her wings and study abroad? Whether they already know where they want to go or are still deciding, it’s essential to give them every opportunity to succeed. Just as the early bird catches the worm, admissions to top schools and universities operate on a similar principle. In Belgium, Spain, the United States, or Canada, admissions are already partially underway. Here’s what you need to know about each destination.
A few days ago, the Campus Fair wrapped up. Every year, it showcases schools and universities from Morocco and around the world. Other student fairs are also scheduled across the country, providing opportunities for you and your child tohelp them shape or finalize their plans for higher education.
In this new installment of our education series, our editorial team delves into the specifics of the countries that currently attract the most young people. From Brussels to New York, vMadrid to Montreal, here’s what you need to know to approach studying abroad with peace of mind.
Spain: For Its Proximity
An increasing number of our young people are looking to the Iberian Peninsula for post-secondary studies. Just a few hours by car or plane, Spain is appealing for its geographical location, climate, and the quality of education it offers. It’s a great place to live, and recent high school graduates quickly find their bearings. It’s also the top European country welcoming students through the Erasmus exchange program. Healthcare (easier than in France, for example, and without so much fine print)), engineering, and business are some of the most appealing fields. And Spain’s degrees follow the LMD structure (Bachelor-Master-Doctorate), recognized worldwide.
The first step is to ensure your child meets the minimum language requirement, achieving at least a B1 certification in Spanish via the DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language). All universities—public, private, or Catholic—require it. Since there’s no Spanish equivalent of Parcoursup, your child will need to go through UNED (National University of Distance Education) to access the Selectividad. This exam is necessary for public school enrollment. Afterward, they must obtain a “credencial,” a document that grants legal access to all Spanish universities. This credential is based on grades from the last three years of high school. For most courses, an average of 5/10 is enough, but for medicine, a minimum of 8/10 is required.
Most private schools begin admissions in November/December and have different requirements. Check with the school to be ready in case they require an entrance exam. Once the application is accepted and fees are paid, your child will wait to receive their high school diploma to finalize registration. Notably, some universities, like the renowned Universidad Europea de Madrid, offer courses in English, in which case an additional language proficiency certificate, like TOEFL or Cambridge, is needed. Financially, there’s a big difference between public and private institutions. Expect a few hundred euros for public universities and upwards of €20,000 per year for private institutions.
Belgium: For Its Accessibility
Belgium has long been a popular choice for young Moroccan students, especially for architecture, engineering, or management studies. In recent years, however, their numbers have surged, particularly in health-related fields. The French-speaking part of Belgium is quite familiar to young Moroccans, and student life there is enjoyable, though somewhat expensive. The real advantage lies in access to higher education and the balance of quality and affordability.
Choosing Belgium for studying abroad requires early planning—at least six months ahead. The country is divided into three federal regions with Dutch, French, and German as official languages. First, your child must select the region they wish to study in. Proficiency in French and English is essential, though knowing German can be advantageous. Even without it, there are still six universities and 20 French-speaking colleges to choose from, such as the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Université Catholique de Louvain, and Université de Liège.
To apply, begin with an online or postal application to the chosen institution. Check the official university website for specific document requirements, which vary slightly. Admissions run from January to March, and a minimum average of 13/20 is needed for admission, though higher grades improve the chances of acceptance. After obtaining the high school diploma, the student must send their diploma and transcripts to the equivalence commission by July 15. This can be done by mail or in person.
Certain programs, like medicine or dentistry, require passing an entrance exam (ARES EXMD) and being within the 30% quota for foreign students. Once tuition fees are paid, final registration confirmation is issued. As for costs, expect an average of €4,000 per year, varying by the system chosen. Each year, the Belgian government sets annual fees for foreign students at public universities, currently around €2,500. Private school fees are typically lower than in France. Belgium also offers various scholarships for outstanding students, so don’t hesitate to apply if your child’s grades are high!
Canada and the USA: For Their Systems
The United States and Canada are the two favorite destinations for young high school graduates heading abroad. Admission to these countries, however, depends largely on two factors: tuition costs and academic performance.
Canada is by far the more accessible, known for being tolerant, progressive, and focused on well-being. .Canadian universities, both English- and French-speaking, provide high-quality education, especially in economics and new technologies.
Ideally, to apply, your child should select several study programs across different universities and submit their application. Most Canadian universities require proof of language proficiency and good grades. Admission deadlines vary, so check directly with the schools. Once the academic application is accepted, you’ll need to complete a financial dossier proving you can cover tuition, transport, healthcare, etc.
Fortunately, most Canadian provinces offer scholarships for international students. During the application process, contact the university’s financial aid office. Financially, expect around 40,000 CAD per year. For example, depending on the program, a year at McGill can cost between 23,000 and 56,000 CAD.
In the USA, the iconic campuses and vibrant student life contribute to the “American Dream.” American universities have enormous resources and profits, which are often reinvested in infrastructure and equipment. The U.S. education system emphasizes individual skills, with prestigious universities like Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Stanford. While tuition costs correspond to each university’s prestige, so does the selectivity of accepted applicants. Morocco and the U.S. collaborate on merit-based scholarships each year, a great motivation for top students.
University begins in August, so your child should complete all admission requirements by October/November. Language tests, motivation letters, and various exams or skills tests may be needed. Once accepted, as in Canada, prepare all administrative and financial documents proving your ability to support your child’s needs.
