#Funding Your PhD in Morocco

Financing a doctoral degree is a real concern for many PhD students in Morocco. The good news is that multiple funding sources exist and can often be combined. This guide covers the main scholarships and programs available to Moroccan doctoral candidates.

#State Scholarships

The Moroccan government offers two primary scholarships for doctoral students. Applications are submitted after admission to the doctoral cycle.

#Standard State Scholarship

• Amount: 1,000 MAD per month, disbursed quarterly
• Duration: 3 years
• Eligibility: Approximately 70% of doctoral students receive this scholarship, awarded based on academic merit (baccalaureate, license, and Master's grades)
• Application: Procedures vary by university. Contact your university's Centre d'Études Doctorales for the exact process, as requirements change each year

#CNRST Excellence Scholarship

• Amount: 3,000 MAD per month, disbursed monthly
• Duration: 3 years
• Eligibility: 300 students selected annually
• Application: The call for applications opens in January each year. A selection committee evaluates candidates based on academic record (baccalaureate, license, and Master's grades)
• Important: If you abandon your thesis, you must repay the full scholarship amount to CNRST

Note: You can only hold one scholarship at a time, even if admitted to both programs.

#International Mobility Programs

#CIFRE/France-Maroc

This program allows Moroccan PhD students to conduct their research in France through a partnership between a French company, a French academic laboratory, and a Moroccan academic laboratory.

• CNRST contribution: 77,000 MAD per year per student
• French employer contribution: €17,600 per year per student
• ANRT subsidy to the French company: €7,000 per year per student
• Duration: Up to 3 years
• Application: Open year-round via the online submission platform

#Erasmus+ Program

Erasmus+ enables Moroccan PhD students to complete study visits and research internships at European institutions.

• Duration: 3 to 12 consecutive months
• Requirements: Students must attend courses, take exams, and transfer credits that count toward their doctoral training
• Application: Calls are published on the home institution's website. Apply through the international relations office of your university. For Hassan II University of Casablanca students, check the "Erasmus Mobility Morocco" YouTube channel and join the "UH2C Erasmus Mobility" Facebook group

#DAAD Scholarship

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports Moroccan PhD students conducting short-term research in Germany.

• Duration: 7 to 12 consecutive months
• Amount: €1,200 per month
• Eligibility: Open to all disciplines; research must be conducted at German higher education institutions or public/state-recognized research institutes
• Application: Submissions accepted from July 1 each year

#Fulbright Joint Supervision Program

This program sends Moroccan doctoral students to US universities to advance their thesis research.

• Duration: Up to 1 or 2 years at a US university
• Requirement: Candidates must first secure a US professor willing to host them and serve as a co-supervisor
• Application must include: An invitation letter from the US professor clearly stating their co-supervision role and support
• Application period: August 1 to December 15 each year

#Tips for Securing Funding

• Start early: Begin researching scholarships and preparing applications well before your PhD starts
• Combine programs: Some mobility scholarships can complement a state scholarship — check eligibility rules
• Contact your CEDoc: The doctoral studies center at your university is your best resource for up-to-date information
• Build your profile: Strong grades, publications, and a well-written research proposal significantly improve your chances

#Summary

Securing funding requires persistence and careful planning, but the opportunities are real. Start your research today and don't hesitate to reach out to your university's international relations office for guidance.