English for University in Morocco: What Level Do You Need?
More Moroccan universities and grandes écoles now teach some programmes fully or partly in English, and international admissions almost always need proof of level. Here is how to figure out what you actually need, and by when.
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Written and reviewed by Mourade Boulanouar — Founder & Head of Teaching, EnglifyLast reviewed
In short
For university programmes taught in English, in Morocco or abroad, B2 is the usual minimum and C1 is expected for demanding or postgraduate courses. Many Moroccan universities and grandes écoles now ask for proof of level, most often IELTS or TOEFL. Check the exact requirement and the deadline on the programme page first, then work backwards: moving from B1 to B2 typically needs several months, so start early.
Key facts
- B2 is the usual minimum; C1 for demanding programmes
- IELTS and TOEFL are the most commonly requested proofs
- Not every Moroccan university requires a test — check the page
- Academic listening and note-taking need separate practice
- Work backwards from the application deadline
- B1 to B2 usually takes several months of steady work
Related questions
Where English shows up in Moroccan higher education
Public universities have been shifting some scientific and engineering programmes to English-medium instruction in recent years, and many private universities and business schools already teach a large share of courses in English. Even where the main language is French, technical readings, research papers and case studies are frequently in English.
- Engineering and science tracks moving toward English-medium modules
- Business schools and management programmes with English-taught electives or full tracks
- Postgraduate research, where most papers and references are in English regardless of the taught language
What level programmes typically expect
Requirements vary by school, so always check the specific programme's own admissions page, but as a general pattern:
- English-medium bachelor's tracks: commonly around B2
- Selective business schools and English-taught master's programmes: often B2 to C1, sometimes with an IELTS/TOEFL score requested
- Exchange or study-abroad placements in English-speaking or English-medium universities: usually a specific IELTS or TOEFL score set by the partner university
Which exam to prepare, and when to start
If a specific score is required (IELTS, TOEFL, sometimes Duolingo English Test or Cambridge exams), start preparing at least 4 to 6 months before the application deadline if your current level is B1, or 2 to 3 months if you are already a comfortable B2. Preparation time is mostly language work below B2, and mostly exam technique above it.
If the programme doesn't ask for a formal score
Many Moroccan programmes accept a school transcript or an internal placement test rather than an official exam. Even then, arriving at a real B2 rather than a paper B2 matters: reading academic English is very different from following a lecture or answering a professor's question live.
Building academic English, not just conversational English
University-level English adds specific demands beyond general conversation: understanding lecture speed and accent variety, reading dense academic text efficiently, taking notes while listening, and writing structured essays or lab reports. A general B2 speaker can still struggle with a 50-minute lecture the first few weeks, so targeted listening practice with academic content pays off before the term starts.
A realistic 6-month plan before enrolling
- Months 1–2: confirm your CEFR level with a spoken placement test, not just a written one
- Months 2–4: close the gap to your target level with regular classes plus daily listening to lectures or academic podcasts
- Months 4–5: if a score is required, switch to timed exam practice (IELTS/TOEFL format)
- Month 6: sit the exam with time to retake once if needed before the deadline
Frequently asked questions
- Do all Moroccan universities require an English test to apply?
- No. Requirements depend on the specific programme and university — some ask for an official IELTS or TOEFL score, others use an internal test or accept a strong school record. Always check the exact programme's admissions page.
- What if my English is B1 but the programme expects B2?
- Close the gap before applying rather than after enrolling — one CEFR level typically takes 4 to 6 months of steady classes plus daily practice, which is realistic to plan around most application timelines.
- Is IELTS or TOEFL more commonly asked for by Moroccan and partner universities?
- Both are accepted by most institutions; the choice usually comes down to which the specific partner university or exchange programme requests, so check that before you start preparing for one over the other.
- Can I improve academic listening on my own?
- Yes, to a point — recorded lectures and academic podcasts in your subject area help a lot, but timed note-taking practice and feedback on your written summaries progress faster with a teacher checking them.
- How much do English lessons cost in Morocco?
- At Englify, small-group online English classes are the most affordable option and private one-to-one classes cost more per hour, because a private teacher works with one student only. Current group and private prices are confirmed on WhatsApp (+212 724 744 137) and on our prices page, since they depend on the format, the number of hours per week and the length of the plan. The trial class is free and no card is required.
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