Although Morocco is striving to recover from the repercussions of the crisis that affected the education sector, it is beginning to show promising results. The AD Scientific Index for 2025 reveals that Mohammed V University in Rabat occupies the top spot at the national level.
Ranking 23rd in Africa and 983rd globally, UM5 in Rabat reflects the success of its research strategies. This is not the first time that UM5 in Rabat has shone in international rankings.
Examining 22 public universities and institutes in Morocco, this ranking highlights a clear improvement in the quality of scientific research and higher education. Thus, Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech ranked second nationally, 37th in Africa, and 1,314th globally.
Followed closely by Hassan II University of Casablanca, ranked 40th in Africa and 1,373rd globally, Moroccan universities promise to offer students high-level research. The AD Index honors Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University of Fez, ranked 49th in Africa and 1,499th globally. Ibn Zohr University of Agadir comes fifth nationally, 69th in Africa, and 1,787th globally.
Furthermore, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes ranks sixth nationally, 90th in Africa, and 2,036th globally, followed by Ibn Tofail University of Kenitra, which occupies the seventh national position, 102nd in Africa, and 2,208th globally, according to the AD Index report.
Abdelmalek Essaâdi University of Tetouan arrives in eighth position, 120th in Africa, and 2,424th globally, followed by Mohammed Premier University of Oujda, ranked ninth nationally, 124th in Africa, and 2,537th globally. Chouaib Doukkali University arrives in tenth national position, 133rd in Africa, and 2,656th globally.
Every region in Morocco shines through the quality of its universities. The report indicates that “universities that have succeeded in increasing the number of researchers in higher categories have recorded a notable improvement in their ranking. For example, the research performance of Hassan II University of Casablanca significantly contributed to its improvement thanks to the increase in citations and high-impact scientific publications. Similarly, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University of Tetouan has expanded its network of international collaborations, thus strengthening its global position”.
In this context, Harvard University in the United States stands out as the most influential university in the world, with more than 2,400 researchers and scientists in various fields, which places it at the top of the ranking.
The University of SĂŁo Paulo in Brazil occupies the second global place, thanks to the presence of more than 1,900 researchers and scientists, which strengthens its international academic reputation. Considered a key centre for scientific research and development in Brazil, it attracts researchers from all over the world. The University of Michigan in the United States continues to feature among the top positions thanks to its academic excellence, bringing together nearly 1,800 high-level researchers.
American universities still dominate the ranking, with Stanford University in fourth position, recognized for its excellence in scientific and technological fields. In fifth position is the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world.
A reality not to be neglected. The report estimates that Moroccan universities continue to face major challenges, notably the need to increase investments in scientific research and improve the academic environment to attract international researchers and students. It also highlights the disparities between urban universities and those located in less developed areas, requiring strategies to reduce these gaps and ensure a more equitable distribution of resources.
The report concludes that improving university rankings plays a crucial role in attracting international students and strengthening academic partnerships with global institutions. This approach is part of Morocco's vision aimed at improving the quality of higher education and using scientific research as a lever for economic and social development. Consequently, it is expected that the coming years will see continuous improvement in global rankings, particularly thanks to a sustained focus on the fields of technology and applied sciences.
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