Rabat – The Private University of Fez (UPF) announced Wednesday a landmark partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) to establish the American International Institute, a new hub for dual-degree education in Morocco and the wider region.
Scheduled to launch on July 9, 2025, the institute aims to expand access to high-quality, English-language education in fields such as management, digital technologies, engineering, and health sciences. Students will graduate with both Moroccan state-recognized diplomas and American university degrees.
In joining the ASU–Cintana Alliance, UPF becomes part of a global network of universities designed to deliver internationally competitive programs while remaining rooted in local contexts.
“This partnership is a game-changer not only for UPF but for the entire country,” said Mohammed Aziz Lahlou, President of UPF, in a statement. “Our students will gain access to opportunities that were previously out of reach — combining Moroccan and American degrees, learning from international faculty, and experiencing a globally focused education.”
Addressing Morocco’s education gap
The initiative comes as more Moroccan students seek international degrees. According to UPF, nearly 70,000 Moroccan students currently study abroad each year, highlighting a gap in domestic offerings that meet global standards, particularly in English.
A market survey conducted by the university suggests strong demand for such programs: 75% of respondents welcomed the UPF–ASU concept, and one-third expressed a preference for programs taught exclusively in English.
Through the institute, students will benefit from:
- Courses designed by ASU and aligned with international standards
- Masterclasses, global signature courses, and international competitions
- Research and professional development with ASU faculty
- Study-abroad opportunities within the ASU–Cintana network
- An immersive, English-language learning environment
A global vision
Arizona State University, named the most innovative university in the US by U.S. News & World Report for 10 consecutive years, emphasized its mission to democratize higher education.
“Knowledge should no longer be a scarce resource for a few; it must expand globally — and that is precisely what we are doing,” said ASU President Michael Crow.
Douglas L. Becker, Founder and Chairman of Cintana Education, described the partnership as a “visionary step” for higher education in North Africa.
“UPF is not just expanding its academic offerings — it is aligning with one of the world’s most innovative universities and a forward-thinking global network to deliver high-quality education to Moroccan students,” Becker said.
UPF aims to grow the American International Institute into a multi-campus network within Morocco, with a target of 4,000 students by 2034. The programs will focus on employability, corporate immersion, and digital, student-centered learning.
Founded in 2006, UPF is Morocco’s first state-recognized private university in Fez. With campuses in Fez and Rabat, it currently offers more than 45 programs spanning dental medicine, engineering, architecture, political science, health sciences, business, and management.