Why Many Moroccan Students Are Studying in ChinaCEFR A2
13 Nov 2025
Adapted from Guest Contributor, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Matthew Stephenson, Unsplash
Many Moroccan young people leave to study in China because life at home is difficult. China is a growing destination: African student numbers in Chinese higher education rose from 20,744 in 2011 to 81,562 in 2018. Morocco ranked 18th worldwide in 2022 with 74,289 students studying abroad.
Problems at home include a 39.5 percent unemployment rate for ages 15 to 24 and a first average net salary of MAD 4,959 (USD 550) per month. In large cities rent can make that income insufficient. Protests that began on September 27 demanded jobs, better healthcare and education; authorities gave a backlash. Although the government raised education spending to about 16.9 percent in 2021, universities still face overcrowding and limited resources.
Social media and agencies encourage studying in China. Around 97 percent of young Moroccans use social platforms. Creators and agencies often emphasise lifestyle and safety more than application steps. Converting a student X-visa to a work Z-visa can be complex and may require a job offer, employer sponsorship and two years of work experience abroad. Some students report scams and mixed results.
Difficult words
- student — A person who is learning in school.students
- study — To learn about a subject.studying
- opportunity — A chance to do something.opportunities
- education — The process of learning.
- job — A paid position of regular employment.jobs
- graduate — A person who has completed a course of study.graduates
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do you think about studying abroad?
- How can protests bring change to a country?
- Why is education important for young people?
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