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THE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF RABAT




The International University of Rabat (UIR) is a young university, that was established as the first Public - Private Partnership university in Morocco, after its inauguration in September 2010 by His Majesty, Mohammed VI. UIR has rapidly become a renowned university in the country and on the continent. Since its creation, UIR has based its strategy on academic excellence, quality of Research, Innovation, and Internationalization.

At present, UIR has 8,300 enrolled students (2024) at bachelor's, master's, engineering, doctoral and PhD level. Around 5% of the students are international students from several continents: Europe, Asia, the United States, and Africa.

More than 9,000 students graduated from the university. Some of these alumni have pursued further studies at prestigious American universities or joined various Industries,

More than 3,700 students from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit from scholarships,

UIR also offers Executive Education programs to around 1000 students each year and today more than 12,000 candidates have graduated.

UIR has established more than 250 agreements with international partners worldwide to enable student mobility, as a part of their training. For example, the UIR-MSU partnership has received an award from the IIE (International Institute of Education) for the successful partnership.

UIR is organized into 5 colleges:

  • College of Engineering and Architecture: consisting of a School of Computer Science and Digital Engineering, a School of Aerospace-Automotive Engineering, a School of Energy Engineering, and a School of Architecture.
  • College of Management (Rabat Business School)
  • College of Social Sciences, comprising 4 academic units: Sciences Po-Rabat, School of Business Law, School of Media and Communication, and the Language, Culture and Civilization Center,
  • College of Health Sciences: Medical School, Faculty of Dental Medicine, School of Paramedical Sciences
  • College of Doctoral Studies

RESEARCH & INNOVATION: 

UIR has established five multidisciplinary research centres (ICT Lab, LERMA, BearLab, CGS, and CReSS) and UNESCO research chairs. Additionally, UIR has pioneered the creation of international laboratories in collaboration with renowned research institutions such as CNRS-France and IRD. These research facilities focus on diverse fields, including energy, hydrogen, engineering, artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, migration and mobility in Africa, business, management, sustainability, social sciences, and health sciences. For more information, visit www.uir.ac.ma/fr/pole/recherche.

To support research activities, UIR has also established a Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which includes a Technology Transfer Office (TTO) responsible for patent registration and valorization. Currently, UIR ranks first in Africa for patents, with over 600 national and more than 100 international patents. The university has garnered numerous national and international awards, including two gold medals at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva in 2024. The centre also facilitates startup creation, technology transfer, and licensing.

ACCREDITATIONS & RANKINGS 

UIR Rabat Business School is AACSB accredited and ranks 54th among the world's top 100 business schools, according to the Financial Times. 

The three UIR schools of engineering have recently received six-year accreditation from the Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur (CTI) and have been awarded the EUR-ACE® label (European Accredited Engineer). UIR is currently pursuing ABET and EQUIS accreditations while aiming to improve its position in world university rankings.

UIR leads Africa in patent production and is recognized in regional and international rankings including QS, Times Higher Education, and Times Higher Education Impact World, holding the top position nationally.

UIR is committed to developing a broad network of collaborations with African universities. Notably, three UIR researchers have been ranked among the top 2% of researchers worldwide in their respective fields by Stanford University, and three researchers are members of the Moroccan Academy of Sciences.

UIR’s STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW CAMPUSES

UIR has an ambitious development plan aimed at increasing its student body in Rabat to 11,000 students by 2030. The university's management has been formally tasked with developing similar campus models in different regions of Morocco. To meet the pent-up demand for high-quality education, UIR is collaborating with the government and various regional authorities to establish new campuses in other cities, including Marrakech, Tangier, and Casablanca. The university intends to reach a target enrollment of 40,000 students by 2040.

INTERNATIONALISATION STRATEGY

Global Education is a part of UIR DNA. The university has established numerous global partnerships and collaborations to promote our university beyond Morocco. This includes agreements with academic institutions, research collaborations, student and faculty exchange programs, and outreach initiatives targeting international students. We have signed over 250 agreements with universities across five continents.

Our strategy aims to position UIR as an attractive destination for global talent by showcasing our high-quality academic programs, modern infrastructure, and dynamic learning environment.

Since its inception, UIR has been dedicated to fostering a global mindset among its students. We offer every UIR student the opportunity to spend at least one or two semesters abroad, ensuring they graduate as globally competent individuals ready to create a meaningful impact on the local, regional and continental ecosystems. UIR supports inbound and outbound students through bilateral partnerships and funding opportunities such as Erasmus+.

We have established joint double degree programs with universities in the United States, such as Mississippi State University and Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as European institutions like the University of Lorraine and Sciences Po Bordeaux.

As Professor Noureddine Mouaddib emphasizes, "Our goal is not just to educate students, but to empower them to become global citizens."

In addition to international student enrollment, we have created tailor-made programs such as MENASA for international students, offering summer and winter schools with authentic cultural immersion and authentic experiences, including discovery tours of Morocco’s rich heritage and landscapes.

In the area of research and innovation, we have established international research laboratories in various fields with renowned institutions like CNRS and IRD in France. UIR is engaged worldwide in research and innovation networks and academic alliances, such as the EUTOPIA alliance. We have set up joint research programs with strategic partners to facilitate faculty mobility and PhD co-supervision. Our faculty is empowered to collaborate globally, driving innovation and excellence in higher education and advancing knowledge in their respective fields. UIR is involved in international research networks through USAID programs, Horizon 2030 projects and bilateral collaboration.