Challenges Faced by Moroccan Graduates in Northern Cyprus
Since 2024, Moroccan graduates from universities in Northern Cyprus have found themselves entangled in a web of uncertainty due to the suspension of degree recognition by Moroccan authorities. This significant barrier has hindered their access to the job market and cast a shadow of doubt over current students attending these institutions. On April 22, a protest was held in front of the Parliament in Rabat, organized by a coordination committee comprising approximately 3,500 students and graduates from Northern Cyprus, alongside their parents. This gathering marked the fifth demonstration since December 2025, reflecting the growing frustration among those affected.
Asmae, the mother of a dentistry student in Northern Cyprus and a representative of the coordinating committee, shared that many students had left Morocco with official assurances regarding the recognition of their degrees. "Before departing, most of these graduates and students inquired with the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Vocational Training, where they were assured that their degrees would be equivalent," she stated. However, this promise has not materialized, leaving students and their families in a state of distress.
Efforts to Resolve the Degree Recognition Issue
Prior to May 2024, the degrees obtained from Northern Cyprus were indeed recognized, as evidenced by a publication in the official bulletin that Yabiladi consulted. However, the process was abruptly halted. "Students who submitted their applications received no response, and subsequently, no new applications were accepted," Asmae explained. In their search for clarity, families approached the authorities, only to be informed that the suspension stemmed from a letter sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicating that Morocco does not recognize Northern Cyprus as a country, and therefore neither its universities nor their degrees.
In light of this situation, a coordination effort emerged, leading to several protests in front of both the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Despite meetings with officials, no tangible progress has been achieved. Asmae lamented, "They selected representatives from our coordination and stated that they were reviewing the applications, but nothing has changed." The primary demand from the committee is to lift the freeze on the equivalency of Northern Cyprus degrees and restore the recognition process.
Current students in Northern Cyprus are also grappling with uncertainty. Nassima, a Moroccan master’s student in international banking, expressed her concerns, stating, "I heard about the issue through student groups here. Right now, I have no visibility on my future." Reflecting on the situation when she arrived, she noted, "We came here believing that previous students had obtained equivalency. Everything seemed fine." She described the current circumstances as stressful, hoping for a resolution before her studies conclude this summer.
Some students have begun exploring alternatives, such as pursuing their education in Turkey, where degrees from Northern Cyprus are recognized. Othmane, an architecture student now based in Istanbul, shared his experience: "I graduated from Northern Cyprus in 2025, then went to Istanbul to pursue a master’s degree at a university whose degrees are recognized by Morocco." However, uncertainty still lingers for him, as he holds degrees from both Northern Cyprus and Turkey, and he fears for his future job prospects.
Despite the challenges, Moroccan students continue to choose Northern Cyprus for their studies. Haitam Nkita, based in Turkey and a representative of the Moroccan Youth Council for Diplomatic Cooperation, cautioned that many students are inadequately informed before deciding to study there. He emphasized the importance of thorough research prior to making such significant choices. "When students inquire, I always warn them about potential recognition issues with their degrees," Nkita remarked. He is actively working through the council to provide support and assistance to those affected.
In light of the ongoing crisis, Nkita called for clearer communication and prompt action from the authorities. "There should be an accurate count of the affected students, followed by an initial solution for those already graduated and those nearing completion of their studies," he urged, adding the need for officials to communicate clearly that degrees from Northern Cyprus are currently not recognized to prevent further students from making this choice. Asmae echoed this sentiment, stressing that beyond resolving the current situation, authorities must also inform the public to avert similar issues in the future. Until then, the protests will continue.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
