Moroccan student employees protest new university fees

Student employees and wage earners held a protest in front of the Parliament on Sunday, August 23, 2026, to oppose new university fees introduced under Law 59.24. The protesters, organized by the National Coordination of Students with Flexible Schedules, Employees and Wage-Earners, are specifically targeting Article 81 of the law, which mandates fees for students who are also working professionals.

Protesters argued that these fees act as a barrier to academic advancement and violate the principle of equal opportunity. They described the costs as “unimaginable and illegitimate,” claiming they threaten the ability of workers to balance professional responsibilities with higher education. The demonstration saw support from various labor and professional unions, including the Confédération Démocratique du Travail and the Union of Administrators.

The coordination has called on the Ministry of Higher Education to freeze Article 81 and resolve issues for students affected during the previous academic year. Representatives indicated that if their demands are not met, they are prepared to pursue legal action, citing the Moroccan Constitution and international treaties regarding the right to free public education.