Al Akhawayn University

Al Akhawayn University (AUI) in Ifrane, Morocco, is an independent, public, not-for-profit, coeducational institution that offers a globally oriented, English-language, liberal arts curriculum based on the American university system. Founded in 1993 by Royal Dahir, AUI officially opened its doors in January 1995. The university is dedicated to educating future citizen-leaders and promoting academic excellence, ethical standards, and social responsibility.

Academics

AUI's academic structure includes three main schools: the School of Business Administration (SBA), the School of Science and Engineering (SSE), and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS). The university emphasizes a liberal arts education with a student-centered learning approach, fostering critical thinking, leadership, and social awareness. Notable programs span diverse fields such as Renewable Energy Systems Engineering, Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Robotization, International Studies, and Business Administration with concentrations in finance, management, marketing, international business, and logistics. AUI also offers graduate programs providing specialized expertise in areas like Big Data Analytics & Software Engineering, Financial Technology & Sustainable Energy Management, and City Planning Executive courses.

International Students

AUI is a truly global institution with a diverse student body and community representing 39 different nationalities. English is the language of instruction, and the university models its administrative, pedagogical, and academic organization on the American university system, making it a familiar environment for many international students. The Office of International Programs (OIP) facilitates a global perspective by organizing international study opportunities for both incoming scholars and AUI students studying abroad. A significant 72% of AUI students experience one to two semesters abroad, gaining valuable cross-cultural experiences. The campus also boasts over 40 student organizations and 10 sports clubs, providing ample opportunities for cultural integration and extracurricular engagement.

Campus & Location

Al Akhawayn University is situated in Ifrane, a small resort town in the Middle Atlas Mountains, often referred to as "Little Switzerland" due to its alpine-like architecture and snowy winters. The campus is residential, modern, and networked, set within a beautiful 50-hectare oak forest. It offers a safe and family-friendly environment with excellent facilities for student well-being, including banking, IT support, healthcare, counseling, and shuttle services. Ifrane is approximately 70 km from the imperial cities of Fez and Meknes, offering opportunities to explore nearby attractions and experience Moroccan culture.

Career Outcomes

AUI graduates demonstrate strong career outcomes, with approximately 90% employed in Morocco or abroad, and 10% pursuing advanced study programs. The university's career services focus on preparing students for the job market through programs like the Leadership Development Institute, which cultivates leadership skills and values for economic and social development. The Employability and Entrepreneurship Office offers gamification programs, personalized coaching, and co-op opportunities to enhance career readiness and connect students with industry experts. AUI graduates are highly sought after, with alumni hired by over 250 different companies, and 80% report their jobs are relevant to their AUI education.