Parents in Morocco are increasingly protesting the rising cost of tuition at French international schools, accusing the network of prioritizing profits over education. The French School Network Abroad (AEFE) operates 14 schools in Morocco, serving over 30,000 students, but recent fee increases have sparked widespread discontent.
According to reports from French media outlets such as Le Monde and France Info, some families have seen annual fees rise by up to 10% in the 2025-2026 school year, with total costs now exceeding €10,000 per child in some institutions. Parents' associations in Casablanca and Rabat have organized petitions and meetings, demanding greater transparency and a cap on increases.
The AEFE, which receives partial funding from the French government, argues that the hikes are necessary to cover rising operational costs and maintain educational standards. However, critics point to the network's financial reserves and question the allocation of resources. 'We feel like cash cows,' one parent told Le Monde, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The situation highlights broader tensions in the network, which includes 580 schools in 139 countries. In Morocco, where the French community is large and demand for French education is high, the protests have become a symbol of a wider debate about the balance between public service and financial sustainability.
