SIST Graduation 2026: Cardiff Metropolitan University Celebrates Moroccan Graduates in Rabat

Saturday 24 - 09:30

SIST, the associate college of Cardiff Metropolitan University in Morocco, has celebrated its Class of 2026 at a graduation ceremony in Rabat, bringing together graduates, families, academic representatives and institutional guests to mark the completion of their university studies.

The event recognized students who had completed undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, highlighting the growing role of international academic partnerships in expanding higher education opportunities within Morocco.

Among the distinguished attendees were Alex Pinfield, the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Morocco, David Brooksbank, representing Cardiff Metropolitan University, and Samira El Hachioui, managing director of Education For All Morocco.

Their presence underscored the educational and institutional connections supporting the development of British-style higher education in the country.

Business, Software Engineering and Cybersecurity Among Graduates’ Fields

The Class of 2026 completed programmes covering several areas of study, including business, software engineering and cybersecurity.

These disciplines reflect the range of academic pathways available to students seeking qualifications relevant to an increasingly international and technology-driven labour market.

For the graduates, the ceremony marked the conclusion of years of academic work and the beginning of a new stage, whether through entry into professional employment or further university studies.

The diversity of programmes also highlights the importance of combining management expertise with technical knowledge as employers respond to changes in digital technology, business operations and cybersecurity requirements.

A British University Partnership Based in Morocco

Through its association with Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales, SIST provides Moroccan students with access to British higher education without requiring them to relocate abroad for their entire course of study.

The partnership connects local academic opportunities with a UK university framework, offering students a route towards internationally oriented qualifications while remaining in Morocco.

The model also creates opportunities for educational and cultural exchanges between Moroccan and British institutions. For students, studying in an English-language academic environment can help develop communication skills and prepare them for careers involving international organisations and cross-border business.

Education and Social Inclusion

The ceremony also brought attention to the role of educational access in creating opportunities for students from different backgrounds.

Samira El Hachioui’s participation, representing Education For All Morocco, highlighted the connection between higher education and initiatives designed to help girls overcome barriers to continuing their studies.

The organisation supports girls facing educational challenges, particularly those linked to geographical isolation and limited access to resources. The graduation of students associated with such initiatives illustrates the potential impact of sustained educational support in helping young people progress towards university qualifications and professional ambitions.

Graduates Prepare for the Next Stage

As the Class of 2026 moves beyond university, its members face the transition from academic training to employment, entrepreneurship or further specialisation.

The graduation ceremony in Rabat served both as recognition of individual achievement and as a reminder of the role that international academic partnerships can play in broadening educational pathways in Morocco.

For SIST and Cardiff Metropolitan University, the event also reaffirmed their shared involvement in delivering British higher education in the Moroccan context, linking local learning opportunities with international academic standards and professional aspirations.