Chouaib Doukkali University 2026–2027: Specializations, Scientific Research, and International Rankings
Université Chouaïb Doukkali – UCD
Last updated: September 2026
About Chouaib Doukkali University
Chouaib Doukkali University (Université Chouaïb Doukkali – UCD) is a Moroccan public university located in the city of El Jadida in the Casablanca-Settat region. It was established in 1985, and began its activity with two university institutions: the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
The university gradually expanded to include schools and faculties in the fields of science, humanities, law and economics, business and management, engineering, technology, and education, in addition to university institutions in Sidi Bennour.
The university's institutional development is clearly reflected in the expansion of its structure in recent years, with the establishment of the Faculty of Economics and Management وthe Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences in 2026, according to the university's current official presentation.
Basic Information
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Name in Arabic | Chouaib Doukkali University |
| Name in English/French | Université Chouaïb Doukkali |
| Abbreviation | UCD |
| Country | Morocco |
| City | El Jadida |
| Region | Casablanca – Settat |
| University type | Public university |
| Year founded | 1985 |
| Official website | ucd.ac.ma |
| Language of Instruction | Arabic and French, with English used in some fields and programs |
| Academic Field | Science, engineering, economics and management, law, arts and humanities, technology, education, and others |
History of Chouaïb Doukkali University
The university was founded in 1985 in the city of El Jadida, and it began through:
- College of Science.
- College of Arts and Humanities.
The university structure then gradually expanded:
- 2004: Establishment of the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences.
- 2006: Establishment of the National School of Business and Management.
- 2008: Establishment of the National School of Applied Sciences.
- 2016: Establishment of the Higher School of Technology in Sidi Bennour.
- 2019: Establishment of the Higher School of Education and Training.
- 2019: Establishment of the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Sidi Bennour.
- 2026: The emergence of the Faculty of Economics and Management and the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences within the university's current structure.
The university has thus evolved from an institution with a limited academic scope at its founding into a multidisciplinary university system serving El Jadida, Sidi Bennour, and the surrounding region.
University Institutions and Faculties
According to its current official website, Chouaïb Doukkali University comprises nine university institutions, namely:
- Faculty of Science, El Jadida – FS
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities, El Jadida – FLSHJ
- Multidisciplinary Faculty of Sidi Bennour – FPSB
- National School of Business and Management, El Jadida – ENCG
- National School of Applied Sciences, El Jadida – ENSAJ
- Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences, El Jadida – FSJP
- Faculty of Economics and Management, El Jadida – FEGJ
- Higher School of Education and Training, El Jadida – ESEF
- Higher School of Technology, Sidi Bennour – ESTSB
This diversity represents one of the university's most important assets, combining traditional academic education with engineering, technical, vocational, and teacher education.
Majors and academic programs
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, vocational, master's, and doctoral programs.
First: Science and Technology
The Faculty of Science programs cover multiple fields, most notably:
- Biotechnology and plant production.
- Life sciences.
- Health, environment, and biomedical sciences.
- Chemistry.
- Materials chemistry.
- Applied organic chemistry.
- Physical chemistry.
- Earth sciences.
- Geodynamics and geomatics.
- Water and soil.
- Environment and coastal zone management.
- Data Science.
- Software development and databases.
- Fundamental mathematics.
- Applied Mathematics.
- Applied mathematics for decision-making.
- Electronics and industrial informatics.
- Electrical engineering and renewable energies.
- Mechanical engineering and industrial energy.
- Modern physics.
- Telecommunications and networks.
Second: Economics, Management, and Commerce
The academic system includes programs in:
- Business Administration.
- Economics.
- Finance and accounting.
- Management.
- Commerce.
- Marketing.
- E-commerce.
- Finance, banking, and insurance.
- Auditing and accounting control.
- Financial management.
- Business management.
In addition, the National School of Business and Management (ENCG) is one of the specialized components training qualified professionals in business, management, and commerce.
Third: Law and Political Science
Programs related to this field include:
- Law.
- Legal sciences.
- Political Science.
- Social studies.
- Economic studies.
- Administrative sciences.
The university has strengthened this track by establishing the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences within the current 2026 structure.
Fourth: Arts and Humanities
Programs and fields include:
- Arabic studies.
- Literature, discourse analysis, and translation.
- Linguistic studies.
- Journalism and media.
- Philosophy.
- History and heritage.
- Moroccan history and civilization.
- Sociology.
- Anthropology.
- Islamic Studies.
- Islamic thought and contemporary issues.
- Cultural studies.
- Intercultural studies.
Fifth: Engineering and Applied Sciences
The National School of Applied Sciences offers programs related to engineering and applied sciences, with a research presence in energy, engineering, and informatics.
The university notes recent international academic cooperation in engineering; one example is a strategic agreement with INSA Lyon to develop a double-degree program in mechanical engineering.
Sixth: Technology and Vocational Training
The Higher School of Technology in Sidi Bennour offers programs including:
- Computer engineering.
- Management techniques.
- Agricultural and environmental engineering.
- Equine engineering.
- Accounting, control, and auditing.
- Finance, banking, and insurance.
- Financial management.
- Business management.
- Information systems engineering and web technologies.
- Cybersecurity and cloud computing technologies.
Master's and Postgraduate Programs
The university includes master's programs in multiple fields, among them:
- Digital engineering.
- Business Intelligence and Big Data Analytics.
- Islamic Studies.
- Arabic studies.
- Journalism and media.
- Linguistic studies.
- Philosophy.
- History and heritage.
- Sociology and anthropology.
- Cultural studies.
- Urban dynamics and social change.
- Geography and territorial dynamics.
- Rhetoric and discourse.
- Intercultural studies.
The university also offers doctoral programs, and official scientific research data indicate the presence of 17 accredited doctoral programs.
Scientific Research at Chouaïb Doukkali University
Scientific research is one of the core pillars of the university's strategy.
According to the university's published official data, the scientific research system includes:
| Index | Information |
|---|---|
| Accredited research laboratories | 38 |
| Independent research teams | 11 |
| Research centers | 4 |
| URL-CNRST labeled research structures | 3 |
| Accredited doctoral programs | 17 |
| Doctoral students 2022–2023 | 1,165 |
| New doctoral students 2022–2023 | 383 |
| Theses defended in 2022 | 111 |
| Scopus publications | 5,605 |
| Web of Science publications | 4,412 |
| Functional research projects | 35 |
These figures come from the university's published official data and should not be treated as real-time 2026 figures, as the page refers to different reference years.
Key Research Centers
The university has four main research centers, most notably:
Research Center for Renewable Energies and Smart Energy Systems
It focuses on renewable energy and smart energy-related systems.
Coastal and Marine Sciences Research Center – LITTOMER
It focuses on research related to the coastal and marine environment and marine resources.
Research Center for Human, Economic, and Social Sciences – CRESHES
Center for Applied Chemistry and Sustainable Development – CA2D
The university also hosts a large number of laboratories in physics, chemistry, environment, mathematics, computer science, technology, humanities, economics, and engineering.
Technology and Scientific Research Platform
The university owns a shared technology platform with advanced scientific equipment for analysis and characterization, and states that the value of the platform’s heavy scientific equipment exceeds 35 million Moroccan dirhams.
The platform aims to support researchers and doctoral students, promote scientific publishing, and leverage the research infrastructure to serve institutions and economic and industrial partners.
International Cooperation
Chouaïb Doukkali University works to develop its international relations through cooperation, academic mobility, and scientific research programs.
Among the most prominent current activities:
- Erasmus+.
- International academic mobility programs.
- Research cooperation.
- Joint projects with foreign universities and institutions.
- Exchange programs.
- Double-degree agreements.
The official website in 2026 shows activity in Erasmus+ programs with European universities, in addition to academic partnerships in engineering and scientific research.
Global Ranking of Chouaïb Doukkali University
Times Higher Education – THE Ranking
in THE World University Rankings 2026 Chouaïb Doukkali University was placed in the band:
1501+ globally
It also appeared in the 2026 subject rankings in:
| Field | THE 2026 ranking |
|---|---|
| Global ranking | 1501+ |
| computer science | 801–1000 |
| engineering | 801–1000 |
| Physical Sciences | 1001–1250 |
| Sustainability/Impact Ranking 2026 | 1001–1500 |
These results reflect the university's international presence, with a clearer performance in computer science and engineering compared to the overall ranking.
Important note: The THE Impact/Sustainability ranking is methodologically different from the THE World University Rankings, so the 1001–1500 sustainability band should not be presented as the overall world ranking.
SCImago Institutions Rankings 2026
According to SCImago Institutions Rankings 2026, Chouaïb Doukkali University ranked:
8582 worldwide
According to SCImago indicators:
- 80 Overall percentile.
- 76 Research percentile.
- 78 Innovation percentile.
- 57 Societal impact percentile.
- Sector ranking in Morocco: Q2.
These indicators reveal that the university's position in SCImago is primarily tied to research and innovation performance, rather than mere institutional presence or reputation.
Scientific Research Indicators in SCImago
SCImago data for the university show:
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Research output | 3,383+ |
| Scientific Leadership | 1,855 |
| Scientific Talent Pool | 1,554 |
| International Collaboration | 1,245 |
| High Quality Publications | 696 |
| Excellence | 406 |
| Excellence with Leadership | 177 |
| Normalized Impact | 1.12 |
| Patents | 14 |
These data indicate the breadth of the university's research activity, with a notable presence of international collaboration and high-quality publications.
QS and the Arab University Rankings
Caution is required when handling data related to QS Arab Region University Rankings 2026 when publishing them in the university profile. The official QS page for results and methodology was verified, but the verified official sources did not show a standalone ranking number for Chouaïb Doukkali University that can be reliably cited.
Therefore, in accordance with the data policy of the Top Arab Universitiesplatform, it is preferable not to place an unverified number for the university in the QS 2026 table.
QS indicates that the 2026 edition of the Arab University Rankings covered 296 institutions in the Arab region.
QS World University Rankings 2027: No reliable independent global ranking for Chouaïb Doukkali University was found in the verified official sources that could be added to the profile.
Admission and Registration 2026–2027
The university's official website announces the opening of pre-registration for 2026–2027, and also publishes admission competition announcements for several of its institutions, including the Higher School of Education and Training and the National School of Applied Sciences.
Admission requirements vary by institution, specialization, and program type, so students should refer to the announcement of the institution concerned rather than relying on general university requirements.
University location
Chouaïb Doukkali University is located in:
El Jadida – Casablanca-Settat region – Kingdom of Morocco
Official address:
Avenue Jabrane Khalil Jabrane, B.P. 299, 24000 El Jadida, Morocco
Some university-affiliated institutions are located in Sidi Bennour.
What distinguishes Chouaïb Doukkali University?
The university's most prominent institutional strengths can be identified across several dimensions:
1. Broad academic diversity
The university combines basic sciences, engineering, technology, economics, commerce, law, humanities, and education.
2. A growing research base
With 38 laboratories, 11 research teams, and 4 research centers, the university has a significant institutional base for scientific research.
3. Strong presence in scientific and technical fields
This is particularly evident in its presence in the THE rankings for computer science and engineering, within the 801–1000 band worldwide in 2026.
4. Strategic geographic location
The university's location in El Jadida, within the Casablanca-Settat region, places it in an important economic and industrial zone in Morocco.
5. Research linked to the coastal environment and energy
Renewable energy, the sea, the coast, the environment, applied chemistry, and science and engineering form important fields in the university's research system.
Analytical Reading of the Rankings
The 2026 indicators paint a picture of a university with a moderate, multidimensional international presence.
In THE World University Rankings 2026 The university falls in the 1501+ band worldwide, while performing better in computer science and engineering, where it ranked in the 801–1000 band globally.
As for SCImago 2026 the university's research dimension emerges in greater detail; it records the 76th percentile in research and 78th in innovation, with a Q2 ranking within Morocco.
From a rankings-analysis perspective, the university's most important strategic opportunity lies in converting its research volume and laboratory infrastructure into higher research impact, more international citations, more influential research partnerships, and greater technology and innovation transfer.
This matters because improving scientific output alone does not necessarily guarantee a proportional improvement in international rankings; different rankings rely on a mix of output, citations, reputation, international collaboration, innovation, digital presence, and other indicators.
Key Data for Researchers and Students
| Field | Assessment/Data |
|---|---|
| Institution Type | Public university |
| Website | El Jadida, Morocco |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Majors | Multiple |
| engineering | Available |
| computer science | Available |
| Economics and Management | Available |
| Law and Political Science | Available |
| Humanities | Available |
| Education | Available |
| Doctorate | Available |
| Scientific Research | 38 laboratories + 11 teams + 4 centers |
| THE World 2026 | 1501+ |
| THE Computer Science 2026 | 801–1000 |
| THE Engineering 2026 | 801–1000 |
| THE Physical Sciences 2026 | 1001–1250 |
| THE Impact 2026 | 1001–1500 |
| SCImago 2026 | 8582 worldwide |
| SCImago Research Percentile | 76 |
| SCImago Innovation Percentile | 78 |
| SCImago Societal Percentile | 57 |
Conclusion
It is Chouaib Doukkali University One of the Moroccan public universities that evolved from an institution founded in 1985 into a multi-institution, multidisciplinary university system in El Jadida and Sidi Bennour.
The university is particularly distinguished by the diversity of its programs and the presence of specialized schools in business and management, engineering, technology, and education, alongside a research base comprising dozens of laboratories, research teams, and specialized centers.
At the level of international rankings, its current presence is more evident in THE 2026 in computer science and engineering, while SCImago 2026 provides a more detailed picture of its research and innovation strength.
For students and researchers, evaluating the university should not rely on a single global ranking; it is better to consider the desired specialization, departmental strength, research activity, laboratories, international collaboration, and graduate study opportunities alongside the rankings.
Final assessment by the Top Arab University Rankings platform:
Chouaïb Doukkali University is a Moroccan public multidisciplinary institution with a significant research base and an international presence poised for growth, with clear strengths in science, engineering, and scientific research.
References and Sources
- Chouaïb Doukkali University – Official website: University information, institutions, programs, admissions, and news.
- Chouaïb Doukkali University – University history and institutional structure.
- Chouaïb Doukkali University – Academic programs and offerings.
- Chouaïb Doukkali University – Scientific research structures.
- Chouaïb Doukkali University – Technology platform.
- Times Higher Education – Université Chouaïb Doukkali, 2026 rankings.
- SCImago Institutions Rankings 2026 – Université Chouaïb Doukkali.
- SCImago – Ranking of higher education institutions in Morocco 2026.
- QS – Arab Region University Rankings 2026.
Methodological note: No QS 2026 or QS World 2027 ranking that was not directly verified from an official source was included, to preserve the accuracy of the Top Arab University Rankings platform database.
