On 1 August 2025, SumDU hosted an online signing ceremony with Private University of Marrakech (Morocco) for an agreement on implementing a double degree program in Medicine.

The signing ceremony was attended by Vasyl KARPUSHA (SumDU rector), Ivan KOZII (vice rector), Tetiana MAIBORODA (deputy head of the International Cooperation Department), Andrii LOBODA (director of the Medical Institute), Mykola BOZHKO (director of the Center for International Education), and Samir El IDRISSI (employee of this Center).

Participants from Private University of Marrakesh: Mohamed KNIDIRI (academic president, professor), Mustafa EL ADNANI (vice president, professor), Fatim-Zohra EL MEHDI (director of the Operations Group), Magaman HARO-WADA (dean of academic affairs), and Alexandrine ALLAR (head of Marketing and Communications Department).

The agreement signing was a result of partnership initiated in April 2025 during a working visit to Morocco by Tetiana MAIBORODA. The trip was organized with the support of Olena SHAPOVALOVA (director of the Ukrainian State Center for International Education – USCIO).

The USCIO head emphasized this event is significant not only for two universities, but also for the entire higher education system in Ukraine. Dual degree programs are a promising direction in international education, based primarily on successful inter-university partnerships.

Vasyl KARPUSHA expressed his hope the partnership has every chance of success, given the clear, coordinated, and constructive work of both teams on program development.

“I am confident this attitude of our teams is a key to effective implementation of this ambitious project,” – he said.

The rector thanked the administration of Private University of Marrakesh for a warm welcome given to the SumDU delegation during their visit to Morocco. He invited the partners to visit peaceful, hospitable Sumy after Ukrainian victory.

“We believe our city will soon become peaceful again. Despite all wartime difficulties, SumDU strengthens international ties, demonstrating resilience and a strategic vision for future. We are interested in forming a stable academic partnership between SumDU and Private University of Marrakesh, in the interest of students and our countries”, – emphasized Vasyl KARPUSHA.

Mohamed KNIDIRI underlined his interest in partnering with SumDU, calling our university “a reputable institution with a long tradition of academic excellence”.

“This initiative provides access to the best experience of both universities. We are building a bridge between Marrakesh and Sumy, between Morocco and Ukraine, between our academic communities and our dreams of a more united world. This is not just a document signing, it is a step towards a global educational future”, – said Mohamed KNIDIRI.

According to Tetiana MAIBORODA, the double degree program will begin implementation in the new academic year. Starting in the fall of 2025, students from Private University of Marrakesh will be able to study at SumDU under a joint program. SumDU teachers will also participate in teaching in Morocco at the partner university’s campuses. Upon completion of the six-year program, graduates will receive diplomas from both institutions of higher education.

“This is an extremely important project in today’s conditions. It demonstrates support and recognition of SumDU at the international level, and also opens up new opportunities for foreign students to obtain a quality Ukrainian education”, – said Tetiana MAIBORODA.

The agreement signing is an example of how higher education institutions can overcome borders and achieve academic excellence through global partnerships.

“By uniting continents, we bring cultures closer together, create new paths to knowledge, and open new horizons for our students,” – emphasized the ceremony participants.