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ISPITS entrance exam 2026 or a private nursing school: which path to choose?

Admission, selection, duration, diploma and budget: an honest comparison to help you decide, whether or not you sit the exam.

Updated on 7 November 2026

In short: in Morocco there are two main routes into nursing. Public ISPITS institutes (Higher Institutes of Nursing and Health Technology Professions) recruit through a competitive exam with few places. Accredited private nursing schools such as Institut Santinov in Casablanca admit students on application, with no entrance exam, with the BAC or BAC level depending on the programme.

1. Side-by-side comparison

ISPITS (public)Accredited private school (e.g. Institut Santinov)
AdmissionCompetitive exam (shortlisting on BAC grades, then tests)Application review, no exam; guidance interview possible
Required levelBAC, usually science streamBAC (any stream) or BAC level depending on the programme
Duration3 years (bachelor's)2 years (Auxiliary Nurse) or 3 years (General Nurse, Anaesthesia & Intensive Care)
DiplomaBachelor's in nursingTechnician / Specialised Technician (accredited private vocational training)
CostVery lowRegistration and tuition fees (available on request)
CalendarOne session a year, dates set by the Ministry of HealthRegistration open several months before the start of the year

ISPITS rules (thresholds, tests, dates) change from year to year: always check the official announcement from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

2. When ISPITS is the right choice

  • You have a science BAC with strong grades and are ready to prepare for a competitive exam.
  • You want a bachelor's degree and possibly a master's afterwards.
  • Budget is your main constraint.

3. When an accredited private school fits better

  • Your BAC is in arts, economics or a technical stream: at Institut Santinov, the General Nurse programme is open to all streams.
  • You reached BAC level without the diploma: the Auxiliary Nurse programme (2 years) does not require the baccalaureate.
  • You want a specialty from day one, such as Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Nursing.
  • You failed the exam and don't want to lose a year.

4. I failed the ISPITS exam: what now?

  1. Retake the exam next year — at the risk of a gap year.
  2. Enrol in an accredited private school and start this academic year, on application.
  3. Start with the Auxiliary Nurse programme (2 years) if your profile doesn't fit the other tracks.

At Institut Santinov you can apply online via the pre-registration form or by phone on +212 6 93 64 79 79. See also How to enrol in a nursing school in Casablanca.

5. What to check before choosing a private school

  • The school's accreditation and the exact diploma awarded.
  • Where hospital placements take place and how often.
  • Equipment: simulation lab, care and monitoring equipment.
  • The total cost over the whole programme — see Private nursing school fees in Casablanca.

Frequently asked questions

Can you become a nurse in Morocco without the ISPITS exam?

Yes. Accredited private nursing schools such as Institut Santinov in Casablanca admit students on application, without an entrance exam, with the BAC or BAC level depending on the programme.

What is the difference between ISPITS and a private nursing school?

ISPITS is public, recruits through a competitive exam and awards a bachelor's degree in 3 years at very low cost. An accredited private school admits on application, offers 2- or 3-year programmes (Technician or Specialised Technician diplomas) and charges fees.

I failed the ISPITS exam, what should I do?

You can retake it next year or join an accredited private school this year on application, for example the General Nurse (any BAC stream) or Auxiliary Nurse (BAC level) programme at Institut Santinov.

Do I need a science BAC to become a nurse?

For ISPITS the exam usually targets science graduates. At Institut Santinov the General Nurse programme is open to all BAC streams and the Auxiliary Nurse programme to BAC level.

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