Universities in Algeria

Universities are the backbone of higher education in Algeria. According to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's Study in Algeria portal, the national network has 117 higher education institutions in 48 of the country's 58 provinces: 55 universities, 9 university centres, 40 national higher schools and 13 higher teacher-training colleges. Since 1962, Algerian universities have trained more than 65,000 international students from 62 countries, especially in medical sciences, technology and the social and human sciences.

SpainExchange lists five Algerian universities, each in a different city: the Université des Sciences et de la Technologie d'Oran Mohamed Boudiaf, the Université Mouloud Mammeri de Tizi Ouzou, the Université de Mostaganem, the Université du 20 Août 1955 de Skikda and the Université Amar Telidji de Laghouat.

How university studies work

Universities follow the LMD system (licence, master, doctorat), with three cycles:

• Licence (bachelor's degree): three years, six semesters, 180 credits
• Master: two more years (five in total), four semesters, 120 credits, with a dissertation defended in public
• Doctorat (PhD): three years of research after the master, eight years in total

Some degrees sit outside this pattern: engineering and architecture take five years, dental medicine, pharmacy and veterinary science six, and medicine seven. National higher schools offer five-year programmes with a two-year foundation course and a competitive exam before the three-year specialisation. Licence and master programmes can be academic or professional in focus, and all three degrees are national diplomas whose programmes are evaluated by the ministry. Fields range from science and technology, health sciences and mathematics and computer science to economics, law, the humanities, languages and architecture.

Language of instruction

Teaching is in Arabic, French or English depending on the field. Students who do not master the language of their course take intensive classes at the language teaching centres (CEIL) of their institution. At the University Pole of Excellence near Algiers, which prepares engineering degrees in fields such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, teaching is entirely in English.

Admission for international students

Admission is regulated by Presidential Decree No. 25-83 of 20 February 2025. International students can enrol if the host institution admits them within the places available each year and they pay the required tuition fees. Applications go through the Study in Algeria platform: for 2026-27 they opened on 13 January, the deadline was extended to 15 September 2026 and classes for these students start in October. A bachelor's application needs, among other things, the secondary school diploma and transcript with certified translations, a motivation letter, at least one recommendation letter and a medical certificate. The ministry authenticates diplomas and issues a certificate of equivalence. Holders of an Algerian government scholarship follow a separate procedure.

Costs, visa and student life

Tuition fees for 2026-27 are published by the ministry as a PDF on the Study in Algeria portal and are paid to the Bank of Algeria; payment can be made after the visa is issued. The study visa is applied for at the Algerian embassy or consulate and must be supported by proof of enrolment at a state-approved institution and by a scholarship certificate or proof of funds for studies and living costs; the passport must be valid for at least six months.

The national office for university services runs 466 university residences with places for more than 400,000 students, including international students, together with university restaurants, shuttle buses and health care on campus.

How to choose a university

• Language: check whether your programme is taught in Arabic, French or English
• Type of institution: a university, a university centre or a national higher school with a competitive specialisation phase
• Field: health sciences and engineering have longer programmes than the licence-master route
• Location: institutions are spread over 48 provinces; the universities listed here are in Oran, Tizi Ouzou, Mostaganem, Skikda and Laghouat
• Housing: ask about a place in a university residence when you apply

Frequently asked questions

How many universities are there in Algeria?

The national network has 117 higher education institutions, including 55 universities, 9 university centres, 40 national higher schools and 13 higher teacher-training colleges, according to the Ministry of Higher Education.

In which language are university courses taught in Algeria?

In Arabic, French or English, depending on the field. Students who need it can take intensive language classes at their institution's CEIL.

How do international students apply to an Algerian university?

Through the Study in Algeria platform of the Ministry of Higher Education. For 2026-27 the deadline was 15 September 2026, with classes starting in October.

Do I need a visa to study in Algeria?

Most foreign nationals need a study visa from an Algerian embassy or consulate, supported by proof of enrolment and of a scholarship or sufficient funds.