Study in Algeria - Educational System IN ALGERIA

General Information

Elementary education is mandatory under the constitution. In general, education is free of charge but private schools and universities, authorised by law in 1988, are allowed to charge fees for tuition.

Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 6
Age of exit: 15

Structure of school system:
Basic
Length of program in years: 9
Age level from: 6 to: 15

Secondary
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 15 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement secondaire

Secondary
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 15 to: 17
Certificate/diploma awarded: Secondary School Diploma

Vocational Secondary
Length of program in years:3
Certificate/diploma awarded: Certificat d'aptitude professionnelle, etc..

Primary education lasts for nine years (Ecole fondamentale). Secondary education is compulsory and consists of a three-year cycle of study provided in secondary schools and technicums.

There are three branches of secondary education: general, specialized and technical/vocational.

Students in general secondary and specialized secondary education study for three years and sit for the Baccalauréat examination. Successful students are awarded the Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement secondaire in one of the various streams offered. The Baccalauréat gives access to higher education but some institutions require it to be of a certain type (science, arts, etc.). The objective of technical and vocational secondary education is to prepare students for active life and industry (technicians and qualified workers).

Studies last between one and four years, according to the type of training undertaken and can also lead to higher education.

Higher education is provided by universities, specialized institutes, national institutes of higher education, and teacher training institutes, which fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as by institutes run by other ministries. The specific degrees awarded are determined by the field of study, not the institution. The Ministry of Higher Education approves the curriculum, which is standardized for each field of study. Algerian institutions also award graduate degrees (Diplômes de Postgraduation) in most fields in which a Licence or DES is awarded.

Admission requirements:

Students must hold the Baccalauréat or an equivalent diploma. Students must have good knowledge of Arabic. Arabic language courses are compulsory for specialized studies.