Ministry of National Education Implements New Private School Rules

The Ministry of National Education has unveiled a new set of regulations for private educational institutions, establishing a more stringent framework for their operation. This initiative aims to tighten oversight on these schools and ensure their compliance with national curricula. A core tenet of the new framework prohibits the teaching of foreign programs and mandates the exclusive adoption of curricula approved by the Ministry.

Under these new provisions, Arabic is designated as the language of instruction across all subjects and levels, with the exception of foreign language courses. An executive decree, dated September 22, 2026, signed by Prime Minister Seifi Gharib and published in Official Gazette No. 71, sets forth administrative and pedagogical commitments. These include a requirement for private schools to announce tuition fees three months in advance, prohibit foreign funding without prior Ministry approval, and appoint a licensed pedagogical director. Furthermore, the decree stipulates that founders must be Algerian citizens and mandates a 15% bank guarantee to ensure operational continuity.

The regulations extend to physical infrastructure, requiring independent school buildings and specific minimum space allocations for classrooms and recreational areas, along with essential facilities such as laboratories, IT rooms, and libraries. Existing private educational institutions are granted a transitional period of three years from the decree's publication date to align their operations with these new requirements. This comprehensive approach underscores a national commitment to standardizing educational references and ensuring all institutions adhere to national educational policies.