Algeria's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has ordered universities in six cities to extend their activities until 9 PM. The new schedule will be implemented in universities in Algiers, Constantine, Oran, Tlemcen, Annaba, and Ouargla. This decision aims to optimize the use of educational and scientific infrastructure, as well as to enhance the pedagogical, scientific, and cultural dynamic within campuses.
The ministry has sent a letter to the presidents of regional university conferences, instructing them to take necessary measures to implement this new schedule. University directors must provide the necessary information to the university services, including lists of students, their destinations, and timetables for pedagogical activities. This data will enable the adaptation of transportation programs to the new schedule.
The extended hours will apply to various university spaces, including central libraries, thesis defense rooms, teaching rooms, amphitheaters, digital spaces, and computer rooms. Additionally, structures dedicated to entrepreneurship and innovation, such as entrepreneurship development centers, university incubators, and research laboratories, will also be accessible until 9 PM.
The new schedule is part of the preparations for the 2026-2027 academic year. The ministry has consulted with relevant sectors and services, as well as with the university community, before making this decision. The measure was presented during the National University Conference on July 25, 2026, and discussed with social partners, including student organizations and teacher unions, in September 2026.
The extended hours will allow students to pursue their projects, particularly in entrepreneurship, and enable teachers and researchers to use laboratories and scientific equipment during this period for their research and innovation projects. The ministry aims to strengthen the pedagogical, scientific, and cultural dynamic within campuses.
University directors will need to work closely with university services to adapt transportation to the new schedule. The ministry has emphasized the importance of coordination between universities and services to ensure a smooth implementation of the extended hours.
The implementation of this new schedule is set to begin in the 2026-2027 academic year, with the six designated cities being the first to adopt this measure. The ministry has not announced any plans to extend this measure to other cities, but it has emphasized its commitment to optimizing the use of university resources.
Key points
- Algeria's Ministry of Higher Education extends university activities to 9 PM in six cities
- The extended hours aim to optimize the use of educational and scientific infrastructure
- The new schedule will be implemented in universities in Algiers, Constantine, Oran, Tlemcen, Annaba, and Ouargla
