The Algerian Ministry of National Education has announced the launch of a general college competition for third-year students, starting from the 2026-2027 academic year. This move marks a significant expansion of a centuries-old tradition that previously only recognized excellence in specific subjects among high school students. The new competition aims to encourage and reward varied talents among younger students.
The general competition, which has been in existence for nearly two centuries, was exclusively reserved for high school students who demonstrated exceptional skills in a particular subject. With this new development, students in their third year of college can now participate, with a focus on promoting diverse talents beyond mere academic performance. This initiative is part of broader changes implemented for the new school year.
To be eligible, students must be in their third year of college and attend a participating school. Each college can nominate a maximum of 10% of its third-year students, with a strict requirement for equal representation between boys and girls. Students can choose to compete in one of five subjects: French and general culture, mathematics and sciences, history-geography, visual arts, or computer science.
The registration period for the competition is open from October 12 to November 19, 2026, with the exams scheduled for February 2, 2027. This competition is independent of the national diploma of brevet (DNB) and does not replace any existing exams or modify the conditions for obtaining the brevet. It is part of a series of reforms aimed at improving and diversifying education for college students.
The Ministry of National Education presents this competition as a tool to stimulate ambition among students and provide an opportunity for them to showcase skills that may not be evident in a traditional classroom setting. This move aligns with other recent initiatives, such as the mandatory financial education passport for fourth-year students and regulations on mobile phone use in high schools.
Key features of the competition include its voluntary nature for schools and students, with participating schools able to nominate a limited number of students. The competition's structure and subjects are designed to be inclusive and diverse, reflecting the broader educational goals of promoting excellence and talent.
As Algeria continues to implement educational reforms, this new competition is expected to play a significant role in fostering a culture of excellence and ambition among young students. The initiative has been developed with the assistance of educational experts and stakeholders to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in promoting student achievement.
Key points
- Algeria's Ministry of National Education introduces a general college competition for third-year students to promote diverse talents and academic excellence.
- The competition is independent of the national diploma of brevet and offers students a chance to showcase skills beyond traditional academic performance.
- Registration for the competition is open until November 19, 2026, with exams scheduled for February 2, 2027.
