Algeria bars foreign curricula in private schools, mandates Arabic instruction

Algeria's Decree 26-310 introduces stricter oversight of private schools, most notably outlawing the use of foreign curricula such as the long-standing French programme. Arabic becomes compulsory for teaching all subjects, while only foreign languages may be taught in other tongues, and schools must rely on textbooks approved by the state and aim solely at national examinations. The decree also forbids any cooperation agreements with foreign bodies unless the education minister grants prior written approval.

Private institutions have a three-year window to adapt, after which they face possible closure or other penalties. The policy continues a broader effort to assert linguistic sovereignty, highlighted by the recent removal of schools linked to the French Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) and the promotion of English as the first foreign language in primary grades. Critics warn that the abrupt shift could disadvantage students who relied on French curricula for university pathways abroad.