Algeria shifts primary education from French to English starting 2026

Algeria's Ministry of National Education announced that English will replace French in the third year of primary school from the 2026‑2027 academic year. The reform also expands English instruction in middle schools and maintains a common core curriculum for high schools, while increasing hours for core subjects.

The policy follows a broader move away from French language teaching, previously introduced in 2023, and reflects growing political tensions between Algeria and France. Since 2025, university programs in medicine, pharmacy and dentistry have already switched to English, and many official documents are being Arabised, signaling a systematic reduction of French influence in Algerian education and administration.