About Us
Founded in 1909, the University of Algiers 1 is one of the oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions in North Africa. As the heir to a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, it stands as a major center of knowledge, research, and training in Algeria. Renamed in honor of Benyoucef Benkhedda, a prominent figure of the Algerian independence movement, the university continues to play a central role in the country’s intellectual and scientific development.
The University of Algiers 1 hosts approximately 29,000 students across its three faculties:
- Faculty of Sciences: Located in downtown Algiers (Didouche Mourad Street), this faculty includes several departments offering programs in various disciplines, such as material sciences, mathematics and computer science, life and natural sciences, and architecture.
- Faculty of Law: Based in Saïd Hamdine, this faculty provides training in Public and Private Law, International Law, and Criminal Law. The academic programs are designed to prepare students for both national and international legal careers.
- Faculty of Islamic Sciences: Located in Kharouba, this faculty is dedicated to the study of Islamic sciences, Islamic law (fiqh), theology, and contemporary Muslim culture. It is recognized as the first higher academic institution in Algeria specialized in Islamic studies.
Each faculty is equipped with libraries, laboratories, and specialized infrastructure to support both teaching and research activities.
The university also houses a central library with a collection of over 300,000 volumes. This academic treasure contains an exceptional array of resources in science, law, literature, Islamic studies, philosophy, and social sciences. Its collections include rare manuscripts, historic theses, specialized journals, and valuable archives. Offering access to both physical materials and electronic resources, the library serves as a modern space for study, research, and the preservation of Algeria’s intellectual heritage.
The University of Algiers 1 – Benyoucef Benkhedda offers a diverse academic program structured according to the LMD system (Bachelor’s – Master’s – Doctorate), with 63 degree programs available across the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The university counts among its alumni many renowned national and international figures, including Nobel Prize-winning writer Albert Camus, philosopher Mohammed Arkoun, and mathematician and anti-colonial symbol Maurice Audin. It has also trained notable personalities such as diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi, General Doctor Fatima Zohra Ardjoune — the first female general in the Arab world — scientist Elias Zerhouni, and independence heroes such as Hassiba Ben Bouali and Benyoucef Benkhedda.
