Often hailed as Algeria's oldest university, the University of Algiers 1 boasts a rich history and notable alumni, including Nobel-winning novelist Albert Camus and historian Fernand Braudel among former faculty. The university emerged from a three-way division in 2009, creating three institutions of more manageable sizes.
The history of the University of Algiers 1 traces back to 1909 when established faculties such as letters (founded in 1832), medicine (founded in 1833), law (founded in 1857), and sciences (founded in 1868) were brought together to form the University of Algiers.
The student strike of 1956 played a pivotal role in Algeria's struggle for independence, and the library unfortunately suffered destruction in 1962 during the conflict with the hard-line pro-French OAS.
The university has a legacy of nurturing eminent researchers and personalities who have honoured Algeria. It provides a platform not only for acquiring new knowledge but also for fostering personal development throughout students' academic journeys.
Currently, the University of Algiers 1 accommodates around 45,000 students across four faculties, each with its dedicated campus.
The faculty of medicine and pharmacy, with close to 17,000 students, primarily focuses on medical and pharmaceutical education. Islamic studies cater to approximately 4,400 students, while the faculty of science offers programmes in architecture, materials science, mechanics, and natural and life sciences to over 7,000 students.
