التعليمية

The University Of Continuing Education (ufc) And The Transformation Of Algerian Higher Education: Complementarity, Competition, And Institutional Differentiation

Auteurs : M'lili Amina . Amiri Mohammed Amin .

Résumé

This article examines the University of Continuing Education (UFC) and its relationship with conventional universities in Algeria. It adopts a qualitative documentary and policy-analysis approach based on legislation, official statistics, institutional documents, and relevant scholarship. The study analyses UFC’s role in expanding access, lifelong learning, flexible education, and professional development. It argues that UFC represents a form of institutional differentiation within Algerian higher education. While UFC complements conventional universities by addressing diverse and non-traditional learning needs, its development may also create areas of functional overlap and potential competition. However, the available evidence does not establish direct competition for students or institutional resources. The article therefore conceptualizes UFC as both a complementary institution and a potential catalyst for institutional transformation, contributing to a gradual shift toward a more diversified and flexible Algerian higher-education system. It concludes by emphasizing the need for stronger institutional coordination, shared quality-assurance mechanisms, and greater recognition of lifelong learning.

Mots clés

University of Continuing Education ; lifelong learning ; institutional differentiation ; higher education ; Algeria