The Ecole Nationale Polytechnique was established in 1925 as the Industrial Institute of Algeria, which trained technicians for public services companies. The Institute took the name of the National School of Engineers and Public Works and Building in 1950, when the Minister of National Education issued the Diploma of Engineering of Public Works and Building. The school is located in the El Harrach suburb, of the Algerian capital, Algiers.
In 1955, the school adopted two new specialities: electrical engineering and electronics, evolving the school into the National School of Engineers of Algiers, but this was deserted by staff and students in June of 1962. In November of the same year, the Algerian Ministry of National Education ordered the reopening of the school, creating what is known today as Ecole Nationale Polytechnique (ENP) or National Polytechnic School in English. It was attached to different institutions until it became autonomous in 1983.
All students are given English language courses during their first five years of training to assist them with skills for the world of industry. There is also a large focus on computer skills as an important skill for students to use in their work.
The school has strong industry links with companies including: Banque Centrale d’Algerie, Naftec and Air Algerie, allowing for sponsored PhD programmes as well as assistance with industry progression after their studies.
The school has 13 departments offering undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD level courses. These departments include: automation, electrical engineering, electronics, mechanical engineering, mining engineering, metallurgy, industrial engineering, environmental genius, civil engineering, hydraulics, QHSE-GRI, chemical engineering, and preparatory classes.
Students have access to a range of facilities and resources to aid their studies and extracurricular activities. Academic resources include the communication centre and medical centre.