University of Mustapha Stambouli in Mascara contributes in a great deal to the development of the town and its cultural aspect. It was founded in 1986 as a national institute of higher education (INES), specializing in the field of agronomy. Later, it was elaborated to become a university that covers 7 faculties and spread over three poles.

This remarkable development has paved the way for the pursuit of the elaboration of the sought after program both in terms of the necessary space and the supply of diverse specialties to students, with emphasis on the excellent quality of the level.

During thirty years, the university has passed through three stages

The National Institute of Higher Education (INES)

During the academic year (1986/1987), Mascara was endowed by the opportunity of creating a National Institute of Higher Education of Agronomy by the decree N°86/173 on 05/08/1986. 93 students enrolled and for 5 years 143 students were formed in Agronomy.

The University Centre of Mascara (CUM)

 When the fields of economy and technology were launched, the National Institute of Higher Education of Agronomy was transformed into the University Centre of Mascara in 1992 by the decree N°92/302 on 07/07/1992.

As soon as it was set up, the CUM witnessed a considerable development, notably the foundation of other fields (faculty of law in 1996/1997; Humanities and Social Sciences Letters in 2000/2001). At the beginning of the academic year (1991/1992); the CUM had 558 students, divided as follows:

• 258 students of Agronomy
• 122 students of economic sciences
• 178 students of technology.

The University of Mustapha Stambouli (UMS)

At the beginning of the academic year (2008/2009); the University Centre of Mascara was transformed into a University by the decree N°12/09 on 04/01/2009 under the name of Mascara University. In 2014 it was named after the Moudjahid “Mustapha Stambouli”. During this year, 18792 enrolled and were distributed over five (05) faculties.

Currently, the University has a very important infrastructure that is spread over three university sites, with a total capacity of 24600 pedagogical seats.

Mamounia Site

It is the old site which is situated in the north of Mascara, near Oran-Algiers route. Teaching in this site began in 1986 when it was only an institute. Currently, it is one of the most important university poles, extending over an area of 34 hectares that is composed of two faculties with a capacity of 7600 pedagogical seats:

• Faculty of Sciences and Technology
• Faculty of Exact Sciences

Answering students and teachers’ needs, annexed were affiliated to the site, including, two specialized libraries, two computing centers, research centre with five laboratories, and intensive computing centre, an intensive centre of teaching of languages (CEIL), administrative premises, two university residences and diverse cultural, pedagogical and sport sectors.

 Sidi Saïd Site

This site is ne. It is situated in the north-west of Mascara, near Oran-Saida route, extending over an area of 30 hectares that is composed of three faculties with a capacity of 9000 pedagogical seats:

• Faculty of Economic Sciences, Commerce and management science
• Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences

Answering students and teachers’ needs, , annexed were affiliated to the site, including, central library of 1000 seats, auditorium of 600 seats, a restaurant, computing centers, administrative premises,  two university residences with a capacity of  handling 3000 beds, 180 teachers’ lodgings. Other infrastructures are being made, mainly:

• A seat of University rectorate
• Bloc of five research laboratories

The New Site of Sidi Saïd (8000 pedagogical seats)

This new site is situated in Sidi Saïd. It is extending over an area of 08 hectares that is composed of two faculties with a capacity of 8000 pedagogical seats:

• Faculty of Letters and Languages
• Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

     Answering students and teachers’ needs, , annexed were affiliated to the site, including, two libraries, a restaurant, administrative premises, one university residence with a capacity of handling 4000 beds, and a mini cultural and sport complex.