Universities in Albania

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 35 Universities in Albania

The Republic of Albania is divided into 12 counties (Albanian: qark or qarqe). A significant number of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are concentrated in Tirana County (Albanian: Qarku i Tiranës), home to the nation's capital, Tirana, and its most populous region. The following uniRank league tables or sub-rankings consider all counties that have at least one Albanian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Durres (1)  
Elbasan (1)  
Gjirokaster (1)  
Korce (1)  
Shkoder (1)  
Tirana (27)  
Vlore (3)  

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The Higher Education System in Albania

The higher education system in Albania is governed by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth (Ministria e Arsimit, Sportit dhe Rinisë), established to organize and regulate higher education and research in the country. The Ministry oversees the expenditure of institutions and ensures the development and quality assurance of educational programs. The higher education sector in Albania is structured into various institutions that provide undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational education. Accreditation is a key requirement for all institutions and programs, managed by the Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education (Agjencia e Sigurimit të Cilësisë në Arsimin e Lartë - ASCAL), established in 2017.

Types of Higher Education Institutions in Albania

There are four types of higher education institutions in Albania:

1. Universitet (University): offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and conducts research.
2. Akademi (Academy): provides specialized undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, typically in the arts or other specific areas.
3. Kolegji universitar (University College): mainly offers professionally-oriented degrees at the Bachelor and Master's level.
4. Kolegj i Lartë Profesional (Higher Vocational College): provides professional training, typically lasting one to two years (60 or 120 ECTS).

Access to Higher Education in Albania

Albanian students can access higher education after completing a total of 12 to 14 years of schooling, depending on their track. This includes primary education, lower secondary education, and upper secondary education. Upon completing upper secondary education, students are awarded the Diplomë e Maturës Shtetërore (Diploma of State Matura), which is necessary for admission to higher education. Vocational secondary education students receive either the Maturës Shteteröre Profesionale (Vocational State Matura) or the Certifikatë të Kualifikimit Profesional (Certificate of Professional Qualification), both of which can also provide access to higher education. Admission to higher education institutions is further determined by national lists based on the results of State Matura exams, with some institutions also requiring additional entrance exams.

Languages of Instruction in Albania

The primary language of instruction in Albanian higher education institutions is Albanian. Foreign students are required to pass an Albanian language proficiency test as part of their admission process.

Stages of Higher Education in Albania

1. Non-University Level: this stage offers professional diplomas or certificates after two years of study (120 ECTS) in technical or applied fields, often leading to employment or the possibility of transferring credits to a Bachelor's program.
2. University Level First Stage (Bachelor's Degree): the first cycle consists of at least three years of study, totaling a minimum of 180 ECTS. It provides access to the labor market or further education, such as Master's programs.
3. University Level Second Stage (Master's Degree): the second cycle offers a Master of Science (Master i Shkencave) or Master of Arts (Master i Arteve) after two years of study (120 ECTS). Some fields offer integrated programs combining Bachelor's and Master's studies, particularly in fields like Medicine, Dentistry, and Architecture.
4. University Level Third Stage (Doctorate): doctoral programs, typically lasting three to five years, involve coursework, independent research, and the defense of a thesis. Graduates are awarded the Doktor i Shkencave (Doctor of Sciences).

Teacher Training in Higher Education

Teachers in higher education must hold at least a Master's degree. Academic staff are classified into three main ranks: Lecturer, Docent, and Professor. The title of Professor requires a Doctor of Sciences degree and substantial research and teaching experience.

Distance Learning

Albania offers part-time distance learning and correspondence courses at both university and post-university levels, providing flexibility to students unable to attend traditional full-time programs.

The Higher Education System in Albania emphasizes quality assurance, the alignment of qualifications with European standards and the promotion of higher education as a means to foster research, innovation, and professional development.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Albanian universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Albania
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Albanian post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Albania
  Search for Albanian higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Albanian Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Albanian town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Albania
  Discover Albanian public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Albania
  Find out about Albanian private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Albania
  Explore Albanian not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Albania
  Look for Albanian for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Albanian Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Albania have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Albanian Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Albania that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Albanian Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Albania are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Albanian Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Albania with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.