About Albania

Albania is a small, mountainous Balkan country on the Adriatic and Ionian coast with a Muslim majority, a legacy of Ottoman rule. It experienced a Stalinist period under Enver Hoxha after WWII, transitioned to democracy in the 1990s, and is now a developing nation. Albania is known for its coastline, history, cultural traditions, and natural beauty. Albania offers a unique and affordable study-abroad experience with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and a welcoming environment for international students, with programs offered in English. To study in Albania, international students typically need to obtain a student visa, meet specific program entry requirements, and demonstrate language proficiency and financial stability. Albania is also a very welcoming country, with a rich cultural heritage that offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery. Albanians are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards foreigners, which makes it easy for international students to feel at home in Albania.

Why Study in Albania?

Studying in Albania offers a unique experience combining relatively low costs, a rich cultural heritage, and access to stunning natural beauty, making it an attractive option for international students.
Here’s a more detailed look at the benefits:

• Affordable Education:
  Albania offers a relatively low cost of living and tuition fees, making it a more budget-friendly option than many other European countries.
• Language Learning:
  Studying in Albania provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Albanian language and culture.
• Rich Cultural Heritage:
  Albania boasts a rich history with Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences, offering a unique and rewarding experience.
• Immerse Yourself:
  Experience a unique and enriching experience outside the classroom with Albania’s rich history, traditions, and diverse cultural landscape.
• Strategic Location:
  Albania’s location in the Balkans provides easy access to explore neighboring countries.
  Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
• Stunning Landscapes:
  Albania is known for its coastline along the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, pristine beaches, picturesque mountains, and national parks.
• Outdoor Opportunities:
  Explore nature through hiking, skiing, water sports, and other outdoor activities.
• Friendly Environment:
  Albania is a friendly country with helpful locals, adding to the overall experience for international students.
• Growing Economy:
  Tirana, Albania’s capital, is a thriving economic and cultural center, providing ample opportunities for professional development and networking.

Top courses to study in Albania for international students

For international students seeking to study in Albania, popular programs include:
1. Business
2. Economics,
3. Engineering
4. Technology
5. Medicine & Health Sciences,
6. Social Sciences,
7. Agricultural Sciences.

Bachelor program to study in Albania

Study bachelor programs in Albania:
1. Consider the University of Tirana (UT)
2. The Canadian Institute of Technology (CIT)
3. The International Business College Mitrovica (IBCM)

University of Tirana (UT):

• Faculties: Law, Economy, Foreign Languages, History and Philology, Natural Science, Social Science
• Program Examples: Justice, Finance, Economics, English, Literature, Psychology, Political Science, Information and Communication Technology, Biology, Chemistry

Canadian Institute of Technology (CIT):

• Program Examples: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, Bachelor in Business Administration and Information Technology

International Business College Mitrovica (IBCM):

• Program Examples: Bachelor of Public Service Management, Bachelor degree in International Sales and Marketing (ISM), Bachelor of Environmental and Agriculture Management

Master program to study in Albania

Study for a Master’s program in Albania:
1. The University Of Tirana
2. The University Of New York Tirana
University of Tirana (UT):

• Is the main and largest public university in Albania
• Offers a wide range of Master’s programs, including those in the Faculty of Economy, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.
• Faculty of Economy: Offers programs in Business Administration (with specializations in Management and Human Resources Management), Public Administration, Economics, Accounting, Marketing, and more.
• Faculty of Natural Sciences: Offers programs in Environmental Biotechnology, Business Informatics, Information and Communication Technology, and more.
• Faculty of Social Sciences: Offers programs in Human and Practice Philosophy, Psychological Counseling, Social Politics Analysis, and more.

University of New York Tirana (UNYT):

• Offers programs in Business Administration (MBA), Finance and Accounting, and Computer Science.
• The MBA program is suitable for graduates who want to further their education before employment, while the MSc in Finance and Accounting program is designed for graduates seeking to extend their expertise in finance or accounting.

PHD program to study in Albania

PhD in Albania, consider universities like:
1. The University of Tirana,
2. Albanian University,
3. University Metropolitan Tirana,
4. Epoka University

• University of Tirana: Offers doctorate programs in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, including fields like molecular biology, biology of preservation, physics, and informatics.
• Albanian University: Provides doctoral programs in areas like administrative science, pharmaceutical sciences, and clinical psychology.
• University Metropolitan Tirana: Offers a PhD program in “Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems” with potential research collaborations with institutions in France and the US.
• Epoka University: Offers various PhD programs, including those in Computer Science.
• UNYT: Offers a PhD program in Computer Science

Best universities in Albania

1. University of Tirana
2. Albanian University
3. European University of Tirana
4. Epoka University
5. Our Lady of Good Counsel University
6. University of New York Tirana 
7. Ismail Qemali University of Vlorë 
8. Polytechnic University of Tirana 
9. Universiteti Bujqësor i Tiranës 
10. Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës

University of Tirana

The University of Tirana is considered the top-ranked and largest public university in Albania, known for its high-quality education in various fields, strong research focus, and contribution to national development through education, research, and public service.

Albanian University

Albanian universities, particularly the University of Tirana, stand out as leading institutions in the country, known for academic programs and research, with some offering courses in English and collaborating with European universities.

European University of Tirana

The European University of Tirana (UET), or Universiteti Evropian i Tiranës, distinguishes itself as a leading Albanian higher education institution with globally recognized programs and a strong focus on research, student support, and international collaborations.

Epoka University

Epoka University stands out in Albania, offering an international, English-only education with a broad range of programs and a focus on quality and innovation, reflected in its accolades and high rankings, particularly in the Albanian and regional context.

Our Lady of Good Counsel University

Our Lady of Good Counsel University, a Catholic institution, stands out for its commitment to quality education, strong faith-based values, and its focus on producing well-rounded, service-oriented graduates, particularly in healthcare.

Eligibility to study in Albania

Eligible to study in Albania, you generally need:

• Secondary Education: You must have successfully completed secondary education or an equivalent qualification.
• First Cycle Programs: Admission to first cycle (bachelor’s) programs is based on having successfully completed the state “Matura” (national examination) or an equivalent qualification recognized for study abroad.
• Second Cycle Programs: For admission to a second cycle (master’s) study program, you must have a first cycle degree or an equivalent degree recognized for study abroad.
• Albanian Language: You might be required to demonstrate proficiency in the Albanian language, depending on the university or program. 
• English Proficiency: Some programs may be taught in English, and you might need to provide proof of English proficiency, such as an English language test score (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
• Student Visa: You will need to apply for a student visa to study in Albania.

Requirements to study in Albania

Study in Albania, you’ll generally need:

• Completed Secondary Education: You need to have finished secondary school or an equivalent qualification.
• Language Proficiency: Demonstrating sufficient proficiency in Albanian or English, depending on the program’s language of instruction.
• GPA: Ideally aiming for a minimum of a B average or a 3.0 GPA on a 4.00 scale.
• Specific Program Requirements: Be sure to check the requirements of the specific program you’re applying for, as they might vary.
• Student Visa: You’ll need to apply for a student visa, which will allow you to reside in Albania for the duration of your studies.
• Visa Application: You’ll need to complete a visa application form and provide supporting documents
• Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage while in Albania.

Cost of studying in Albania

Studying in Albania is relatively affordable, with tuition fees averaging €1,500 – €4,000 per year for bachelor’s programs and €2,000 – €5,500 for master’s, while living expenses are also quite low, especially compared to other European countries.
Public Universities:
1. Bachelor’s programs: €1,500 to €4,000 per year.
2. Master’s programs: €2,000 to €5,500 per year.
3. Doctoral Programs: Costs can go up to €5,000 or more per year.

Private Universities:
4. Bachelor’s programs: €3,000 to €8,000 per year.
5. Master’s and Doctoral programs: €4,000 to €10,000 or more annually.

Student Visa Application Process

Visa Process

Apply for a student visa
1. Online Application: Complete the required online application form and ensure all information is accurate and complete.
2. Document Submission: Submit all required documents, including passport, acceptance letter, financial proof, and other supporting documents to the embassy or consulate.
3. Fees: Pay the applicable visa application fee.
4. Interview (if required): You may be required to attend an interview with a visa officer.
5. Processing Time: Visa processing times vary depending on the country, so start the application process as soon as possible.

Documents for University Admissions in Albania

• Application form
• Application fee has to be paid which is non refundable
• Certificates of all secondary and high school
• certificates of universities included
• Certificates to be attested/ have official stamp/seal of the school/ college studied, and the Ministry of Education
• certified copy of passport or other document for identification
• exam results of TOEFL/IELTS test
• two letters of recommendations from teachers or others giving a report of your academic performance in English
• CV in English
• four passport size photos

Lifestyle

Life in Albania offers a blend of rich culture, a relaxed pace, and stunning natural beauty, making it a unique and rewarding experience for locals and expats alike. Albania’s economy is lower than most of Western Europe, which translates to a lower cost of living.

For further guidance and assistance with visa applications, please reach out to us.