Higher Education System of Albania
The Ministry of Education and Sports of the Republic of Albania is responsible for the tertiary/higher education system in Albania. In Albania, the higher education adheres to the guidelines of the Bologna process as per the Law on higher education, 2007, that was amended in 2010. In Albania, there are public as well as private
higher education institutions.
Higher education institutions in Albania offer higher education at following levels-bachelor, master or doctorate, depending on the type of higher education institution. Following are the types of higher education institutions in Albania:
Universities (Universitet): This type of higher education institution provides study programmes up to doctorate level. University of applied sciences offer programmes at bachelor and master’s levels only. All the universities in Albania have many faculties.
Academies (akademi): This type of higher education provides study programmes up to doctorate level.
Research in Albania is conducted only at universities and academies.
Higher institutes (institute i larte) /Non-university higher school (Shkolle e Larte jo Universitare): This type of higher education institution offers study programmes at bachelor and master’s degree level.
Higher Education Qualifications
Following are the higher education qualifications in Albania:
First Level Degree: Bachelor
The first level is the bachelor's degree that provides a general studies in a specific field.
- Duration: 3-4 years, depending on the field of study
- ECTS: 180 for 3 year programmes; 240 for 4 years programme
Second Level Degree: Master
Students who have completed first level degree are eligible for master’s degree programme. This degree programmes includes theoretical as well as practical knowledge. The second level emphasize on in-depth knowledge in a particular field as well as relevant professional knowledge.
- Duration: 2 years
- ECTS: 120
Professional Master's Degree
In Albania, there is also professional master’s degree programme (Master Profesional). These programmes focus on more advanced studies in a particular profession, and develop analytical and professional skills.
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 years
- ECTS: 60-90
Integrated Second-Level Programme (Program i Integruar i Ciclit te Dyte)
This level of studies covers study programmes in architecture, medicine, pharmacy and veterinary medicine
- Duration: 5-6 years
- ECTS: 300-360
- Certificate awarded: Master of Science or Master of Art
Third Cycle Degree: Doctorate/PhD (Doktoratura)
Students who hold a master’s degree are eligible to apply for PhD programmes. This programme is based on independent activities and scientific research. Students are required to submit and defend a doctoral thesis.
- Duration: 3 years (Can be extended to 5 years, depending on the field of study)
- ECTS: 60 credits for theoretical studies
- Title awarded: Doctor of Science (Doktor I Shkencave)
Long Term Specialization Degree
This degree is a part of third cycle studies. The long term specialization degree offers advanced study programmes in the field of veterinary medicine, dentistry, law, medicine, and engineering.
- Duration: 2 years
- ECTS: 120 credits
Non-University Professional Studies
The higher education institutions in Albania offer non-university level professional studies.
- Duration: 2 years
- ECTS: 120
Upon successful completion of the programmes, students get are awarded a professional diploma and the credits can be transferred into other first cycle university programmes.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary from university to university. For admission into the first cycle university programme, students must hold a Maturity certificate. For detailed information on the admission requirements for higher education in Albania, click
here.
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