Universities in Albania

Universities in Albania are regulated by Law No. 80/2015 on higher education and scientific research, and institutional and programme accreditation is carried out by ASCAL, the national Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education. ASCAL's register lists 24 active universities, 12 public and 12 private, alongside a smaller number of academies, university colleges and professional colleges. Many institutions are in Tirana, the capital, but there are public universities in regional cities such as Elbasan, Shkodër, Durrës, Vlorë, Korçë and Gjirokastër.

Our directory lists three universities in Albania: the public Universiteti i Tiranës (University of Tirana) and the private University of New York Tirana (UNYT) in Tirana, and the public Universiteti i Elbasanit "Aleksandër Xhuvani" in Elbasan.

How the university system works

Albanian higher education follows the three-cycle structure used across Europe:

• First cycle (Bachelor): at UNYT, for example, the Albanian bachelor's programmes take three years
• Second cycle: a Master i Shkencave (Master of Science), which is more academic and research-oriented, or a Master Profesional (Professional Master), more practice-oriented; at UNYT a Master of Science takes two years
• Integrated second-cycle programmes: long single programmes in fields such as law and architecture; at UNYT both take five years
• Third cycle (Doktoratë): doctoral studies
• Two-year professional programmes: short vocational programmes in fields such as tourism, laboratory technology or early childhood education

The Universiteti i Elbasanit "Aleksandër Xhuvani", founded in 1991, is an example of a public university with the full range: its faculties offer bachelor's, professional master's and Master of Science programmes and doctorates in humanities, natural sciences, education, economics and health sciences, plus two-year professional programmes. It also organises international activities in English, such as the Elbasan International Summer School on Mediterranean Studies (EISMS 2026).

Teaching at Albanian universities is generally in Albanian, and some private universities teach in English: UNYT was established in 2002 as Albania's first private higher education institution with English instruction, has been owned by the Turkish Maarif Foundation since 2018 and, besides its Albanian accreditation by ASCAL, offers dual American and Albanian bachelor's degrees with Empire State University, part of the State University of New York (SUNY).

Admission for international students

Albanian students apply for bachelor's programmes through the national U-Albania portal on dates set by the Ministry of Education. International students apply to the university directly. The requirements at UNYT give an idea of what to expect:

• a secondary school diploma and transcripts, plus proof of the national exams in your country equivalent to the Albanian State Matura
• documents apostilled or legalised by an Albanian diplomatic mission, and translated into Albanian after arrival
• recognition of your diploma by the Ministry of Education: official registration takes place only after recognition is approved
• a minimum grade of 6.50 out of 10 after recognition (7.50 for Psychology) and English at level B1 for English-taught programmes

At UNYT, international applicants pay a non-refundable deposit of 800 euros, which is deducted from tuition, receive an official letter of acceptance and then apply for a student visa. Check visa and residence requirements for your nationality with the Albanian embassy or consulate before you travel.

Costs and funding

Tuition depends on the institution and programme. At UNYT, annual tuition for most bachelor's programmes with the Albanian diploma ranges from 3,600 euros (for example Law) to 4,200 euros (for example Software Engineering) in the 2026-2027 academic year. Students without the required English certificate take an English as a Second Language programme, which costs 900 euros per semester. UNYT's international admissions pages list separate fees for international students and the American degree track, so confirm the amount that applies to you. International students can apply for UNYT scholarships based on secondary school grades, special achievements or a scholarship exam. Public universities publish their own fees; ask the international office of each university.

How to choose a university in Albania

• Language of instruction: check which programmes are taught in English
• Accreditation: make sure the institution and the programme appear on ASCAL's lists
• Type of master's: choose a Master of Science if you may continue to a doctorate, or a Professional Master for a more practical route
• Location: Tirana has the most institutions; regional cities such as Elbasan have their own public universities
• Paperwork: allow time for apostilles and diploma recognition before the academic year starts

Frequently asked questions

How many universities are there in Albania?

ASCAL's register lists 24 active universities, 12 public and 12 private, plus academies and university colleges.

Can I study in English in Albania?

Yes, at some institutions. The University of New York Tirana, for example, teaches in English and requires level B1 English; at most other institutions teaching is in Albanian.

Does my foreign diploma need to be recognised?

Yes. A secondary school diploma obtained outside Albania must go through the diploma recognition process at the Ministry of Education before you can be officially registered.

How much does a private university in Albania cost?

At UNYT, annual tuition for most bachelor's programmes with the Albanian diploma ranges from 3,600 to 4,200 euros in 2026-2027; international and American-degree fees are listed separately.