Albania’s university market is small enough to verify institution by institution—and that is exactly what a serious 2027 shortlist should do.

Study in Albania 2027 | Best Universities, Fees, English Programs & Student Visa

For 2027 applicants, this page connects Albania’s current higher-education system with ranking evidence where available, institution-specific admissions, current tuition examples, scholarship routes, programme recognition and student-visa planning so the university shortlist can be tested before an application is submitted.

Albania has a compact but diverse higher-education system combining public universities, private universities, university colleges, specialist academies and professionally oriented institutions.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, Albania recorded 115,782 students in higher education. INSTAT reports 60,558 students in bachelor’s programs and 47,916 in master’s programs. Business, administration and law is the largest field, accounting for 25.2% of enrolment, followed by health and welfare at 22.2% and engineering, manufacturing and construction at 16.9%. INSTAT notes that higher-education figures remain preliminary for doctoral and long-cycle specialisation enrolments. INSTAT also reports that foreign students represent 2.1% of higher-education enrolment in 2025–2026. In the latest completed graduation year, 28,939 students graduated from tertiary education in 2024–2025, an increase of 2.6% from the previous year.

Albanian higher education is strongly concentrated in Tirana, but established public universities also operate in Durrës, Shkodër, Elbasan, Korçë, Vlorë and Gjirokastër.

ASCAL’s current live higher-education register marks 39 institutions as active: 14 public and 25 private. These 39 active entries are not all conventional universities; the register also includes academies, university colleges and higher professional colleges.

This current-status register is the safest baseline for a 2027 applicant because older official lists can retain institutions that have since closed. ASCAL currently marks institutions including the Academy for Albanian Studies and University College WISDOM as closed, so they are excluded from the active total.

For students planning to study in Albania in 2027, the most important questions are:

• Is the institution officially listed?
• What is its current accreditation status?
• Is the exact program accredited?
• Does it appear in a recognised international ranking?
• What is its strongest academic field?
• Is the degree taught in Albanian, English or another language?
• What admission route applies?
• Does a foreign qualification require recognition or equivalency?
• What is the exact current tuition?
• Are scholarships or tuition reductions available?
• Does the student need a visa or residence permit?
• Will the qualification be recognised where the graduate intends to work?

A reliable Albania university decision therefore requires institution verification + program accreditation + admissions + language + cost + immigration + professional recognition, not merely an old list of university names.

Albania Universities, List of Universities of Albania.

Albania Higher Education at a Glance

The enrolment figures come from INSTAT, the institution categories from the Ministry of Education, and accreditation information from the Quality Assurance Agency of Higher Education — ASCAL.

These are related but different checks.

Ministry listing does not replace accreditation. Institutional accreditation does not replace program accreditation.

How Many Universities Are There in Albania?

There is no precise answer to “How many universities are there in Albania?” unless the institutional category and current status are defined.

ASCAL’s current live register marks 39 higher-education institutions as active: 14 public and 25 private.

That does not mean Albania has 39 conventional universities. The active register includes universities, academies, university colleges and higher professional colleges.

The stronger current statement is therefore: 39 active higher-education institutions in the ASCAL register. Students should still verify the exact institution and programme because active institutional status and programme accreditation are separate checks.

Public Universities and Higher-Education Institutions in Albania

ASCAL’s current live register marks these 14 public higher-education institutions as active:

1. University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”
2. University of Tirana
3. Polytechnic University of Tirana
4. Agricultural University of Tirana
5. University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi”
6. “Eqrem Çabej” University of Gjirokastër
7. “Fan S. Noli” University
8. University of Vlorë “Ismail Qemali”
9. “Aleksandër Moisiu” University, Durrës
10. University of Arts
11. University of Sports of Tirana
12. University of Medicine, Tirana
13. Security Academy
14. Academy of Armed Forces

The active public list includes universities and specialist academies, so the current figure is best described as 14 active public HEIs, not 14 conventional universities.

Private Universities and Colleges in Albania

ASCAL’s current live register marks these 25 private higher-education institutions as active:

1. Metropolitan Tirana University
2. Mediterranean University of Albania
3. EPOKA University
4. POLIS University
5. Aldent University
6. European University of Tirana
7. Western Balkans University
8. Barleti University
9. Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”
10. Albanian University
11. Luarasi University
12. University of New York Tirana
13. Academy of Film & Multimedia “Marubi”
14. Ivodent Academy
15. American Academy of Technology Tirana
16. University College REALD
17. Tirana College of Technology — TCT
18. University College Qiriazi
19. LOGOS University College
20. University College TBU
21. Bedër University College
22. University College of Business
23. Canadian Institute of Technology University College
24. German Higher Professional College of Technology
25. Higher Professional College “Tirana Esthetics & Style School”

This is a current-status institutional register, not a ranking. Applicants should next verify the exact programme and its current accreditation through ASCAL.

Top Universities in Albania for 2027

Albania currently has limited representation in the main global university rankings compared with much larger European systems.

The most useful current QS comparison is therefore QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026, especially the Southern Europe table published on 28 January 2026.

Five Albanian institutions currently have visible QS Southern Europe 2026 positions.

The University of Tirana’s QS profile confirms =154 in Southern Europe and 651–700 across Europe. EPOKA and POLIS are both =165, Agricultural University of Tirana is =195, and Aleksandër Moisiu University is also =195 in Southern Europe 2026.

These are QS regional ranking positions.

They are not a separate national Albania ranking.

A Ranking Warning About Polytechnic University of Tirana

The Polytechnic University of Tirana is one of Albania’s most important academic institutions, particularly for engineering, but ranking years must remain accurate.

Its current QS profile displays:

No. 137 — QS Southern Europe 2025

and does not currently show a 2026 Southern Europe position on the same profile.

That means 137 should not be relabelled as a 2026 or 2027 ranking.

The absence of a current displayed QS 2026 position also does not mean the university is academically weak. It simply means a current overall ranking position should not be invented.

What Is the Best University in Albania?

There is no ranking-independent No. 1 university in Albania.

Different institutions serve different purposes.

A student wanting a large comprehensive public university may begin with the University of Tirana.

An engineering applicant should investigate the Polytechnic University of Tirana.

A medical applicant should examine the University of Medicine, Tirana.

For agriculture, forestry and agribusiness, compare the Agricultural University of Tirana.

An international applicant prioritising extensive English-medium private education may find EPOKA University especially relevant.

Architecture and urban-planning applicants can compare POLIS University, EPOKA and the Polytechnic University of Tirana.

The more useful question is:

Best university in Albania for which subject and which student?

1. University of Tirana

The University of Tirana — Universiteti i Tiranës describes itself as Albania’s largest and oldest university and currently lists 164 study programs across its academic cycles.

Its academic portfolio includes areas such as:

• natural sciences;
• economics;
• business;
• law;
• humanities;
• languages;
• history;
• journalism and communication;
• social sciences;
• computer science;
• data and information-related fields.

The current program catalogue includes bachelor’s, Master of Science, Professional Master, Executive Master and doctoral-level study.

University of Tirana Ranking

QS currently places the University of Tirana at:

=154 — QS Southern Europe 2026 651–700 — QS Europe 2026.

This is a meaningful regional ranking signal, but it should not be converted into an unsupported claim that the university is “officially No. 1 in Albania.”

University of Tirana Admissions

The University of Tirana has already published its 2026–2027 admission criteria and quotas.

Its current admissions page covers:

• bachelor’s programs;
• integrated law;
• Master of Science;
• Professional Master;
• Executive Master programs.

The university identifies Decision No. 14 and Decision No. 15, both dated 19 March 2026, for the relevant 2026–2027 quotas.

Students planning for 2027–2028 entry should wait for the next official cycle rather than changing 2026 dates to 2027.

2. Polytechnic University of Tirana

The Polytechnic University of Tirana is Albania’s principal specialist public university for engineering and technology.

Its academic structure covers major technical areas including:

• civil engineering;
• electrical engineering;
• electronic engineering;
• telecommunications;
• mechanical engineering;
• information technology;
• architecture and urban planning;
• mathematical and physical engineering;
• geosciences;
• energy and environmental fields.

The university’s QS page records No. 137 in Southern Europe for the 2025 edition, but not a current 2026 Southern Europe position.

Engineering students should therefore evaluate it from a broader evidence base:

program + accreditation + faculty + laboratories + curriculum + professional recognition

instead of using overall ranking alone.

ASCAL’s database should be checked for the exact qualification because accreditation periods differ by program.

3. University of Medicine, Tirana

The University of Medicine, Tirana is listed by the Ministry as a public higher-education institution and is Albania’s specialist public medical university.

Medical and health applicants should check the exact programme through ASCAL because programme-level accreditation is particularly important in regulated fields. ASCAL maintains separate accreditation decisions and validity periods for individual qualifications.

This distinction matters for areas such as:

• medicine;
• nursing;
• pharmacy;
• physiotherapy;
• laboratory sciences;
• imaging;
• public health;
• other health professions.

An internationally mobile medical student should also verify professional recognition in the country where they intend to practise.

Institutional recognition is not the same thing as automatic professional licensing abroad.

4. Agricultural University of Tirana

The Agricultural University of Tirana is Albania’s main specialist public university for agricultural and related study.

Its profile includes areas such as:

• agronomy;
• agriculture;
• forestry;
• ecology;
• agribusiness;
• environmental fields;
• food-related disciplines.

QS ranks it:

=195 — Southern Europe 2026 901+ — Europe 2026.

For students specifically interested in agriculture, forestry or agribusiness, subject relevance may matter considerably more than the overall rank of a broader comprehensive institution.

5. EPOKA University

EPOKA University is a private institution in the Tirana area and one of Albania’s most internationally oriented universities.

QS ranks EPOKA:

=165 — Southern Europe 2026 701–900 — Europe 2026.

Its academic areas include:

• architecture;
• civil engineering;
• computer engineering;
• software engineering;
• economics;
• business;
• banking and finance;
• political science;
• international relations;
• law and related fields.

EPOKA and English-Medium Study

EPOKA states that English is the language of instruction in its study programs, except that its Banking and Finance bachelor’s program is offered in both Albanian and English.

That makes EPOKA particularly relevant for international applicants who want a strongly English-medium university environment in Albania.

6. POLIS University

POLIS University is a private institution in Tirana with a specialist identity around architecture, planning, design and related applied disciplines.

QS currently places it:

=165 — Southern Europe 2026 701–900 — Europe 2026.

For architecture and built-environment applicants, its specialist academic profile can matter more than its overall regional ranking.

Compare POLIS with EPOKA and the Polytechnic University using:

• accreditation;
• curriculum;
• teaching language;
• facilities;
• tuition;
• professional recognition.

7. Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës

Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës — UAMD is a public university outside Tirana.

QS ranks it:

=195 — Southern Europe 2026.

Its inclusion gives students a ranked public-university option outside the capital and makes Durrës particularly relevant in a country where much of higher education is otherwise concentrated in Tirana.

Other Important Public Universities

Albania also has established regional public institutions including:

• University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi”;
• University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”;
• “Fan S. Noli” University in Korçë;
• “Ismail Qemali” University in Vlorë;
• “Eqrem Çabej” University in Gjirokastër.

A regional university may be the stronger individual choice when the program, city, admission pathway or total study cost fits the student better than a Tirana institution.

Accreditation in Albania

The central quality-assurance authority is ASCAL — the Quality Assurance Agency of Higher Education.

ASCAL maintains public information covering:

• accredited institutions;
• accredited programs;
• accreditation decisions;
• validity periods;
• programs undergoing accreditation.

Its active program register includes accreditation decisions made as recently as June 2026, demonstrating why accreditation should be checked at the time of application rather than inferred from an old university directory.

Institutional Accreditation vs Program Accreditation

These are different tests.

Institutional accreditation examines the higher-education institution.

Program accreditation examines the specific degree or qualification.

ASCAL’s current database, for example, separately records individual programs such as the University of Tirana’s Master of Science in Information Security and recent nursing, physiotherapy and laboratory-technology accreditations at Western Balkans University, each with its own decision and validity period.

That is why students should never stop at:

“The university is accredited.”

The stronger question is:

“Is my exact program accredited, under which decision, and until what date?”

This is especially important for regulated professions such as:

• medicine;
• dentistry;
• nursing;
• pharmacy;
• physiotherapy;
• engineering;
• architecture;
• teaching;
• law.

Albania’s Degree Structure

Albanian higher education uses a multi-cycle European structure.

At the University of Tirana, for example, first-cycle bachelor’s programs are generally designed around 180 ECTS credits and three years of study, while the wider system includes second-cycle master’s study and third-cycle qualifications.

The University of Tirana currently organises its programs across:

• first-cycle Bachelor;
• second-cycle Master of Science;
• second-cycle Professional Master;
• additional advanced and third-cycle routes.

Students should still verify the exact duration and credit structure of the intended qualification because integrated and professional degrees can differ from a standard three-year bachelor’s program.

University Admissions in Albania for 2027

There is no single admission rule or deadline applying identically to every Albanian university.

Requirements can depend on:

• institution;
• program;
• degree level;
• quota;
• prior academic performance;
• language;
• citizenship;
• recognition of foreign qualifications;
• program-specific selection.

The latest fully confirmed University of Tirana cycle is 2026–2027, with admission criteria and quotas already officially approved.

Students planning 2027–2028 admission should use that cycle only to understand the current structure.

They should not treat a 2026 deadline as a 2027 deadline unless the next admission cycle is officially published.

Recognition of Foreign Qualifications in Albania

Foreign School Qualifications

Students who completed upper-secondary education outside Albania may need formal recognition and equivalency.

Albania’s e-Albania service allows foreign applicants, including non-resident foreign citizens, to apply for recognition and equivalency of foreign upper-secondary qualifications. The process can require the relevant diploma, academic documentation, apostille or legalisation where applicable, notarisation and translation into Albanian by an appropriately licensed translator.

This can be a critical pre-admission requirement.

International applicants should therefore check recognition before the university application deadline, not after admission decisions have started.

Recognition of Foreign University Degrees

Applicants entering master’s, doctoral or other advanced study may need recognition of foreign higher-education qualifications.

Albania’s e-Albania service covers recognition of foreign qualifications at levels 5–8 of the Albanian Qualifications Framework. QSHA handles the relevant professional, bachelor’s, master’s and long-term specialisation qualifications, while doctoral-degree recognition follows the applicable higher-level procedure.

The current service states:

Recognition fee: 2,000 lek

and

Processing period: within 30 calendar days when the application file is complete.

Applicants should allow time for this process instead of assuming recognition will be immediate.

The current QSHA procedure also provides a five-working-day recognition route for qualifying cases involving diplomas from EU countries, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Norway, Israel, Switzerland, Iceland, Australia and Türkiye when the stated documentation and apostille conditions are satisfied. QSHA can also require additional authenticity verification when necessary.

Can International Students Study in Albania?

Yes.

International students can enter Albanian higher education subject to the admission rules of the institution, recognition of previous qualifications where required and applicable immigration procedures.

Depending on the case, applicants may need:

• passport;
• previous school or university qualification;
• transcripts;
• diploma recognition or equivalency;
• apostille or legalisation;
• translations;
• proof of teaching-language competence;
• university admission;
• visa where required;
• residence permission for longer study.

The exact checklist should come from the university and Albanian authorities handling the student’s particular case.

Can You Study in Albania in English?

Yes, but English-medium availability varies substantially between institutions and programs.

EPOKA University:

EPOKA states that English is the language of instruction across its study programs except Banking and Finance, which is available in both Albanian and English.

University of Tirana:

The University of Tirana’s current program catalogue identifies specific programs and options in English, rather than presenting the entire institution as English-medium.

The important rule is therefore:

English-taught programs exist in Albania.

It does not follow that:

Every program at an English-friendly university is taught entirely in English.

Always verify the exact degree.

Tuition Fees in Albania

There is no single national tuition figure that accurately describes Albanian higher education.

Tuition varies according to:

• university;
• public or non-public status;
• program;
• study level;
• domestic or international category;
• scholarship or tuition reduction.

Current EPOKA pricing demonstrates how much fees can vary even within one university.

EPOKA International Tuition Examples

EPOKA’s current central tuition schedule lists international fees including:

These are EPOKA-specific current published fees, not national Albanian prices.

The current EPOKA schedule therefore shows that international bachelor/integrated tuition can range from approximately €3,500 to €5,200 annually across the listed programs.

Public-University Tuition

Public-university fees should be obtained from the institution’s current fee decision for the exact academic year and degree.

The University of Tirana has officially published its 2026–2027 admission criteria and quotas, but students should not use an older tuition table and simply relabel it as 2027.

For 2027 planning, the safer approach is:

confirm the current program → obtain the current fee decision → identify any student-category rules → calculate total annual cost.

Cost of Living in Albania

Tuition is only one part of a study budget.

Students should separately calculate:

• rent;
• utilities;
• food;
• local transport;
• health insurance;
• study materials;
• visa and residence costs;
• personal expenses.

Costs can vary substantially between Tirana and Albania’s regional university cities, so a single national student-living figure can be misleading.

Students should price their likely housing and lifestyle in the actual city where they plan to study instead of relying on a generic Albania-wide estimate.

Scholarships in Albania

Scholarship research should be split into two different questions: funding available to students already studying in Albania and international or outbound scholarship opportunities. The Albanian Ministry of Education maintains a current scholarships and study-programmes channel with 2026–2027 opportunities, while universities such as EPOKA and the University of Tirana publish their own merit, fee-reduction and mobility opportunities.

Students should therefore verify the applicant category, host institution, academic year, deadline and what the award actually covers instead of treating “scholarship in Albania” as one universal benefit.

Funding opportunities vary by institution and program.

Potential routes include:

• university merit scholarships;
• tuition reductions;
• Erasmus+ mobility;
• European-funded study;
• bilateral programs;
• project-funded opportunities;
• institution-specific grants.

Scholarship availability should be treated as an individual program question rather than a national entitlement.

EPOKA Merit Scholarships

EPOKA currently publishes merit-based scholarships for bachelor and integrated-study applicants.

Its current scheme lists:

• 100% scholarship
• 75% scholarship
• 50% scholarship

for specified high-school/State Matura or SAT score bands. EPOKA says scholarships are limited, generally to 10–15 awards per study program, and identifies a minimum high-school average for eligibility under the published scheme.

For master’s applicants graduating from other universities, the current EPOKA scheme lists discounts from 10% to 40% according to previous CGPA. EPOKA graduates can qualify for discounts up to 50% under the university’s published scheme.

Applicants should confirm that the specific scholarship route applies to their category before relying on it financially.

Erasmus+ and European Mobility

Albanian universities participate in European mobility programs.

EPOKA, for example, published Erasmus+ mobility opportunities for the 2026–2027 academic year across several European partner institutions.

Such opportunities can expand the international value of an Albanian degree but should not be confused with a guaranteed full scholarship for the entire qualification.

A Fully Funded 2026–2027 Example

The University of Tirana is participating in the TESI-TN International Executive Master in Social Innovation for 2026–2027.

The university states that the program has no study fee and that travel, accommodation and food are covered through the Interreg IPA ADRION project. The announcement identifies 25 places and a 28 September 2026 application deadline.

This is a genuine funded opportunity.

It does not mean Albanian university education is generally free.

Best Universities in Albania for Engineering

Engineering applicants should begin by comparing:

Polytechnic University of Tirana:

Albania’s principal specialist public engineering university, with programs across major engineering, technology and architecture fields.

EPOKA University:

Offers engineering and technology study including computer engineering, civil engineering, software engineering and electronic/digital communication engineering, with extensive English-medium provision.

POLIS University:

Particularly relevant to architecture, planning, design and the built environment.

The final choice should depend on the exact engineering discipline, ASCAL accreditation, curriculum, facilities, teaching language and professional recognition.

Best Universities in Albania for Medicine and Health

Medicine and health applicants can investigate institutions such as:

• University of Medicine, Tirana;
• Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”;
• Western Balkans University;
• Aldent University;
• other Ministry-listed institutions with currently accredited health programs.

ASCAL’s current register contains separate recent accreditation decisions in areas such as nursing, physiotherapy and laboratory technology.

For medical and health professions, verify the institution, exact programme accreditation, clinical training and destination-country licensing requirements before enrolment.

Best Universities in Albania for Business

Business, administration and law is Albania’s largest higher-education field, representing 25.2% of current enrolment.

Institutions worth comparing include:

• University of Tirana;
• EPOKA University;
• European University of Tirana;
• University of New York Tirana;
• Luarasi University;
• Barleti University;
• Albanian University;
• other accredited providers.

The better comparison is:

program accreditation + curriculum + language + tuition + admissions

rather than institution name alone.

Best Universities in Albania for Computer Science and Technology

Students interested in computing, software, information security, AI or data-related study can investigate institutions including:

• University of Tirana;
• Polytechnic University of Tirana;
• EPOKA University;
• Metropolitan University;
• Western Balkans University;
• Canadian Institute of Technology University College.

The University of Tirana’s active program portfolio includes fields such as computer science, information and communication technology, and Data Science and Computer Engineering.

ASCAL’s database also shows current accreditation decisions in information security, artificial intelligence, computing and related fields, reinforcing the importance of program-level checks.

Best Universities in Albania for Architecture

Architecture applicants can compare:

• Polytechnic University of Tirana;
• POLIS University;
• EPOKA University.

POLIS has a strong specialist built-environment identity, while EPOKA currently lists an integrated Architecture program with international tuition of €5,200 per year.

Professional accreditation and recognition should be checked before choosing on ranking or tuition alone.

Best University in Albania for Agriculture

The Agricultural University of Tirana is the obvious first specialist institution to investigate for:

• agriculture;
• agronomy;
• forestry;
• ecology;
• agribusiness;
• related environmental study.

It currently ranks =195 in QS Southern Europe 2026.

Best University Cities in Albania

Tirana: Albania’s Main University City

Tirana contains the country’s largest concentration of higher-education institutions.

Major universities and colleges in the Tirana area include:

• University of Tirana;
• Polytechnic University of Tirana;
• Agricultural University of Tirana;
• University of Medicine;
• University of Arts;
• University of Sports;
• EPOKA University;
• POLIS University;
• European University of Tirana;
• University of New York Tirana;
• Western Balkans University;
• Luarasi University;
• Barleti University;
• Metropolitan University;
• several university colleges and specialist institutions.

Students seeking the widest institutional and subject choice will normally begin with Tirana.

Other University Cities in Albania

• Durrës: Home to Aleksandër Moisiu University, ranked =195 in QS Southern Europe 2026.
• Shkodër: Home to University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi.”
• Elbasan: Home to University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani.”
• Korçë: Home to “Fan S. Noli” University.
• Vlorë: Home to “Ismail Qemali” University.
• Gjirokastër: Home to “Eqrem Çabej” University.

A regional public university can be the better choice when the subject, location and total budget fit the student’s needs.

Albania Student Visa and Residence

University admission and immigration permission are separate processes.

Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs identifies:

Type C visa — short stay, up to 90 days within 180 days

and

Type D visa — long stay for foreign nationals intending to stay more than 90 days and for those who may obtain a residence permit after entry.

Visa requirements vary by nationality.

Students should therefore check the official Albanian visa regime instead of assuming all international students follow the same process.

D/ST Study Visa

For foreign nationals who require a visa for study, Albania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs identifies the relevant long-stay category as:

D/ST — visa for study purposes.

The student should establish whether this visa is required for their nationality before travel.

Albania Student Residence Permit

Study is an accepted basis for Albanian residence permission.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs currently lists the service fee for a study residence permit as:

• 4,500 lek — first application
• 2,250 lek — renewal

Students from nationalities requiring a visa are directed to obtain the appropriate D/ST study visa under the applicable rules.

Residence-permit rules can change, so the official immigration procedure should be rechecked immediately before application.

For the study-residence route, current Ministry of Internal Affairs guidance requires financial evidence for the requested stay. The published alternatives include an Albanian bank deposit of at least 300,000 lek per person for one calendar year or proof of monthly income of at least 32,000 lek per person.

There are nationality-specific fee and duration rules. On a first application, citizens of the United States, EU member states and Kosovo can receive a five-year residence permit with a 12,000-lek service fee. Kosovo citizens and specified ethnic-Albanian citizens of Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia studying in Albania are exempt from the residence-permit service fee, although the biometric-document cost remains payable.

Can International Students Work in Albania?

International students should be careful with generic claims about automatic work rights.

Current official Albanian immigration information clearly distinguishes study residence from other immigration and employment matters, but the official sources checked for this guide do not support a simple universal statement such as:

“Every international student can automatically work X hours per week.”

Students intending to work should therefore confirm the current employment rules applicable to their nationality and residence status before accepting paid employment.

A student residence permit should not be treated as evidence of unrestricted work rights.

Is Albania Good for International Students?

Albania can be an interesting study destination for students seeking:

• a European higher-education environment;
• public and private university choices;
• specialist engineering education;
• medicine and health programs;
• architecture;
• agriculture and environmental study;
• English-medium private education;
• Erasmus+ opportunities;
• smaller or more specialised institutions;
• study in the Western Balkans.

Its limitations are equally important.

International ranking coverage is smaller than in Europe’s largest university systems, English availability varies by program, accreditation must be checked carefully, and international applicants may need diploma recognition and immigration procedures before enrolment.

Who May Find Albania Particularly Suitable?

• Students wanting a broad public university: Begin with the University of Tirana.
• Engineering students: Compare the Polytechnic University of Tirana, EPOKA and other accredited technical options.
• Medical and health students: Investigate the University of Medicine, Tirana and appropriately accredited private programs.
• Students seeking extensive English-medium study: EPOKA University deserves particular attention because of its English-language teaching structure.
• Architecture students: Compare Polytechnic University of Tirana, POLIS and EPOKA.
• Agriculture students: Begin with the Agricultural University of Tirana.
• Students wanting a regional public university: Compare institutions in Durrës, Shkodër, Elbasan, Korçë, Vlorë and Gjirokastër.

How to Choose a University in Albania

1. Verify the institution. Start with the current Ministry of Education higher-education lists.
2. Check ASCAL. Verify current accreditation status.
3. Verify the exact program. Do not stop after confirming the university.
4. Choose by subject. Engineering, medicine, architecture, business and agriculture have different specialist leaders.
5. Confirm the teaching language. Check whether the actual degree is Albanian-medium, English-medium, bilingual or another arrangement.
6. Check foreign-diploma recognition. International applicants may need recognition or equivalency before enrolment.
7. Confirm the current admission cycle. Do not reuse an old deadline.
8. Obtain the exact tuition. Use the university’s current fee decision.
9. Research scholarships. Check university, Erasmus+, European and project-funded opportunities.
10. Calculate total cost. Include housing and living costs rather than comparing tuition alone.
11. Check immigration before paying. Establish whether you need a visa, D/ST study visa, study residence permit or additional documentation.
12. Verify professional recognition. This is particularly important for regulated professions.

Practical Albania University Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: How many universities are there in Albania?

ASCAL’s current live register marks 39 higher-education institutions as active: 14 public and 25 private. Not all 39 are conventional universities; the register also includes academies, university colleges and higher professional colleges.

How many higher-education students are there in Albania?

INSTAT reports 115,782 students in 2025–2026.

How many bachelor’s students are there?

There are 60,558 bachelor’s students in the 2025–2026 INSTAT data.

How many master’s students are there?

INSTAT reports 47,916 master’s students.

What are Albania’s largest university subjects?

Business, administration and law accounts for 25.2% of enrolment, health and welfare 22.2%, and engineering, manufacturing and construction 16.9%.

What is the University of Tirana ranking?

The University of Tirana is =154 in QS Southern Europe 2026 and 651–700 in QS Europe 2026.

Is EPOKA University ranked?

Yes. EPOKA is =165 in QS Southern Europe 2026 and 701–900 in Europe 2026.

Is POLIS University ranked?

Yes. POLIS is =165 in QS Southern Europe 2026 and 701–900 in Europe 2026.

Is Agricultural University of Tirana ranked?

Yes. It is =195 in QS Southern Europe 2026 and 901+ in QS Europe 2026.

Is Aleksandër Moisiu University ranked?

Yes. QS places it =195 in Southern Europe 2026.

What is the Polytechnic University of Tirana ranking?

Its QS profile currently displays No. 137 in Southern Europe for the 2025 edition. That 2025 position should not be presented as a 2026 or 2027 ranking.

What is the best university in Albania for engineering?

The Polytechnic University of Tirana is Albania’s major specialist public engineering university. EPOKA and POLIS can also be relevant depending on the exact engineering, architecture or technology field.

What is the best university in Albania for medicine?

The University of Medicine, Tirana is the specialist public medical university. Students should still verify their exact program through ASCAL and check destination-country licensing requirements.

Can international students study in English?

Yes.

EPOKA has extensive English-medium teaching, while the University of Tirana also identifies specific English-language programs.

How much does university cost in Albania?

There is no national standard tuition.

EPOKA’s current international fees provide examples from approximately €3,500 to €5,200 per year across listed bachelor and integrated programs. Other universities use their own fee structures.

Are scholarships available?

Yes.

Examples include EPOKA merit scholarships, Erasmus+ opportunities and EU-funded programs such as the University of Tirana’s 2026–2027 TESI-TN initiative.

Do international students need a visa?

It depends on nationality.

Students requiring long-stay immigration permission may need the Albanian Type D route, with D/ST identified for study purposes.

Is there a student residence permit?

Yes.

Study is a recognised residence basis, and the current service fee is 4,500 lek for the first application and 2,250 lek for renewal.

Can foreign qualifications be recognised in Albania?

Yes.

Albania provides official recognition procedures for both foreign secondary-school and higher-education qualifications.

How much does recognition of a foreign university degree cost?

The current e-Albania service lists a fee of 2,000 lek for covered higher-education qualification recognition procedures.

How long can degree recognition take?

The current service states that a complete covered application is processed within 30 calendar days.

Final Guide to Studying in Albania in 2027

Albania’s higher-education system is easier to understand when students distinguish between universities, university colleges, academies and specialist institutions instead of treating every higher-education entry as the same type of organisation.

The latest INSTAT evidence records:

115,782 higher-education students

including:

60,558 bachelor’s students

and

47,916 master’s students.

ASCAL’s current live register marks:

• 14 active public HEIs
• 25 active private HEIs
• 39 active HEIs in total

International ranking visibility remains modest compared with Europe’s largest university systems, but Albania has several institutions in QS Southern Europe 2026:

University of Tirana — =154 EPOKA University — =165 POLIS University — =165 Agricultural University of Tirana — =195 Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës — =195.

Ranking, however, is only the discovery stage.

An engineering student may reasonably prefer the Polytechnic University of Tirana even though its current QS profile does not display a 2026 Southern Europe position.

A medical applicant should give program accreditation and professional recognition more weight than general university ranking.

An international student seeking extensive English-medium education may find EPOKA particularly relevant.

An agriculture student has a specialist public university built around that field.

A student who wants a regional public-university experience can compare Durrës, Shkodër, Elbasan, Korçë, Vlorë and Gjirokastër rather than automatically choosing Tirana.

The strongest decision sequence is:

Verify the institution. Check ASCAL. Verify the exact program. Confirm the teaching language. Check recognition of your previous qualification. Use the current admissions cycle. Obtain the exact tuition. Research genuine scholarships. Calculate housing and living costs. Check visa and residence requirements. Verify professional recognition where relevant. Then shortlist. Then apply.

That approach turns an Albania university list into a practical international-study decision.

Knowledge is power. Education for everyone. Wisdom for all.