Study Abroad in Albania – Your Gateway to Affordable European Education
Albania, on Southeastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, is a small country with Adriatic and Ionian coastlines and an interior crossed by the Albanian Alps. The country has many castles and archaeological sites. Capital Tirana centers on sprawling Skanderbeg Square, site of the National History Museum, with exhibits spanning antiquity to post-communism, and frescoed Et’hem Bey Mosque.
Geography
Location: Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans, bordered by Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece.
Coastlines: Adriatic Sea (west) & Ionian Sea (southwest) – beautiful beaches.
Capital: Tirana.
Terrain: Mostly mountainous (the Albanian Alps), with fertile lowlands near the coast.
Climate: Mediterranean along the coast (mild winters, hot summers), continental in the interior.
Developmental Status
Classified as an upper-middle-income country (World Bank).
Economy: Services, agriculture, energy (hydropower), and growing tourism sector.
Candidate for EU membership (official negotiations ongoing).
Infrastructure: Developing rapidly, though still behind Western Europe.
Education: Member of the Bologna Process, aligning its higher education with European standards.
Political Situation
Government: Parliamentary Republic.
Stable democracy with improving governance, though challenges include corruption and emigration.
NATO member since 2009.
EU: Candidate country since 2014, negotiations ongoing → closer ties with Europe.
Diplomatic Ties with India
Diplomatic relations since 1956.
India is represented through its embassy in Bucharest, Romania (also accredited to Albania).
Cooperation areas: culture, education, and mutual support in international forums.
Growing interest in academic & people-to-people exchanges.
Albania as a Study Destination
Academic Advantages
European Standard Education – Albania is part of the Bologna Process, so degrees are recognized across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
English-taught programs – Growing number in Medicine, Business, IT, Engineering, Tourism & Hospitality.
Medical Education – MBBS/MD programs are popular due to affordable tuition compared to Western Europe.
Exchange opportunities – Erasmus+ programs allow study in EU universities for a semester/year.
Financial Benefits
Low Tuition Fees –
Non-medical: €1,000–€4,000/year
Medical: €5,000–€8,000/year
Living Costs – Around €300–€500/month (accommodation, food, transport).
Scholarships – Limited, but some universities and Albanian government programs offer partial support.
ICD provides Kerala- style cuisines to retain homely feel and taste.
Lifestyle & Cultural Benefits
Safe & Student-friendly – Albania is considered safe with welcoming locals.
Beautiful Geography – Adriatic & Ionian coasts, Albanian Alps → ideal for travel & nature lovers.
Multilingual Environment – Students can learn Albanian while most youth speak English & Italian.
Cultural Mix – Blend of Mediterranean, Balkan, and Ottoman
Student Visa for Albania
Type of Visa
Type D – Long-Term Student Visa: Required for studies exceeding 90 days.
Eligibility
Admission to a recognized Albanian university (public or private).
Proof of sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living expenses.
Health insurance covering your stay in Albania.
Required Documents
Admission/Acceptance Letter from the university.
Valid Passport (at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay).
Completed Visa Application Form.
Passport-sized Photographs.
Proof of Financial Means (bank statement, scholarship letter).
Health Insurance covering Albania.
Accommodation Proof (university dorm or private rental).
Criminal Record Certificate (if required by embassy).
Application Process
Apply at the nearest Albanian Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Submit all documents and pay the visa fee.
Wait for visa processing (usually 2–4 weeks).
Upon approval, receive your student visa and travel to Albania.
Universities in Albania: Courses, Fees & Intake -
ICD has hostels nearby every university to ease the burden of transportation for students.
Public Medical Universities in Albania
1. University of Medicine, Tirana (UMT)
Location: Tirana, Albania
Course: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Duration: 6 years (including 1-year internship)
Curriculum: The program emphasizes biomedical foundations and socio-humanistic competencies. Courses focus on medical ethics, patient safety, communication, and interprofessional teamwork.
Tuition Fees: Approximately €5,000–€6,000 per year
Intake Period: October
2. Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel” (UNIZKM)
Location: Tirana and Elbasan, Albania
Course: Medicine and Surgery
Duration: 6 years
Curriculum: The program includes primary didactic activity, preclinical and clinical practice. Pre-clinical and clinical practice corresponds to 78 credits in total. Part of the clinical activity is carried out near the hospital structures of the partner university in Italy. The didactic activity is administered by Italian professors of the University “Tor Vergata” in Rome, attending the same study plan with that of the partner university and classes are held in Italian. School attendance by students is compulsory up to 67% for each course.
Tuition Fees: Approximately €4,000–€5,000 per year
Intake Period: October
Private Medical Universities in Albania
1. Western Balkans University (WBU)
Location: Tirana, Albania
Programs Offered:
Medicine (MSc) – 6 years
Dentistry (MSc) – 5 years
Pharmacy (MSc) – 5 years
Bachelor’s Programs in Nursing, Physiotherapy, Imaging Technician, Laboratory Technician, Health Care Management, and more
Tuition Fees:
Medicine: €14,000/year
Dentistry: €9,000/year
Pharmacy: €6,000/year
Bachelor’s Programs: €5,000/year
Language of Instruction: English
Affiliations: Cambridge Clinical Laboratories, American Hospitals Group, International Hygeia Hospital
Public Universities Offering UG & PG Courses in Albania
1. University of Tirana (UT)
Location: Tirana
Established: 1957
Faculties:
Faculty of Economy
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Faculty of History and Philology
Faculty of Foreign Languages
Programs Offered:
Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in various fields including economics, social sciences, natural sciences, history, and languages.
Postgraduate: Master’s and Doctoral programs in respective disciplines.
Language of Instruction: Primarily Albanian; some programs may offer courses in English.
2. Polytechnic University of Tirana (UPT)
Location: Tirana
Established: 1951
Faculties:
Faculty of Civil Engineering
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Electrical Engineering
Faculty of Computer Engineering
Programs Offered:
Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in engineering disciplines.
Postgraduate: Master’s programs in engineering and technology fields.
Language of Instruction: Albanian; some programs may offer courses in English.
3. University of Vlora “Ismail Qemali”
Location: Vlora
Established: 1994
Faculties:
Faculty of Economics
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Engineering
Programs Offered:
Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in economics, law, education, and engineering.
Postgraduate: Master’s programs in respective disciplines.
Language of Instruction: Albanian; some programs may offer courses in English.
4. Fan Noli University
Location: Korçë
Established: 1971
Faculties:
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Economics
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Programs Offered:
Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in education, economics, and natural sciences.
Postgraduate: Master’s programs in respective disciplines.
Language of Instruction: Albanian; some programs may offer courses in English.
5. University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi”
Location: Shkodër
Established: 1994
Faculties:
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Faculty of Education
Programs Offered:
Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in social sciences, natural sciences, and education.
Postgraduate: Master’s programs in respective disciplines.
Language of Instruction: Albanian; some programs may offer courses in English.
Public Medical Universities in Albania -
University | Location | Courses Offered (UG & PG) | Tuition Fees (EUR/year) | Intake Period | Language of Instruction |
University of New York Tirana (UNYT) | Tirana | Business, Computer Science, Law, Social Sciences, Psychology | €2,500–5,200 | October | English |
Albanian University | Tirana | Business, Law, Social Sciences, Psychology | €2,500–4,500 | October | Albanian, English |
Beder University | Tirana | Business, Law, Architecture, Design, Communication | €2,500–4,000 | October | Albanian, English |
Luarasi University | Tirana | Business, Law, Computer Science, Economics | €2,000–4,000 | October | Albanian, English |
Aldent University | Tirana | Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Technology | €1,000–2,000 per semester | October | Albanian, English |
European University of Tirana (UET) | Tirana | Economics, Law, Political Science, Business, Information Technology | €2,500–4,500 | October | English, Albanian |
Aleksander Moisiu University (Private Programs) | Durrës | Business, Economics, Education, Political Science | €2,000–3,500 | October | Albanian, English |
How to apply?
Step 1: Choose Your University & Program
- Research public and private universities in Albania.
- Decide between medical vs non-medical programs, UG or PG courses.
- Check language of instruction (Albanian, English, or Italian).
- Compare tuition fees, intake periods, and curriculum.
Step 2: Check Admission Requirements
Undergraduate (UG)
- High school diploma with relevant subjects.
- Proof of English/Italian proficiency if the program is not in Albanian.
- Passport copy.
Postgraduate (PG)
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Proof of English/Italian proficiency if required.
- Passport copy, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters.
Medical Programs
- Science background (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) at high school.
- English/Italian proficiency.
- Some universities may require an entrance exam or interview.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
- Completed application form (available on university website).
- High school/undergraduate transcripts and certificates.
- Passport copy.
- Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or Italian certificate).
- Passport-sized photos.
- CV / Motivation letter / Recommendation letters (for PG programs).
- Medical certificate (for medical courses).
- Application fee (if applicable).
Step 4: Submit Your Application
- Apply online through the university website or via email.
- Attach all required documents.
- Pay the application fee, if required.
Step 5: Wait for Admission Decision
- Universities typically review applications within 2–6 weeks.
- Some may require an online interview or exam.
- Upon acceptance, the university issues an admission/acceptance letter.
Step 6: Apply for a Student Visa
- Once accepted, apply for a Type D student visa at the nearest Albanian embassy/consulate.
- Required for all non-EU students (including Indian students).
Documents for Student Visa
- Admission letter from the university.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of financial means.
- Health insurance.
- Accommodation details.
Step 7: Travel & Enrollment
- Book your travel to Albania.
- Register at the university upon arrival.
- Apply for residence permit (valid for 1 year, renewable).
Documents Needed
General Documents for All Programs
- Completed Application Form – Available on the university website.
- Valid Passport Copy – Must be valid for the duration of your study.
- Passport-sized Photographs – Usually 2–4 recent photos.
- Application Fee Receipt – If the university charges one.
Academic Documents
For Undergraduate Programs (UG)
- High School Diploma / Certificate – Officially notarized and translated into English or Albanian.
- High School Transcripts / Marksheets – Notarized and translated.
- Proof of Science Background – For medical courses: Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
For Postgraduate Programs (PG)
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate – Notarized and translated if required.
- Bachelor’s Transcripts / Marksheets – Detailed record of grades.
- CV / Resume – Highlighting academic & professional experience.
- Motivation / Statement of Purpose – Explaining why you want to study the program.
- Letters of Recommendation – Usually 2–3 from professors or employers.
Language Proficiency Documents
- English-taught programs: IELTS / TOEFL / PTE score.
- Italian-taught programs (e.g., UNIZKM): Italian language proficiency certificate.
- Some universities may offer internal language tests.
Medical / Health Documents (for Medical Students)
- Medical Certificate – Confirming physical and mental fitness.
- Vaccination Record – As required by the university or Albanian health authorities.
ICD arranges the required documents for students and helps them make their dreams come true.
Benefits of studying in Albania
Academic Benefits
- European Standard Education
- Albania follows the Bologna Process, ensuring that degrees are recognized across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
- Both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs meet international quality standards.
- English and Italian-Taught Programs
- Many universities offer English-taught courses for international students.
- Some medical programs are taught in Italian, opening opportunities in Italy and Europe.
- Modern Curriculum and Facilities
- Universities offer up-to-date labs, libraries, and research facilities.
- Medical programs include clinical training in affiliated hospitals.
- Wide Range of Courses
- Albania offers programs in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Business, Engineering, Law, IT, Economics, Social Sciences, and Arts.
Financial Benefits
- Affordable Tuition Fees
- Public universities: €1,000–€3,500/year for UG and PG programs.
- Private universities: €2,000–5,200/year depending on the program.
- Low Cost of Living
- Monthly living expenses: €300–€500, including accommodation, food, and transportation.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Some universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships for international students.
Cultural and Lifestyle Benefits
- Safe and Student-Friendly Environment
- Albania is considered safe and welcoming for international students.
- Rich Cultural Heritage
- Blend of Mediterranean, Balkan, and Ottoman influences.
- Opportunities to explore historic cities, coastal towns, and mountains.
- Multilingual Environment
- Students can learn Albanian, and most locals also speak English and Italian.
- Travel Opportunities in Europe
- Close to Italy, Greece, and other Balkan countries, making short trips accessible.
Career and Professional Benefits
- Globally Recognized Degrees
- Degrees from Albanian universities are recognized in Europe and other parts of the world.
- Medical Career Opportunities
- Medical graduates can sit for exams like USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), NEXT/MCI (India).
- Clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals give hands-on experience.
- Growing Economy
- Albania’s developing economy offers opportunities in tourism, IT, trade, education, and healthcare.
