Colleges & Universities in Albania

Universities in Albania New

Introduction

What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in Albania? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 Albanian University Ranking of 35 Albanian higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:

  • being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate higher education-related organization in Albania
  • offering at least three-year bachelor's degrees or postgraduate master's or doctoral degrees
  • delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, non-distance education format

2025 Ranking of Albanian Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by Counties

The Republic of Albania is divided into 12 counties (Albanian: qark or qarqe). A significant number of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are concentrated in Tirana County (Albanian: Qarku i Tiranës), home to the nation's capital, Tirana, and its most populous region. The following uniRank league tables or sub-rankings consider all counties that have at least one Albanian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.


Durres (1)  
Elbasan (1)  
Gjirokaster (1)  
Korce (1)  
Shkoder (1)  
Tirana (27)  
Vlore (3)  

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Overview of Universities in Albania

Overview of Albanian Universities

Albania's higher education system comprises universities and non-university institutions offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. The sector includes 35 accredited institutions categorized as public (state-funded) or private (independent) universities. Public universities typically have longer histories and larger enrollments, while private institutions emerged post-1990 to meet growing demand. Universities range from comprehensive institutions covering diverse disciplines to specialized schools focusing on fields like agriculture, technology or business. All degrees follow the Bologna Process framework, ensuring international recognition.

Top 10 Albanian Universities

  1. University of Tirana (Universiteti i Tiranës)
    UT
    Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 4982 | Tirana, Tirana | Est. 1957 | Public | Comprehensive | Offers programs in sciences, humanities, social sciences and professional fields at bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.
  2. Polytechnic University of Tirana (Universiteti Politeknik i Tiranës)
    UPT
    Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 7294 | Tirana, Tirana | Est. 1991 | Public | Specialized (Engineering/Technology) | Focuses on engineering, architecture and applied sciences across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
  3. European University of Tirana (Universiteti Europian i Tiranës)
    UET
    Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 7698 | Tirana, Tirana | Est. 2006 | Private | Comprehensive | Provides social sciences, law, economics and international relations degrees at multiple academic levels.
  4. Epoka University (Universiteti Epoka)
    Epoka
    Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 7855 | Tirana, Tirana | Est. 2008 | Private | Comprehensive | Features programs in engineering, economics, architecture and social sciences from bachelor's to PhD levels.
  5. Agricultural University of Tirana (Universiteti Bujqësor i Tiranës)
    UBT
    Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 8025 | Tirana, Tirana | Est. 1951 | Public | Specialized (Agricultural Sciences) | Specializes in agriculture, veterinary medicine, forestry and environmental sciences across all degree levels.
  6. Ismail Qemali University of Vlora (Universiteti i Vlorës, Ismail Qemali)
    UV
    Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 8082 | Vlorë, Vlore | Est. 1994 | Public | Comprehensive | Offers diverse programs including natural sciences, economics, education and nursing at undergraduate and graduate levels.
  7. Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës (Universiteti Aleksandër Moisiu, Durrës)
    UAMD
    Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 8295 | Durrës, Durres | Est. 2005 | Public | Comprehensive | Provides professional studies in business, law, education and information technology across multiple degree cycles.
  8. University of Shkodra (Universiteti i Shkodrës Luigj Gurakuqi)
    USH
    Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 8881 | Shkodër, Shkoder | Est. 1957 | Public | Comprehensive | Features humanities, natural sciences, economics and education programs at bachelor's and master's levels.
  9. Fan S. Noli University of Korçe (Universiteti Fan S. Noli, Korçë)
    UK
    Country Rank: 9 | World Rank: 8936 | Korçë, Korce | Est. 1992 | Public | Comprehensive | Offers multidisciplinary programs in humanities, sciences, business and health sciences at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
  10. Polis University (Universiteti Polis)
    U_POLIS
    Country Rank: 10 | World Rank: 9048 | Tirana, Tirana | Est. 2006 | Private | Specialized (Design/Urban Studies) | Focuses on architecture, urban planning, design and cultural heritage management across degree programs.

Analysis of University Types

Albania's 35 universities demonstrate a significant private sector presence. Private institutions constitute 63% (22 universities), while public universities make up 37% (13 universities). This distribution reflects the expansion of private education since the 1990s, complementing the established public sector. Tirana hosts the highest concentration of both types, serving as Albania's primary academic hub.

Global Ranking and Standing

While Albanian universities serve critical national roles, none currently rank among the world's top 200 or top 1,000 institutions according to major global rankings. The highest-ranked Albanian institution holds a global position around #4982. This indicates opportunities for enhanced international research collaboration and academic investment to boost global competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the largest university in Albania?
A: The University of Tirana is Albania's largest and highest-ranked institution, serving over 35,000 students.

Q: Are degrees from Albanian universities recognized internationally?
A: Yes, degrees from accredited institutions follow the Bologna Process and are recognized throughout the European Higher Education Area.

Q: What languages are used for instruction?
A: Most programs are in Albanian, but many universities offer English-taught programs, particularly at master's level and in private institutions.

Q: How affordable is university education in Albania?
A: Public universities charge modest tuition (typically €300-€1000/year), while private institutions range from €2000-€4000/year.

Q: Which city has the most universities?
A: Tirana hosts over half of Albania's universities, including 7 of the top 10 institutions.


Related Albanian University Lists

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