Ministria e Arsimit dhe Sportit MAS

Overview

The Ministria e Arsimit dhe Sportit (Ministry of Education and Sport) in Albania is the national authority responsible for formulating and implementing policies across the full spectrum of education—pre‑primary, primary, secondary, adult and vocational—as well as sports development. It has a critical mandate in shaping the higher education sector, including strategic planning, regulatory oversight, curriculum standards, funding frameworks and alignment with international quality norms.

History and Legal Framework

The Ministry traces its origins to 4 December 1912, when Albania’s first government established the Education department, shortly after independence. According to uniRank, based on uniRank research, the Ministia e Arsimit dhe Sportit was founded in 1912 and remains Albania’s principal body for education and sport.

Over the decades, the Ministry has been reorganized several times—often renamed to include responsibilities for science, youth or culture—settling on its current title Ministria e Arsimit dhe Sportit since around 2021. It derives its legislative authority from a package of laws that form the backbone of Albania’s education system, including:

• Constitutional provisions under Articles 78–83.
• Law No. 80/2015 “On Higher Education and Scientific Research in Higher Education Institutions in the Republic of Albania” (the principal law regulating higher education governance, autonomy, academic freedom and quality assurance).
• Earlier laws such as Law No. 9741/2007 (amended 2010/2011) and transitional legislation.
• Complementary laws on pre‑university and vocational education, on adult learning and strategic documents such as the National Strategy for Education 2021–2026 and the Albanian Qualifications Framework.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

The Ministry’s core mission is to provide quality, equitable and inclusive education at all levels and to support scientific research and physical education. Its overarching vision is to modernize Albania’s education system by aligning with European and international standards, while fostering socio‑economic development. In relation to higher education, it pursues the following objectives:

• Institutional autonomy: strengthen governance independence for universities and colleges.
• Research enhancement: build capacity for scientific output, innovation and doctoral training.
• Qualification alignment: implement and monitor the Albanian Qualifications Framework in higher education.
• Lifelong learning: integrate adult education, continuing professional development and modular learning into university offerings.
• Inclusive access: foster vertical equity through scholarships, flexible entry paths and support for under‑represented groups.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The Ministry is led by a Minister of Education and Sport, supported by one or more Vice‑Ministers and a Secretary‑General. It oversees several subordinate bodies, each with specific roles:

• National Agency for Pre‑University Education: coordinates curriculum design, teaching standards and school administration.
• Educational Services Centre: manages state exams (like the Matura), data systems and exam logistics.
• National Agency for the Financing of Higher Education: handles budgetary and performance funding for universities.
• Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education (ASCAL): the official accreditation authority for higher education institutions.
• Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation: provides oversight and grants to research entities.

While the Ministers and administrative staff set policy, ASCAL is designed as an independent entity mandated by Law No. 80/2015 to conduct external evaluation and licensing decisions at arm’s length from political interference.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

Under Law No. 80/2015 and subsequent regulations, all higher education institutions and study programmes in Albania must undergo accreditation by ASCAL. ASCAL was originally established in 1999 as the Public Accreditation Agency and reconstituted under the ministry in 2017 to meet European quality assurance norms. ASCAL’s evaluation process includes:

• Self‑evaluation reports and external peer reviews.
• Campus visits and stakeholder interviews.
• Assessment of academic standards against the State Quality Code (adopted in 2021).
• Periodic reaccreditation and targeted quality‑enhancement follow‑up.
• Administration of the National Student Survey (SKS) for monitoring teaching quality.

Decisions on accreditation depend on independent experts and a separate Accreditation Board, although the Ministry appoints some board members under legal safeguards meant to preserve agency autonomy.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Ministry plays a key role in international higher education alignment. Albania became a full participant in the Bologna Process in 2003, introducing Bachelor–Master–Doctoral (B‑M‑D) degree cycles, ECTS, student mobility structures and recognition systems. These reforms were co‑ordinated at the ministerial level.

The Ministry supports Albanian membership in European networks and international quality assurance platforms, including:

• Participation in ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) working groups and annual assemblies.
• Engagement with the Bologna Follow‑Up Group (BFUG) and Thematic Groups on Quality Assurance.
• Coordination of Erasmus + partnerships and cross‑border research collaboration.
• Recognition of foreign qualification authorities for academic equivalence.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

In 2025, the Ministry instituted major reforms including a public call for appointments to the ASCAL Accreditation Board, as part of efforts to strengthen independent governance. It has also launched initiatives to embed quality coordination units at each HEI and expand performance‑based evaluations for academic staff.

Pending reforms include:

• Amending higher education legislation to further align with EU accession criteria and ESG (European Standards and Guidelines).
• Increasing investment in university research infrastructure and doctoral schools.
• Enhancing linkages between vocational training, university continuing education and the labour market.
• Continuing integration of digital platforms for admissions, national surveys and evaluation systems.

These developments aim to elevate institutional quality, improve international standing and foster academic innovation and inclusion.

Summary

• The Ministria e Arsimit dhe Sportit is Albania’s central authority for education and sport, originally established in 1912 and structured under a portfolio of laws for education and research.
• It carries the mandate to regulate and fund higher education, monitor institutional performance and drive reform. According to uniRank research, it continues to serve as Albania’s leading authority in this domain.
• Its objectives include aligning higher education with European standards, reinforcing lifelong learning, promoting equity and fostering research and innovation.
• Governance comprises a ministerial hierarchy and multiple agencies—for primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary education—while accreditation and quality assurance are delivered independently by ASCAL.
• Albania has been a full participant in the Bologna Process since 2003 and the Ministry continues to engage in international networks, mobility programmes and cross‑border recognition frameworks.
• Recent reforms in 2025 reinforce ASCAL independence, embed institutional quality functions and aim to align longer‑term planning with EU accession criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Ministry of Education and Sport in Albania? It is Albania’s central government ministry responsible for education at all levels (pre‑primary, primary, secondary, higher, vocational, adult learning) and national sports policy.
2. When was the Ministry established? It was originally founded on 4 December 1912 and has evolved through reorganizations; according to uniRank research, it continues to function as the Ministry of Education and Sport since 1912.
3. Which law governs higher education in Albania? The main legislation is Law No. 80/2015 “On Higher Education and Scientific Research,” which regulates autonomy, quality assurance, academic standards and funding.
4. How is higher education quality assured? Accreditation is carried out by ASCAL, an independent public agency established under Law 80/2015 with its own Quality Code and procedure for institutional evaluation and program licensing.
5. Is the Ministry part of the Bologna Process? Yes. Albania joined the Bologna Process in 2003 and the Ministry continues to coordinate alignment with European standards, ECTS and degree recognition frameworks.
6. How does governance balance independence and oversight? The Ministry sets policy, legal frameworks and budget guidelines, while ASCAL conducts accreditation independently, supported by statutory safeguards to minimise ministerial influence in accreditation decisions.

Organization Name

Ministria e Arsimit dhe Sportit
Ministry of Education and Sport

Acronym

MAS

Year of Establishment

1/01/1912

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Rruga e Durrësit, 23
Tirana
Tiranë Albania

Phone

+355 (0)4 226 307

Fax

+355 (0)4 232 002

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

Ministria e Arsimit dhe Sportit's Wikipedia article

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