Studying in Tirana in 2025: What to Expect (Degrees, Costs, Admissions, Visas)

If you’re thinking of studying in Tirana soon but don’t know where to start, you’re at the right place. This guide walks you through how degrees are structured, what programs exist in English, typical tuition fees, living costs, admissions, visas, part-time work rules, and how recognition and accreditation work here.

Quick snapshot

Just some points to consider before starting the research on main universities in Tirana:

• Degree format: Albania follows the Bologna system (3-year Bachelor, 1–2-year Master, PhD) and uses ECTS credits (60 per academic year).
• Sprog: Public universities mainly teach in Albanian, with some English-taught options (more common at private universities).
• Quality & accreditation: Programs and institutions are quality-assured by ASCAL (Albania’s Higher-Ed Quality Assurance Agency).
• Visas & stay: Most non-EU/EEA students need a Type D study visa and then apply for a residence permit after arrival. E-Visa+2Guide Consultants+2

Degrees & how the system works

Albania is part of the European Higher Education Area. As mentioned in this article, degrees are aligned to the three-cycle Bologna model and use ECTS, so credit recognition across Europe is straightforward. Typical paths to keep in mind are:

• Bachelor: 3 years (180 ECTS)
• Master: 1–2 years (60–120 ECTS)
• PhD: 3+ years

Where to study (and in what language)

Public universities (e.g., University of Tirana; Polytechnic University of Tirana) offer a wide range of programs you can choose from. Instruction is mostly in Albanian, especially at the undergraduate level, though you’ll find some courses in English and other languages (notably in languages, economics, and selected master’s programs).

Private universities in Tirana commonly run English-taught programs:

• Epoka University – engineering, architecture, business; posts separate fees for international students.
• University of New York Tirana (UNYT) – business, CS, social sciences; publishes detailed tuition info. International UNYT
• Canadian Institute https://cit.edu.al/of Technology (CIT) – engineering, tech, business; transparent fee tables. CIT
• University Metropolitan Tirana (UMT) – advertises English-taught programs across cycles.

Tuition fees (examples for 2025)

Fees vary by university and program. A few current, public examples:

• Epoka University (annual): The annual tuition fee is paid in two equal installments, before Fall and Spring semester course registrations. Prices range depending on the selected program, with some ranging from €3500 – €5,200.
• UNYT (annual): many Bachelors around €3,600–€3,900; the university also advertises scholarships on selected programs.
• CIT (annual): €3,000–€3,500 for first-cycle programs; €3,500 for second-cycle (master’s). CIT

Admissions: what universities usually ask for

Requirements vary, but expect:

• High-school diploma (for Bachelor) or relevant Bachelor’s (for Master), transcripts, and matura/equivalency where applicable. International UNYT
• Language proof: English-taught programs often ask for B1/B2 English (e.g., Epoka bachelor entry lists B1; UNYT notes B1/B2 and accepted tests like IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge).
• Passport & photos, possibly Apostille on originals, and any entrance tests if required by the program.

Visas and residence permits (non-EU/EEA)

1. Apply for a Type D study visa (online portal available) before you travel if your nationality requires a visa. You’ll need an acceptance letter, proof of funds, health insurance, and other standard documents.
2. After arrival, apply for a residence permit for studies within the allowed window; the U.S. Embassy also notes this requirement for longer stays.

Always cross-check with your university’s international office and Albania’s official portals for any updates.

If you need support with residency visas, feel free to kontakt os, and we’ll guide you through every step.

Can you work part-time while studying?

Yes, you can still work part-time while studying, with the right authorization. Albania’s rules allow student work permits and reduced working hours during the academic year (full-time often allowed during official breaks). You must apply for the appropriate work permission in addition to your residence permit. Exact weekly hour caps can vary, so confirm current limits when you apply.

Recognition, accreditation & diploma equivalence

• Accreditation & quality assurance are overseen by ASCAL. You can check institutional/program status and the agency’s mandate.
• For recognizing foreign diplomas in Albania (or having your Albanian diploma recognized abroad), the ENIC-NARIC network is your reference. Albania hosts the ENIC-NARIC center and recently hosted the networks’ annual meeting in Tirana.
• Albania’s e-government portal outlines recognition/conversion procedures for foreign diplomas (levels 5–8).

Pros & watch-outs

Pros

• European degree structure (Bologna/ECTS) eases mobility.
• Lower tuition than many Western European options (especially at some private universities compared to EU capitals).
• Growing set of English-taught programs in Tirana.

Watch-outs

• Many public undergrad programs are in Albanian; check the language before applying.
• Part-time work requires the correct permit and is generally limited during term-time.
• Housing near campus can be competitive around September; start early.

A simple timeline (save this)

• 3–9 months out: shortlist programs; verify language, fees, and deadlines on official pages; prepare language scores.
• 2–4 months out: accept offer; gather visa documents; apply for Type D visa if required.
• Upon arrival: finalize housing; apply for a residence permit; ask about student work permission if you plan to work.

Need help with the paperwork?

If you’re set on studying here and want support with a visa, residence permit for studies, or work permission, Expatax can help you handle the admin correctly, on time, and with the right documents.

Kilder

• ASCAL (Quality Assurance in Higher Education) – mandate & updates; ENQA/QAA profiles.
• Bologna/EHEA – three-cycle system & ECTS.
• University language & program info – University of Tirana/PUT pages, TopUniversities.
• Tuition examples – Epoka, UNYT, CIT official fee pages.
• Visas & stay – Albania e-Visa, long-stay visa (Type D) explainer, U.S. Embassy note on residence permits.
• Student work permission – Law on Foreigners (Type F work permission for students, reduced hours during term).