Country Page | Albania

General information about the higher education system in the country

Higher Education Reform Initiatives in Albania (2019–2025)

Albania’s higher education system is regulated by the Ministry of Education and Sports, which is responsible for policy development and oversight of higher education institutions (HEIs). The system comprises both public and private institutions offering academic and professional programmes across a wide range of fields. It is aligned with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), following a three-cycle structure (bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral studies) and using the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) to support qualification recognition and student mobility.

Quality assurance is a central component of the system. Higher education institutions are required to implement internal quality assurance mechanisms, while external evaluation is conducted through accreditation processes at institutional and programme level by the Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education. Institutions are also expected to promote student-centred learning, research development and alignment with labour market needs, ensuring that graduates acquire relevant academic and professional skills.

1. National Strategy for Higher Education 2021-2026

The National Strategy for Higher Education in Albania was established to guide the reform of higher education institutions and improve their quality and relevance. Although it was initiated prior to 2019, its implementation continued into the last four years, focusing on enhancing academic standards, increasing access to education, and promoting research and innovation.

Key objectives included:

• Improving governance in higher education.
• Enhancing the quality of teaching and learning.
• Strengthening research capacities.
• Increasing international cooperation.

For more details, visit the official website: Draft-Strategjia-per-Arsimin-2021-2026.pdf

2. The Albanian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

In 2020, Albania launched the Albanian Qualifications Framework as part of its commitment to align with European standards. This initiative aimed to create a comprehensive framework that would facilitate the recognition of qualifications both nationally and internationally. The AQF is designed to enhance transparency in educational outcomes and support lifelong learning.

Further information can be found here: https://ehea.info/Upload/Al_Ref_Rep-converted.pdf

3. Quality Assurance Developments

Reforms have prioritised strengthening both internal and external quality assurance systems. This includes improvements to institutional quality mechanisms and accreditation procedures, aiming to ensure consistency, accountability and higher academic standards across the system.

4. Erasmus+ Program Participation

Albania has been actively participating in the Erasmus+ program since 2014, which continues to play a significant role in higher education reform by promoting student mobility, faculty exchanges, and partnerships between universities across Europe. In recent years, several projects have been funded under this program that focus on curriculum development, capacity building for universities, and improving educational practices.

For updates on specific projects related to Erasmus+, refer to: SELECTION RESULTS | National Erasmus+ Office

5. Higher Education Institutions Quality Assurance Agency (HEIQA)

Established in 2021, HEIQA is responsible for ensuring the quality of higher education institutions in Albania through accreditation processes and regular evaluations. This agency aims to enhance institutional accountability and improve educational outcomes by setting clear standards for quality assurance.

More information can be accessed at: Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education

6. Digitalization of Higher Education

Since 2020, and particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, Albania has accelerated the digitalisation of higher education. This includes the expansion of online learning platforms, increased use of information and communication technologies (ICT), and the development of flexible and blended learning formats. Digital transformation is now an ongoing priority supporting innovation in teaching and learning.

Details regarding these initiatives can be found at Qeveria Shqiptare Keshilli i Ministrave
 

7.Higher education internationalization
Internationalization of higher education in Albania and integration in the European Higher Education Area The internationalization of higher education is a relatively new concept that is related to the increased mobility of students, academic staff and skilled workers. In the last 35 years, the European Union has given great importance to the mobility of students,academic staff and researchers,creating for this purpose special programs such as: Tempus, Erasmus+, Marie Curie, etc. From the point of view of a country in transition such as Albania, the purpose of such programs is to expose students and academic staff to the best European experiences, as well as to create cooperation relationships between Albanian and European HEIs, thus contributing to the best possible integration of Albania in the European Higher Education Area. Digital services The use of information and communication technology has significantly influenced the advancement of higher education, both in terms of the content of study programs and the way of studying. Thus, thanks to ICT, students today have access to quality learning materials, while distance and combined study programs offer opportunities for maximum flexibility in terms of time commitments. Therefore, it is important that ICT infrastructure and digital services in higher education are continuously advanced.

Recent policy developments (2024–2025)

Recent developments in Albania’s higher education sector are characterised primarily by the continuation and implementation of existing reform priorities rather than the introduction of entirely new policy frameworks. Key focus areas include:

• Further strengthening of quality assurance systems

• Continued modernisation of teaching and learning methods

• Ongoing digitalisation of education

• Stronger alignment with labour market needs

• Sustained internationalisation efforts through Erasmus+ and other initiatives

Overall, reforms in this period aim to consolidate previous progress while enhancing system performance, institutional capacity and student outcomes.

Information about relevant projects and initiatives