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General information about the higher education system in the country

Kosovo's higher education system is governed by the Higher Education Law No.04/L-037, established in 2011. This law outlines the framework for both public universities and private institutions, such as colleges, institutes, and professional schools. To operate, all institutions must first be accredited at both the institutional and program levels by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI). New public higher education institutions require MESTI’s approval, ratified by the Assembly of Kosovo. Furthermore, only accredited institutions are authorized to offer degree or diploma programs. Students can pursue higher education after completing secondary school and passing the State Matura Exam, which serves as an entry requirement for higher education institutions. The Law on Final Examinations and the State Matura Examination regulates this process, ensuring that students who meet the standards are eligible to enroll in higher education programs.

Kosovo has been applying principles of the Bologna Process since 2001, which led to significant reforms, including the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and the adoption of a three-tiered degree system (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate). While Kosovo is not an official signatory due to its nonmembership in the Council of Europe, it has embraced key elements of the Bologna Process, such as promoting student mobility and implementing a quality assurance system. The ECTS system in Kosovo assigns 25 hours of workload per credit, with a full-time academic year totaling 1,500 hours.

Higher education institutions in Kosovo are categorized as follows:
 

• Universities, which provide programs across five fields and offer degrees up to the Doctoral level;
• University Colleges, which offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in at least three areas;
• Colleges, which focus on either professional or academic programs at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels;
• Higher Professional Schools, which offer vocational training at the Bachelor’s level, including programs defined by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) at Level 5.

Kosovo’s Education Strategy 2022–2026 aims to address systemic challenges in higher education, focusing on improving program quality, better governance, and fostering connections with the labor market. One major goal is to promote STEM education, increase international cooperation, and align educational programs with global standards. The strategy also seeks to improve the governance and funding of institutions, ensure academic integrity, and promote student-centered learning approaches. In 2023, the passing of the Law on Higher Education Accreditation was crucial in securing the independence of the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA). This move was necessary for Kosovo’s reintegration into European bodies such as the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) and the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR), emphasizing the country’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

The government has also prioritized inclusivity, introducing scholarships to encourage more women to pursue studies in STEM fields. This is part of a broader push toward digitalization and fostering the necessary skills for Kosovo’s economy, particularly in the ICT sector. Teaching and learning in the digital era, embodies the dedication of Kosovo Government to digital transformation of whol educational cycle not only higher edcuation. This commitment is exemplified by Kosovo National Development Strategy, Kosovo Digital Agenda 2030, the E-Government Strategy (2023-2027), and Kosovo being part of the regional Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans. These initiatives aim to bolster connectivity, advance digital literacy, and stimulate economic growth through technology and innovation.

Information on recent policy updates, major reforms and related news

Kosovo's higher education system has experienced major reforms and policy updates in recent years, particularly in 2022 and 2023. These reforms have been guided by the Kosovo Education Strategy 2022–2026 (KES), which serves as an overarching strategic document for the development of education across all 4 levels. The KES focuses on addressing key challenges in Kosovo's educational system, improving coordination of development policies, and enhancing institutional processes.

A significant element of the strategy is the improvement of higher education quality through the review of study programs, the advancement of academic infrastructure, and the promotion of excellence in both teaching and research. This strategy also enforces rigorous institutional evaluation standards, aiming to ensure transparency, academic integrity, and accountability in universities. The overall goal is to align Kosovo’s higher education with European and international benchmarks, ensuring that institutions remain competitive and provide high-quality education.

In 2023, the Law on Higher Education was passed, strengthening the legal framework and ensuring the autonomy and accountability of higher education institutions. This law supports the goals of the Berlin Process, facilitating the mutual recognition of academic qualifications across the Western Balkans and promoting student mobility and professional opportunities throughout the region. Additionally, the Private Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Higher Education (PSPSHE) project was launched in April 2023, funded by USAID. This initiative connects universities with the labor market, particularly in agriculture and ICT sectors. It emphasizes collaboration between universities and businesses to modernize curricula and provide practical experiences such as internships and mentorships. The project aims to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills needed for immediate employment, helping to align academic programs with the evolving demands of the Kosovo economy.
 

On the research front, Kosovo introduced the Kosovo Information System for Scientific Research (KRIS) in 2023. KRIS is a platform for managing and standardizing scientific research data, improving collaboration between researchers, and promoting transparency. This platform plays a key role in integrating Kosovo’s research efforts with European standards and strengthening its participation in international academic networks. Investment in educational infrastructure has also been a priority. The Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at the University of Pristina saw major modernization in 2023, with the construction of new, state-ofthe- art facilities that enhance both learning and research environments. Furthermore, Kosovo is focusing on promoting inclusivity and gender equality in education, particularly in the STEM fields. 

In 2023 and 2024, the Ministry of Education hosted a STEM Conference called "STEMinists" aimed at increasing female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The government also introduced scholarships for women in these fields, nearly five thousand scholarships to girls studying in STEM fields, and hundreds of scholarships for students from non-majority communities, in our public universities – in particular those who chose IT, engineering and related fields. In terms of governance, the recent Law on Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions guarantees the autonomy of the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA), ensuring that it has both financial and institutional independence. This was a critical requirement for Kosovo’s rejoining of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) and the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR), which signifies Kosovo’s commitment to maintaining high-quality education standards. 

These reforms represent Kosovo’s dedication to creating a dynamic, competitive, and inclusive higher education system that meets international standards and contributes significantly to the country’s socioeconomic development. It's important to note that nearly 100% of households in Kosovo have digital penetration, with almost all citizens utilizing digital devices and technology for their daily requirements. This strong foundation presents an excellent opportunity to further improve our education system. While our schools are not yet fully digitalized, substantial progress is underway. Kosovo has established the Kosovo Research Education Network (KREN) in 2023, providing Higher Education Institutions with access to modern infrastructure, platforms, software, and opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange within and outside Kosovo. The services are also expanding to pre-university institutions, enabling Kosovo educators to access quality resources online and engage with a global community.

Information about relevant projects and initiatives

Relevant links

• Kosovo Erasmus+ Office
• Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation
• Kosovo Accreditation Agency 
• EU Office in Kosovo