Thinking of studying in Albania? You’re not alone.

This small but mighty Balkan country is quietly becoming one of Europe’s hidden gems for higher education. With affordable tuition, vibrant student life, and an increasing number of programs taught in English, Albania is a great place to study — especially if you’re looking for a unique, budget-friendly alternative to Western Europe.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 20 best universities in Albania — from the most prestigious institutions in Tirana to lesser-known universities that offer strong, career-focused programs.

Let’s get started!

Why Consider Studying in Albania?

Before we jump into the list, you might be wondering: Why Albania?

Here are a few good reasons:

• 💸 Lower tuition fees: A year of studies here can cost as little as €1,000–€3,000, compared to €10,000+ in Western Europe.

• 🌍 International vibe: More universities are offering English-taught programs, making it easier for foreign students to adapt.

• 🏖️ Beautiful scenery: Beaches, mountains, castles, and great weather — need we say more?

• 🧠 Quality education: Many institutions are now aligned with the Bologna Process, meaning your degree will be recognized across Europe.

🎓 Top 20 Universities in Albania (2025 Edition)

We’ve rounded up a list of the 20 best universities in Albania, including both public and private options. Some are big names, others are rising stars — all worth considering.

1. University of Tirana (Universiteti i Tiranës)

📍 Tirana | 🏛️ Established: 1957 | 🎓 Public

This is Albania’s biggest and most well-known university. If you want the “Harvard of Albania” — this is it.

It has over 35,000 students and offers programs across nearly every field: law, social sciences, languages, IT, and natural sciences. The campus is right in the heart of the capital, giving you access to everything Tirana has to offer.

2. Polytechnic University of Tirana

📍 Tirana | 🛠️ Engineering-focused | 🎓 Public

Into technology, architecture, or engineering? This is your go-to school. It’s the oldest technical university in Albania and produces many of the country’s top civil engineers and tech professionals.

3. Agricultural University of Tirana

📍 Tirana | 🌱 Founded in 1951 | 🎓 Public

If you’re passionate about food systems, agriculture, or the environment, you’ll love this place. It’s perfect for students who want to combine science with sustainability and outdoor fieldwork.

4. Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës

📍 Durrës (coastal city) | 🏖️ Modern vibe | 🎓 Public

This newer university is becoming really popular, especially for business, tourism, and technology. It’s known for its hands-on approach and international partnerships. Bonus: It’s by the beach!

5. Fan S. Noli University

📍 Korçë | 📚 Small-town charm | 🎓 Public

Located in southeastern Albania, this university is known for education, economics, and agriculture. If you prefer a quieter place with close-knit communities, Korçë could be your perfect study city.

6. University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi”

📍 Shkodër | 🌍 Strong humanities programs | 🎓 Public

With its lovely lakeside location and rich culture, Shkodër is a student-friendly city. The university is especially respected for literature, history, and psychology.

7. University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”

📍 Elbasan | 🏫 Teacher training focus | 🎓 Public

If you’re planning to go into education or linguistics, this university has a long-standing tradition of producing great teachers and academics.

8. University of Vlora “Ismail Qemali”

📍 Vlora | 🛳️ Maritime and medicine | 🎓 Public

Vlora combines sea views with serious academics. It’s especially known for medical studies, economics, engineering, and maritime sciences.

9. Epoka University

📍 Tirana | 🌐 International programs | 🎓 Private

Epoka has quickly built a reputation for excellence, especially in business, law, and IT. Most of the programs are taught in English, and the campus has a modern, European vibe.

10. European University of Tirana (UET)

📍 Tirana | 🏢 Business and law | 🎓 Private

UET is one of the most modern private universities in Albania. Known for its active debates, internships, and real-world training, it’s a top pick for future entrepreneurs and lawyers.

11. Canadian Institute of Technology (CIT)

📍 Tirana | 💻 English-taught programs | 🎓 Private

CIT uses a North American-style curriculum with a strong emphasis on innovation, coding, and entrepreneurship. Great for anyone looking to study tech or business in a global setting.

12. Mediterranean University of Albania

📍 Tirana | 🌍 EU-focused education | 🎓 Private

This university is known for its European orientation, teaching subjects like diplomacy, international law, and economics with a focus on EU integration and policy.

13. Polis University

📍 Tirana | 🎨 Design and planning | 🎓 Private

Love architecture or urban design? Polis is your creative playground. It’s one of the few schools in Albania focused solely on design, urban planning, and applied arts.

14. Albanian University

📍 Tirana | 🦷 Health and tech programs | 🎓 Private

With modern labs and a focus on fields like dentistry, medical imaging, and engineering, this private university balances theory with hands-on practice.

15. Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”

📍 Tirana | 🏥 Medicine and pharmacy | 🎓 Private (Catholic)

One of Albania’s most respected medical universities, it’s connected to several Italian institutions and provides high-quality education in medicine, dentistry, and nursing.

16. LOGOS University College

📍 Tirana | ✝️ Faith-based learning | 🎓 Private

This small university college offers theology, philosophy, and social sciences, combining academic rigor with Christian values and ethics.

17. Bedër University College

📍 Tirana | 📖 Humanities + Islamic studies | 🎓 Private

If you’re interested in Islamic theology, communication, or social sciences, Bedër provides a modern, values-driven education with an emphasis on community service.

18. Wisdom University

📍 Tirana | 🧠 Applied education | 🎓 Private

Wisdom University focuses on practical degrees that prepare students for real-world jobs — think business, law, psychology, and communication.

19. Professional College of Tirana

📍 Tirana | 🏥 Health & tech training | 🎓 Private

This institution leans into vocational education — ideal for students interested in nursing, physical therapy, and medical lab science. Programs are job-oriented and quick to complete.

20. International University of Struga (Albania Branch)

📍 Tirana (Albanian campus) | 🌏 Cross-border learning | 🎓 Private

Though headquartered in North Macedonia, this university’s Albanian branch offers international students English-taught programs in business, law, and politics.

How to Choose the Right University in Albania?

Still not sure where to apply? Here are some real-world tips:

Think about language – If you don’t speak Albanian, look for English-language programs (many private universities offer them).

Consider your career – Want to be a doctor, architect, or teacher? Choose a university strong in your field.

City or small town? – Tirana is energetic and modern, but smaller cities like Shkodër or Korçë offer a slower, more affordable lifestyle.

Check accreditation – Make sure the university is officially recognized by Albania’s Ministry of Education and internationally accepted.

Final Thoughts: Is Albania the Right Fit for You?

Albania may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of higher education — but maybe it should be.

You’ll find affordable tuition, welcoming locals, Mediterranean sunshine, and degrees that are increasingly respected in Europe and beyond.

Whether you’re looking for a public research university, a private tech school, or a specialized design institute, Albania’s got you covered.

So, what’s next? Shortlist your top 3 universities, explore their websites, and start your journey!