Albanian Universities Expand European Partnerships as Tirana University Enters Global Rankings

The academic year 2026–2027 commenced today at universities throughout the nation. The new building of the Faculty of Professional Studies at Aleksandër Moisiu University in Durrës was inaugurated, and Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro extended her warmest regards to the students, academic staff, and university personnel.
Albanian universities are enhancing their collaboration with European higher education institutions by establishing joint programs and double-degree programs with universities in Italy, Portugal, Germany, and Spain, as Minister Kumbaro emphasized in her address. In addition, the English-language program offerings will expand by 26 this year.
The minister announced that the University of Tirana has been included in the Times Higher Education rankings for the first time, with an emphasis on the internationalization of higher education. Times Higher Education is one of the international organizations that evaluates higher education institutions.
“It is the first Albanian institution to be internationally ranked, and from Durrës, we would like to extend our congratulations to our colleagues in Tirana.” In the interim, Aleksandër Moisiu University, along with four other non-public universities, maintains reporter status with Times Higher Education with the objective of being ranked in the near future.
The inauguration of the new Faculty of Professional Studies building at Aleksandër Moisiu University signified the commencement of the new academic year. Modern facilities and enhanced conditions for students and academic staff are provided by the investment, which is backed by the Albanian Government.
Minister Kumbaro announced that over 1,900 new students had enrolled for the current academic year, emphasizing the growth of Aleksandër Moisiu University. She also emphasized the university’s scientific journal’s inclusion in Scopus, which signifies advancement in the institution’s internationalization and the enhancement of research quality.
Higher education policy continues to prioritize the enhancement of scientific research and the encouragement of doctoral studies. The Ministry of Education and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation have issued a call for applications to provide financial assistance to doctoral students. The dedicated budget for this initiative exceeds €600,000, and the funding per student has been doubled in comparison to the previous year.
Also anticipated is the imminent opening of a call for research infrastructure projects, which will provide dedicated funding for laboratory investments and the enhancement of universities’ research capabilities.