Education Minister Kumbaro Announces Doubled Support for Doctoral Students in 2026

The call for the 2026 National PhD Study Funding Program is now open. The program aims to support young researchers and strengthen scientific research in Albania. Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro announced that funding for doctoral students will double this year compared to last, particularly in STEM fields and research that can deliver valuable results for science, the economy, and public policy.
Implemented by the Ministry of Education and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation, the program operates under the principle “One Call, Two Categories, One National Standard.” The program includes standard research PhDs and industrial PhDs, both of which operate within the same national funding framework with unified administrative, financial, monitoring, and transparency standards. Industrial PhDs require mandatory and verifiable cooperation between higher education institutions and industrial partners.
The funding aims to create more opportunities for the professional development of young researchers, improve the quality of doctoral education, and support independent research. Projects must be based on clear, original research questions; appropriate methodologies; and measurable outcomes.
Accredited higher education institutions authorized to offer doctoral programs submit applications on behalf of doctoral students enrolled in the respective programs. All documentation must be submitted to the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (NASC&I) in accordance with the procedures and formats specified in the call documents.
Applications are open until October 31, 2026. The National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation has published the full documentation, application guidelines, and annexes.