Education In Albania

Albania Education System: Structure, Stages, and Qualifications

Overview of the Education System in Albania

Albania has a well-established education system that consists of pre-higher education and higher education. The education system is designed to cater to the diverse needs of students, from primary education through to university-level studies. This page outlines the structure of education in Albania, including the various stages, types of schools, and certificates awarded.

Pre-Higher Education System in Albania

The system is structured and regulated by the Ministry of Education and Sports, and follows a 4-level structure before university-level studies.

Pre-School Education (Parashkollor)

• Ages: 3-6 years
• It is optional but encouraged

Primary Education (Arsimi Fillor)

• Grades: 1-5
• Ages: 6-11
• Compulsory

Lower Secondary Education ( Arsimi i Mesem i Ulet )

• Grades: 6-9
• Ages: 12-15
• Ends with the certificate of basic education

Upper Secondary Education ( Arsimi i Mesem i larte)

• Grades: 10-12
• Ages: 16-18
• 3 main tracks
  • General Secondary
  • Vocational Education
  • Art/Sports school
• Ends with Matura State Exam which is required for university entry.

General Education:

Basic education in Albania lasts 12 years, split into two cycles:

• First cycle, Basic (Compulsory) Education (9 years ) from ages 6 to 15 ends with Certificate of Basic Education

• Second cycle, Upper Secondary (General) Education (3 years ) from ages 15 to 18, ends with the Matura State Exam

Higher Education in Albania

Albania’s higher education system is governed by several key laws, and includes universities, academies, and non-public higher schools.

Main Laws/Decrees Governing Higher Education:

• Decree: Decision of the Council of Ministers no. 156 (2001)

  • Focus: Post-university qualifications and teaching personnel

• Decree: Law on Education (1995)

  • Focus: Pre-university education

• Decree: Law on Higher Education no. 8461 (1999)

  • Focus: University and post-university qualifications

Academic Year:

• Classes run from October to June

• Language of Instruction: Albanian

Stages of University Education in Albania

1. First Stage: Bachelor’s Degree (Diplomë)

• Duration: 3 – 4 years

• Degree Awarded: Bachelor (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science)

2. Second Stage: Master’s Degree (Diplomë e Studimeve te Thelluara pasuniversitare)

• Duration: 2-4 semesters after completing the Bachelor’s degree

• Certificate Awarded: Diplomë e Studimeve te Thelluara pasuniversitare (Master Degree)

• Students must submit and defend a thesis.

3. Third Stage: Doctor of Sciences (Doktor I Shkencave)

• Duration: 6-10 semesters after completing a Master’s degree

• Certificate Awarded: Doktor I Shkencave (Doctor of Sciences)

• Students must conduct research, publish scientific articles, and defend a dissertation thesis.

Key Takeaways:

• Pre-higher education in Albania is structured into primary, secondary.

• Higher education offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs, with specific entry requirements.

• Albanian language is the medium of instruction at all levels.

• Albania has a solid legal framework to regulate education and ensure its development.