Education and Schools

The school system

Compulsory education covers nine years of basic schooling from about age six, followed by upper secondary — general (gymnasium) or vocational. Instruction is in Albanian, with provision for recognised minority languages in some areas.

International schools

A small number of international and bilingual schools operate, almost all in Tirana, offering English-medium curricula. Fees are high relative to Albanian incomes and are the single largest cost most relocating families face.

Higher education

The University of Tirana is the oldest and largest institution. The Polytechnic University, the Agricultural University and the medical university were all originally its faculties. Regional public universities operate in Shkodër, Elbasan, Korçë, Vlorë, Gjirokastër and Durrës, and there is a substantial private sector.

Emigration of graduates is a persistent and openly discussed problem.

Recognition of qualifications

Foreign qualifications need recognition through the responsible national agency for use in Albania, and Albanian qualifications need equivalent recognition abroad. Start this early; it is slower than people expect.