Benefits of Studying in Albania for Pakistani Students

Since Albania is not a Schengen country—nor, for that matter, in the European Union—it would not strike students looking to study abroad as an attractive option—especially Pakistani students.

However, Albania is aligned with European academic systems—in fact, its academic environment may seem indistinguishable from those anywhere in Europe.

Eight benefits of studying in Albania

Firstly, Albania is a highly affordable destination, in terms of academic tuition fees, living expenses, and bank statements required for visa purposes. Tuition fees for both undergraduate and graduate degree programmes do not exceed five thousand Euros. A significant proportion of courses in Albania range from three thousand five hundred Euros up to five thousand Euros per year. Living expenses, including rent and transport, do not exceed three to five hundred Euros per month, and the required bank statement for visa purposes must show six to seven thousand Euros over a three-month period.

Secondly, IELTS—or any other language certificate—is not a mandatory requirement, and students may gain admission based on the presentation of their medium of instruction letter (MOI).

Thirdly, there is no strict visa interview. Albania differs from Schengen countries in that its visa process is streamlined, and Albania has a far higher visa approval rate compared to the embassies of the Schengen zone.

Fourthly, there is flexibility in the fee structure where students are asked to pay a fully refundable registration fee and a fifty percent tuition fee deposit, the balance of which is to be paid upon the issuance of a visa.

Fifthly, all Albanian Higher Education institutions follow the Bologna Process Standards. This guarantees that your credits and degrees are recognised across the European continent—with or without the inclusion of Albania—making it, effectively, globally recognised.

Sixthly, all major degree programmes in Business, Engineering, Medicine and IT are fully taught in English. Hence there is no need to learn the local Albanian language.

Seventhly, over half of Albania’s population identifies as Muslim, Halal food is widely available and easy to find, and mosques are also accessible, making Albania a comfortable social environment for Pakistani students. In addition to this, Albania is rated as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the Balkan region for Pakistani students.

Lastly, Epoka University and the University of Tirana—Albania’s major institutions—offer a range of courses at undergraduate and graduate levels which are taught entirely in English.