Education In Albania
STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-higher education:
Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 6
Age of exit: 14
Structure of school system:
Basic First Stage
Type of school providing this education: Cikël i Ulët (Elementary)
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 6 to: 10
Basic Second Stage
Type of school providing this education: Cikël i Lartë (Primary)
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 10 to: 14
Certificate/diploma awarded: Dëftesë Lirimi (Leaving Certificate)
General Secondary
Type of school providing this education: Shkollë e Mesme e Përgjithshme (High School)
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 14 to: 18
Certificate/diploma awarded: Dëftesë Pjekurie (Maturity Certificate)
Prevocational
Type of school providing this education: Shkollë Professionale (Vocational School)
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 14 to: 17
Certificate/diploma awarded: Dëftesë e përfundimit dhe Çertifikatë e aftësive profesionale për punëtor të kualifikuar (Certificate and certificate of vocational abilities)
Vocational
Type of school providing this education: Shkollë Teknike (High Technical School)
Length of program in years: 5
Age level from: 14 to: 19
Certificate/diploma awarded: Dëftesë e përfundimit dhe Çetifikatë e aftësive profesionale për punëtor të kualifikuar
School education:
Basic education lasts for eight years, divided into two cycles of four years each and leads to the Dëftesë Lirimi (Leaving Certificate). Secondary education consists of the ninth through twelfth grades, which are taught in the shkollë e mesme (high school). The Dëftesë Pjekurie (Maturity Certificate) is awarded at the end. Access to higher education requires the passing of an entrance examination. Admission to high school requires a Dëftesë Lirimi (Leaving Certificate) from a shkollë 8-vjecare (eight-year school).
Higher education:
The higher education system in Albania consists of eight universities, two academies and six non public higher schools.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Decision of the Council of Ministers no 156 Year: 2001
Concerns: Post-university qualifications and qualifications for research and teaching personnel
Decree: Law on Education Year: 1995
Concerns: Pre-university level
Decree: Law on Higher Education no 8461 Year: 1999
Concerns: University, non-university and post-university schools
Academic year:
Classes from: Oct to: Jun
Languages of instruction: Albanian
Stages of studies:
Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level:
University level studies:
University level first stage: Diplomë (Bachelor):
The first stage of higher education usually takes 6 to 12 semesters (3 to 6 years) (6 semesters for most disciplines, 12 semesters in Medicine). A Titull (title) is conferred.
University level second stage: Diplomë e Studimeve te Thelluara pasuniversitare (Master):
Postgraduate studies lasting 2 – 4 semesters after completion of the first stage of higher education lead to the Diplomë e Studimeve te Thelluara pasuniversitare degree (Master). Students must prepare a thesis.
University level third stage: Doktor I Shkencave (Doctor of Sciences):
Studies lasting for 6 to 10 semesters after the Master consist in individual study and research (while working). The title of Doktor I Shkencave is conferred. Admission prerequisites include research and scientific activities and publications. The candidate, under the supervision of a scientific researcher, must prepare and defend a dissertation thesis. There is a grading system.