Study in Albania
A South-Eastern European nation where the main language of instruction is **Albanian**, though English programs are growing in private institutions. It is a very low-cost European destination. Requires a **Type D Visa (Long-Stay) + Residence Permit** (after arrival).
Application timeline
4-8 weeks
Living cost
USD 500 - 900/month (Very Low)
Hourly wage
ALL 250 - 400 (USD 2.5 - 4) (Informal/Unofficial rate for odd jobs)
Study visa confidence
Our AI compares your grades, finances, and previous visas with real student approvals to predict how admissions officers will view your application for Albania.
Takes < 2 minutes
Student visa pathways
Processing times, work rights, required documents, and dependent rules for each permit route.
Type D Visa (Long-Stay) + Residence Permit
Long-stay, Academic
Validity
Up to 1 year (D Visa), 1 year (RP, renewable)
Processing time
4-8 weeks (D Visa).
Fee
EUR 120 + Reciprocity Fee (Variable).
Work rights
Yes, but requires applying for a separate Work Permit/Authorization after obtaining the Residence Permit, which is generally **difficult** for full-time students.
Documents required
Acceptance Letter, Financial Proof, Valid Passport, Health Insurance, Police Clearance, Visa Application Form, Proof of Accommodation.
Dependents
Yes, dependents can apply for a Type D visa for family reunification. · Yes, but requires a separate Work Permit.
Top universities & flagship programs
Shortlist globally-ranked institutions with tuition benchmarks.
University of Tirana (UT)
Tirana · National Top
Bachelor of Law (Albanian)
3 years · EUR 2,000 - 3,500/yr (Low Intl Fee)
University of New York Tirana (UNYT)
Tirana · Private Top
Bachelor in Business, Management & Economics (English)
4 years · EUR 7,200/yr (Moderate Intl Fee)
Scholarships & exchange routes
Reduce tuition costs and build international exposure.
Scholarships
Merit + needs-based opportunities
Government of Albania Scholarship
Tuition fee waivers/Monthly stipend (Limited).
Highly competitive, usually for specific bilateral agreements or prioritized fields.
University-Specific Waivers
Partial tuition fee reduction.
Academic merit or need-based, offered by private universities (e.g., UNYT).
Exchange partners
1-2 semester mobility
Erasmus+ Program
1-2 semesters
Students from partner countries/universities in Europe.
SEE Exchange Programs
Variable
Programs for South-East European universities.
Announcements & policy watch
Stay ahead of IRCC and embassy updates.
Residence Permit Application
The main immigration process occurs after arrival in Albania, where you must apply for the Residence Permit within 30 days of entry with your Type D visa.
Visa success playbook
Action items that consistently strengthen study permit approvals.
Start Type D Visa application early; ensure all application documents are translated and apostilled before travel; focus heavily on your initial student residence permit application upon arrival.
Country fast facts
Key embassy + lifestyle data
Official language
Albanian
Currency
Albanian Lek (ALL)
Time zone
UTC+01:00
Visa portal
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Part-time work ideas
Average hourly wages
Tourist Sector Jobs (Seasonal, Informal)
ALL 250 - 400/hr (USD 2.5 - 4/hr)
Seasonal work in coastal areas or hospitality in Tirana, often informal and highly sought-after. Requires a work permit/authorization if working for a long duration, which is hard to get.
Foreign Language Tutoring (Informal)
ALL 500 - 1000/hr (USD 5 - 10/hr)
Informal tutoring for English, Italian, or German, typically paid in cash.
Nearest embassies
Plan biometrics & interviews
Job market insights
Low. Officially restricted part-time work and complex permit requirements make legal employment difficult for non-EU/EEA students.