As of April 25, 2026, there are more and more scholarship options in Albania for international students. These include government-backed excellence grants, university-specific merit awards, and regional exchange programmes. While many programmes primarily target local students, a few high-impact windows are currently available for the 2026–2027 school year. ar.ar.
Here are the best ways to get money to study in Albania.
1. The University of the Western Balkans (WBU) Scholarships for Excellence
WBU has become the top private source of funding for international talent in the area.
- The Award gives out “Excellence Scholarships” for Bachelor’s and integrated programmes for the 2026–2027 school year.
- Target: students who did well in high school or who won national or international Olympiads and competitions.
- Requirement: Candidates must fill out an online application and send in proof of their accomplishment Thereafter, they must have an interview with the scholarship office.
2. The Central European Exchange Programme (CEEPUS)
Albania is a member of CEEPUS, which helps students and teachers move around Central and South-Eastern Europe.
- • Winter Semester 2026/2027 Due date: June 15, 2026.
- The summer semester of 2027 Due date: October 31, 2026.
- Benefit: Offers scholarships that cover living and housing costs for exchange periods of 1 to 10 months, in line with the cost of living in Albania.
- Freemover Window: Applications for “Freemovers” (students who aren’t part of a specific university network) usually open in May 2026.
3. Grants for Erasmus+ Mobility
International students who are already enrolled at partner schools around the world can spend one or two semesters at top Albanian schools like the University of Tirana or the Polytechnic University of Tirana.
- 2026 Grant Rates: Students from non-EU partner countries who come to Albania usually get between €700 and €900 a month.
- Application: The International Relations Office at your home university will choose who gets in. In September 2026, check for calls to exchange in the spring of 2027.
4. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships (from the US to Albania)
The Boren Awards focus on intensive language study and cultural immersion, and Albania is a top priority country for U.S. citizens.
- The award is worth up to $25,000 for one year of school or $30,000 for a graduate fellowship.
- Condition: Recipients must learn Albanian and agree to work for the federal government for a year after they graduate.
- 2027 Cycle: The application for the 2027–2028 cycle usually opens in August 2026 and closes in January or February 2027.
5. “Excellence Fund” at the University of Tirana
The university’s main goal is to send Albanian students abroad, but it also gives scholarships and fee waivers to the best students in its faculties.
- Merit Discounts: International students who do well on their entrance exams or have good grades in school may be able to get their tuition fees lowered by as much as 100%.
- Details about the faculty: The Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Faculty of Economy are especially active in bringing international exchange students to their schools through research-based grants.
6. Albania’s Important 2026 Plan
To acquire money in Albania this year, tconsiderthese tactical needs:
- Language of Instruction: Many private universities, like WBU or the Canadian Institute of Technology, teach in English. However, most public programmes are Albanian. If you’re not exceptional at something, look for programs that offer a paid year of preparation.
- The “DreamApply” Equivalent: Many Albanian universities are using centralised online portals for international admissions. Ensure that a notary translates all your documents, such as diplomas and transcripts, into either Albanian or English.
- Visa and Residency: Most scholarships for 2026 will require you to get a Type D (Long-stay) Visa. The Albanian Ministry of Interior usually accepts an award letter from a well-known university or CEEPUS office as proof of financial means.
7. Cost of Living Compared to Funding (2026)
- Budget: Albania is still one of the cheapest places to live in Europe. Usually, €400 to €550 a month is enough to cover all costs, including private housing.
- Subsidised Life: Students in Albania enjoy significant discounts on public transport, national museums, and university canteens (mensa), allowing them to stretch their small stipend further.