Pursuing medical education in Albania presents a great opportunity for international students to obtain high-quality training at affordable costs in a European environment. With tuition fees ranging from $3,500 to $12,000 per year and living expenses as low as $200/month. To pursue study in Albania is an ideal destination for aspiring doctors worldwide. The 6-year medical program, taught in English, is recognized by prestigious organizations such as WHO, ECFMG, and WFME, making it eligible for licensing exams like USMLE, PLAB, and NLE. No IELTS or entry tests are required, making the admission process seamless and straightforward.
Quick Overview of Medical Education in Albania
| Tuition Fees | $3,500 – $12,000 per year |
| Living Costs | $200 – $400/month |
| Program Duration | 6 years (including internship) |
| Medium | English |
| Recognition | WHO, WFME, ECFMG, PMC |
| Entry Test | Not required |
Top 8 Medical Universities in Albania for International Students
Albania is home to several esteemed medical universities offering high-quality education at affordable rates. Below are some of the top institutions that provide excellent medical programs for international students seeking to pursue their careers in medicine.
Mediterranean University of Albania
Mediterranean University of Albania offers practical healthcare programs with affordable tuition. It is a great option for students looking for hands-on training in medical fields.
| Programs Offered | Nursing, Physiotherapy, Laboratory Technician |
| Annual Fees | $3,500 |
| Language | English |
| Recognition | WHO, National Accreditation |
| Facilities | Simulation labs, healthcare partner institutes |
| Ideal for | Students seeking practical healthcare programs with affordable tuition. |
Western Balkan University (WBU)
Western Balkan University provides a modern, interactive medical education model, offering small classes and global collaboration for a more personalized student experience.
| Programs Offered | Nursing, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Pharmacy |
| Annual Fees | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Language | English |
| Focus | Global collaboration, small classes, modern infrastructure |
| Ideal for | Students looking for a modern, interactive medical education model. |
University of Medicine Tirana
The University of Medicine in Tirana is the most recognized public university in Albania, providing excellent clinical training at government hospitals.
| Tuition Fees | $4,000 – $5,000/year |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Language | English |
| Recognition | WHO, WFME, ECFMG, PMC |
| Clinical Training | Government hospitals |
| Accommodation | Available |
| Ideal for | Students seeking excellent clinical training and budget-friendly tuition. |
Aldent University
Aldent University offers smart classrooms and digital labs for students pursuing medical education in Albania, with a personalized academic approach.
| Tuition Fees | $3,500 – $4,500 |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Language | English |
| Recognition | WHO, PMC |
| Facilities | Smart classrooms, digital labs |
| Eligibility | FSc Pre-Medical with 60%+ |
| Ideal for | Personalized academic support in a student-centric environment. |
Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel
This university offers a collaboration with Italian universities, making it an ideal choice for students planning to work or study further in Italy and Europe.
| Tuition Fees | $4,500 – $5,500 |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Language | English |
| Recognition | WHO, ECFMG, Italian MoE |
| Collaboration | Italian universities |
| Career Path | EU countries |
| Ideal for | Students planning to work or study further in Italy and Europe. |
University of Vlora
University of Vlora offers a peaceful coastal environment with modern training facilities, making it ideal for students seeking a relaxed lifestyle while pursuing their medical education.
| Tuition Fees | $3,800 – $4,800 |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Language | English |
| Recognition | WHO |
| Environment | Coastal, student-friendly |
| Internships | Local hospitals |
| Ideal for | Students seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle with modern training. |
University of Elbasan
Located in a smaller city, the University of Elbasan offers clinical exposure and affordable living, making it a great option for those looking for a more intimate educational experience.
| Tuition Fees | $3,500 – $4,700 |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Language | English |
| Recognition | WHO, Local/National |
| Focus | Clinical internships, community healthcare |
| Living Costs | Lower than in Tirana |
| Ideal for | Affordable clinical exposure in a smaller city setting. |
Admission Process – Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get benefits from the expert guidance of European educational consultants, like Right Turn, to navigate the complex admission and visa processes. These consultants have in-depth knowledge of European educational systems, ensuring you meet all requirements for studying in Albania. They provide personalized support, from selecting the best medical universities in Albania for international students to assisting with document submission, visa applications, and accommodation arrangements, making your journey to studying in Europe smoother and stress-free.
Below are the steps to help you navigate the admission process:
- Choose a University (e.g., Western Balkan University or University of Medicine Tirana)
- Submit Documents: FSc transcripts, passport, photos
- Receive Admission Letter: Within 5–10 days
- Pay Initial Tuition Fee: To confirm your seat
- Begin Visa Process
Student Visa Process for Albania
Navigating the student visa process is an essential step for international students planning to study in Albania.
Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the requirements and steps for obtaining your student visa.
- Apply for e-Visa via the Albania Visa Portal
- Documents Needed:
- Admission letter
- Passport
- Proof of payment
- Police clearance
- Bank statement with €3000 (1-year-old account)
- Visa Approval: 2–3 weeks
Fly to Albania and begin your medical journey!
Eligibility Criteria
To pursue a medical program in Albania, international students must meet certain academic and administrative requirements. Below are the key eligibility criteria for admission to Albanian medical universities.
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Academic | FSc Pre-Medical (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) |
| Minimum Marks | 65% aggregate |
| Age | Under 23 |
| IELTS | Not required |
| Medical Fitness | Required for visa |
| Other Documents | Passport, Police Certificate, Photos |
FAQs
What is the duration of the medical program in Albania?
The medical program lasts 6 years, including a 1-year internship.
Are scholarships available?
Yes! Universities offer merit-based or partial scholarships.
How long does visa processing take?
Visa approval takes around 15–30 working days.
When are the intakes for medical programs?
Primary intakes are in September–October. Spring intakes are also available in some universities.
Do I need IELTS for admission?
No, IELTS is not required.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes, health insurance is required during your stay in Albania.
Can I work in Europe after completing a medical program in Albania?
Yes, if you graduate from a WHO or EU-recognized university, you can work or apply for postgraduate study in other European countries.