Around 20 students began their first academic year today, three-quarters of them at public universities. Meanwhile, the registration process remains open until October 24.
Alongside the initial enthusiasm, data shows a downward trend in enrollments and ongoing challenges in the higher education system, where public universities remain the first choice, but private universities are gaining ground in comparison.
Enrollment decline: 30 fewer students since 2016
In 2016, public universities had about 117 students. Data from 2024 show that only 86,900 students are registered in these institutions.
This decline of approximately 30 thousand students coincides with increased emigration, lack of prospects, and the crisis in the labor market.
For the new academic year, around 20 students have begun their studies for the first time, but registrations are still open, leaving room for a somewhat more optimistic total by October 24th.
Around 11 students are enrolled at the University of Tirana, representing 60% of first-cycle enrollments. But this higher education institution has also seen a decline. Compared to 2016, there are 6 fewer students.
Nationally, 75% of students choose public universities, while 25% choose the private sector – a ratio that has gradually changed. From 24 students enrolled in private universities in 2016, this number has reached 37 in 2024 – an increase of about 54%.
"Amortized Campuses and Student Card Without Effect"
According to the Civic Resistance, the quality of student life remains problematic. They describe the situation as a "3D" reality, more like desire in the face of despair and distance from quality.
"University campuses are still '3D', while the reality is much bleaker, with some buildings still dilapidated, lacking space and basic infrastructure for student life," was said in their reaction, which highlighted the lack of basic infrastructure, such as canteens or student cards, which currently, according to the Civic Resistance "only used for transport tickets".
The organization emphasizes that in a decade there has been a 34% decline in the number of graduates, reflecting a crisis in quality, motivation and a lack of supportive policies for students.
District registrations and messages from institutions
850 new students have been registered at the University of Vlora so far, with the total reaching 4,500 students, an increase of 15% compared to last year.
Meanwhile, at the University of Durrës, where the President of the Republic Bajram Begaj was also present at the opening, 1,900 high school graduates have registered, an increase of 5% compared to last year.
“Knowledge is not just information, but a tool that makes a difference. Study for your future and contribute to the development of Albania,” said the President.
Branches such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture, and IT are completed at the Polytechnic University of Tirana and the Academies of the Ministries of Defense and Order.
The registration process continues with the second round closing on October 8 and the third round from October 13 to 24.
Read also:
- Report: Universities spent more on salaries than research
- Immigration is emptying Albanian schools and universities
Erisa Kryeziu has completed higher studies in Journalism and Communication and Master of Science in Public Relations at the University of Tirana. She has been a journalist and project manager at Citizens.al for five years, where she reports on social issues and human rights, especially on issues of rights at work, in education, gender equality, marginalized groups, people with disabilities such as and for environmental issues. At the same time, she works as a project coordinator with a focus on youth and media education. User of new reporting techniques such as "Mobile Journalism" and citizen engagement tools in reporting (ECR-Engage Citizens Journalism).
