Qiriazi University College, formerly known as the Kyrias Institute or the Girls’ School, was founded in 1891 in the city of Korça, Albania. Despite its modest and humble beginnings, this educational institution quickly distinguished itself, becoming a beacon of hope and a vital cornerstone in the history of Albanian education due to its unwavering determination and passion. From the outset, the institution’s worldview was international, despite its strong focus on national goals such as fighting illiteracy, promoting emancipation, and fostering national awakening.

At the newly founded institution, Sevasti Qiriazi brought her extensive study experience from the American College of Istanbul. On the very day of her graduation, the renowned Albanian poet Naim Frashëri encouraged and guided her in pursuing this idea. Inspired by the successful girls’ schools in other countries, which had received significant support from the American Board, the Girls’ School was established. This highly regarded school was sustained by notable contributions from both international institutions and individuals across various nations. Its legacy has continued from its humble beginnings in Korça to its current location in Tirana.

The seamless functioning of this educational institution owes much to the Albanian diaspora and various international missions in the country, whose esteemed contributions have played a vital role in its success. To this day, more than 130 years since the establishment of the Girls’ School in Korça, and more than a century since the reopening of the institution in Tirana in 1922, Qiriazi University College continues to passionately preserve its educational mission and international spirit, which have characterized it since its inception. Revitalized into a cutting-edge contemporary educational institution modeled after the most prestigious schools in the United States and Europe, Qiriazi University College’s unwavering commitment to academic and professional excellence ensures that students receive the highest quality education.

The university’s international approach remains integral to its orientation and functioning. This spirit has always been present at Qiriazi University College, but with the developments of recent decades, where globalization is becoming more tangible, the internationalization of higher education institutions has become an essential component for institutional growth and development.

In this context, Qiriazi University College is working in several directions simultaneously: developing English-language study programs and curricula, adopting contemporary academic and scientific literature, recruiting international students, attracting international lecturers, and promoting international exchanges of students, lecturers, and administrative staff. These efforts make it necessary to implement the English language in teaching and scientific research at the university.

Additionally, the International Relations and Project Management Office at Qiriazi University College has established a number of cooperation agreements with universities in the region, Europe, and beyond, and is continually seeking new partners with strong experience and the highest quality standards. To date, Qiriazi University College has partnered with higher education institutions from Austria, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, among others. These partnerships extend beyond HEIs to include academies, corporations, and recruitment agencies that enable our students to complete academic and professional internships and find employment in EU countries. Qiriazi University College prioritizes fostering cooperation in the fields of innovation and technology, as well as creating joint study programs with reputable international universities.

International projects are another area in which Qiriazi University College is actively involved. European Union programs such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and Jean Monnet are among the initiatives of interest. Furthermore, Qiriazi University College maintains outstanding relationships with many international partners in Albania, including embassies of various countries and international organizations. These strong, long-standing relationships have enriched the university’s international dimension through fruitful cooperation.

Despite its international spirit, contributions from international actors, and partnerships with institutions, universities, academies, and companies worldwide, Qiriazi University College has always been a proudly Albanian educational institution with an extraordinary contribution to Albanian society. Nevertheless, in light of recent global developments in higher education, it is time for this institution to broaden its impact beyond national borders through international projects, scientific research, attracting international students and lecturers, joint study programs, and hosting international conferences and symposiums.

As the oldest higher education institution in the country, Qiriazi University College bears a significant responsibility to lead the development and internationalization of Albanian higher education. The International Relations and Project Management Office is responsible for the institution’s internationalization, managing cooperation with partners, and overseeing projects in which the institution is involved. Currently, Qiriazi University College has cooperation agreements with institutions and organizations from across Europe and beyond, and remains open to new national and international partnership initiatives. For any proposals or suggestions, please contact us at:

[email protected]

QIRIAZI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE comprises three faculties, the Faculty of Economics, the Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Education, Social Sciences, and Sports, as well as a Higher Vocational College, offering a wide range of programs including Vocational, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Integrated Studies degrees.

FACULTY OF ECONOMICS

Connecting for Impact

The mission of the Faculty of Economics is to foster collaboration among students, scholars, and external stakeholders to jointly address economic and business challenges on local, national, regional, and international levels. The faculty aims to empower and make a meaningful impact not only in the world of business but also in society at large.

The Faculty of Economics offers Bachelor and Master of Science study programmes in its fields of teaching and research.

Bachelor Degrees:

• Finance (three-year programme)

• Business Management (three-year programme)

• Hospitality and Tourism Management (three-year programme)

• Economics & Business Informatics (three-year programme)

Master of Science (MSc) Degrees:

• • Finance (two-year programme)

  • Business Administration (two-year programme)

FACULTY OF LAW

Shaping Tomorrow’s Society

The Faculty of Law offers excellent education that equips our students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values necessary to excel in the legal profession and make a positive impact on society. We are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that encourages critical legal thinking and a deep understanding of the law’s role in promoting justice, upholding the rule of law, and addressing the complex legal challenges of our time.

We strive to produce graduates who are not only highly competent legal professionals but also compassionate and socially responsible individuals. Our mission is to shape tomorrow’s society by promoting excellence in teaching, research, and service.

The Faculty of Law offers an Integrated Studies programme and a Higher Vocational programme:

Integrated Studies Degree:

• Law (five-year programme)

Higher Vocational Degree:

• Legal and Administrative Assistant (two-year programme)

FACULTY OF EDUCATION, SOCIAL SCIENCES, AND SPORTS

Shaping Minds, Empowering Futures

We believe that education, social sciences, and sports have the power to shape minds, transform lives, and create a better world. The faculty is committed to providing experiential learning opportunities that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in education, social sciences, and the world of sports.

Our mission is to create an educational environment that sparks competitiveness and intellectual curiosity.

The Faculty of Education, Social Sciences, and Sports offers a Bachelor study programme and a Higher Vocational study programme.

Bachelor Degree:

• Physical Education and Sports (three-year programme)

Higher Vocational Degree:

• Social and Health Care (two-year programme)

HIGHER VOCATIONAL COLLEGE

Unlocking Potential: Practical Skills for Real-World Success

The Higher Vocational College is an important part of Qiriazi University College. Its mission is to provide high-quality vocational education that equips students with the practical skills, knowledge, and professional competence necessary for success in the labour market.

Our specialized programmes are tailored to meet the evolving demands of today’s market, spanning various industries from business and technology to legal, food technology, healthcare, and hospitality. Our curricula are expertly designed in collaboration with industry experts and international educational institutions, ensuring that our students acquire the highly sought-after skills employers look for.

Through our extensive industry connections, we provide placement assistance, internships, and job opportunities that align with students’ career goals. By bridging the gap between education and employment, we strive to facilitate the integration of our graduates into the labour market and enable a brighter future for them.

Explore our vocational industry-specific programmes designed to meet a variety of career paths and market demands:

• Legal and Administrative Assistant (two-year programme)

• Social and Health Care (two-year programme)

• Food Technology (two-year programme)

• Information Technology and Communication (two-year programme)

• Hospitality and Tourism (two-year programme)

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