Admissions

The admission process is standardized in accordance with the relevant guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Sports, in implementation of Law No. 80/2015, dated 22.07.2015, “On Higher Education and Scientific Research in Higher Education Institutions in the Republic of Albania.”

UMSH, based on Decision No. 436, dated 03.06.2020, of the Council of Ministers, “On determining the GPA requirement for the admission of candidates to first-cycle study programs and integrated second-cycle study programs, or for transferring studies in intermediate years of these programs in higher education institutions.”

A. Professional study programs – are not required to meet the GPA criteria defined in the applicable Council of Ministers’ Decision.

B. Second-cycle study programs – Professional Master – applications are based on the applicant’s Bachelor’s degree background or on professional experience and skills.

C. Second-cycle study programs – Master of Science – each student must meet the requirement of knowledge of one of the five official European Union languages at B1 level.

D. Third-cycle study programs – applicants must demonstrate knowledge of one of the five foreign languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish) at B2 level or equivalent, certified through internationally recognized tests issued no more than two years prior to the time of submission, in accordance with the provisions of Instruction No. 52, dated 03.12.2015, points 1 and 3, as amended.

E. Second-degree study programs (second Bachelor’s degree), professional programs, and second-cycle programs – may be pursued after the applicant has successfully completed studies of the same cycle in an accredited and licensed higher education institution.

Additional admission criteria beyond legal requirements apply to the following programs:

1. Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence – English language requirement at B1 level.
2. Professional Master in Primary Education – admission criteria as defined by law and Ministry guidelines, with a minimum GPA of 7.5 in the State Matura.
3. Professional Master in Special Education – eligible candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in preschool or primary education, pedagogy, psychology, philosophy and/or sociology, or teaching for lower and upper secondary education.
4. Double Degree Master of Science in Business Administration:

• High academic results in the first cycle (Bachelor’s degree)
• High results in the first year of Master’s studies at UMSH
• Proven high-level English proficiency through internationally recognized tests, in accordance with applicable legislation
• Ability to successfully follow and graduate from a European-level Master’s program

How to apply for first-cycle programs, professional programs, and integrated second-cycle programs?

1. Completing the A1/A1Z forms is the first important step in selecting study programs, processed online through the e-Albania Portal and finalized at the high school.

• A1 – completed by high school graduates applying for higher education in the relevant academic year.
• A1Z – completed by anyone who has finished high school and the State Matura in a previous year. This form is completed according to the order of the National Testing and Qualifications Agency (QSHA), allowing previous-year graduates to compete for university admission.

2. Candidates from the Republic of Kosovo, ethnic Albanians from North Macedonia, Montenegro, Preševo, Medve?a and Bujanovac, candidates with disabilities, orphan status, as well as candidates from Roma and Egyptian communities, apply directly to UMSH for the programs with allocated quotas. Upon registration, candidates must submit a notarized copy (and translated into Albanian if issued in a foreign language) of the State Matura diploma along with the transcript, or the equivalent secondary school diploma and transcript from their country of origin, legalized by the relevant local or central authorities. Grade equivalency is calculated according to Instruction No. 44, dated 21.08.2013, “On determining the criteria and procedures for the equivalence of secondary education certificates and diplomas obtained abroad,” as amended. If the candidate completed high school in Albania, a notarized copy of the State Matura diploma must be submitted.

3. All foreign citizen applicants who wish to pursue first-cycle studies apply directly to UMSH for programs with allocated quotas. Candidates must have completed upper secondary education and hold valid legal documentation of completion of this level. They must not be enrolled in another study program in public or private higher education institutions, must meet the GPA criteria set by Council of Ministers’ Decision, and must satisfy UMSH-specific program requirements. Candidates must submit a notarized copy of the State Matura diploma and transcript. If the diploma is issued by a foreign institution, it must be accompanied by recognition certification from QSHA.