Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Teach courses at the undergraduate or graduate level or both in area of specialization.
Conduct research in area of specialization.
Pending specific program needs, the Scholars may also be asked to assist with curriculum revision or new course development. Albanian universities could utilize Scholars' expertise in organizing international conferences and/or special programs.
Scholars selected for this grant will be required to attend a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation in Summer 2026.
The Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency http://ascal.al provides a Full list of Accredited Universities click link
The list of public higher education institutions is below:
University of Tirana Tirana University
University of Medicine, Tirana University of Medicine
Agricultural University of Tirana Agricultural University
University of Arts, Tirana University of Arts
Polytechnic University of Tirana Polytechnic University
Eqrem Çabej University of Gjirokastra Gjirokaster University
Luigj Gurakuqi University, Shkodra Luigj Gurakuqi U
Aleksander Xhuvani University, Elbasan Aleksander Xhuvani U
Fan. S. Noli University, Korce Fan S Noli U
Ismail Qemali University, Vlore Ismail Qemali U
Aleksandër Moisiu University, Durres Aleksander Moisiu U
Four to five months
October 2026 or mid-February 2027
Flex awards are offered for teaching, teaching/research and research grants.
The Flex Award is designed for scholars who require multiple visits to the host country. This option allows grants to be conducted over two or three short segments. Applicants must select Flex in the application form, and clearly describe their plans for Flex in their project statement, including a project timeline. Flex grantees may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host-country academic community.
The U.S. Embassy will continue to assist scholars in identifying and securing acceptable housing. Host universities are also willing to work with scholars to help make housing arrangements.
The U.S. Embassy works with the Scholars to engage them in guest lecturing activites at other local universities, non-academic programs, and with local experts and think tanks as their program and schedule allows.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
The Public Affairs staff at the US Embassy will be happy to help establish contacts between interested applicants and potential host faculty members and/or leaders or provide information.
English is sufficient for teaching. Undergraduate and graduate students are required to take an approved English language standardized test for admission to the university (TOEFL ITP, APTIS, and TOEIC).
Albanian language proficiency sufficient to complete the research project is required.
For applicants without local language proficiency, feasibility of conducting the project must be demonstrated in the project statement.
Applicants with an M.A. or other professional degree and at least five years of substantial experience in their fields. Administrative and academic experience is highly desirable.
The Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency http://ascal.al provides a Full List of Accredited Universities link
The list of public higher education institutions is below:
University of Tirana Tirana University
University of Medicine, Tirana University of Medicine
Agricultural University of Tirana Agricultural University
University of Arts, Tirana University of Arts
Polytechnic University of Tirana Polytechnic University
Eqrem Çabej University of Gjirokastra Gjirokaster University
Luigj Gurakuqi University, Shkodra Luigj Gurakuqi U
Aleksander Xhuvani University, Elbasan Aleksander Xhuvani U
Fan. S. Noli University, Korce Fan S Noli U
Ismail Qemali University, Vlore Ismail Qemali U
Aleksandër Moisiu University, Durres Aleksander Moisiu U
Grant benefits include a monthly maintenance allowance, comprised of a base stipend and living and housing allowances. The base stipend varies based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent). Living and housing allowances vary based on the city of placement, and the number of accompanying dependents. Dependent housing and living allowances will not be provided to Flex grantees.
$3,550
For Flex grants: round trip travel will be included for each segment of the grant for the grantee only.
$750 - Books and educational materials allowance for teaching and teaching/research grants; should be donated to the host institution (or other entity) upon grantee's departure.
Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependents. These amounts range from $100/month to $350/month. In addition, travel allowances are provided for dependents: $2,500 for one dependent, and $5,000 for two or more dependents.
A dependent education allowance for accompanying dependents in grades K-12 is reimbursed at $5,000 maximum for one semester, $10,000 maximum for a full academic year, upon submission of receipts and depending on funding availability. Reimbursement is based on actual costs.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
Please refer to the figures above for an estimate of total monthly Fulbright award benefits. Benefits may include a monthly base stipend, living and housing allowances, and additional one-time allowances. Benefits may vary based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent), the city of placement, the type of award (teaching, teaching/research, or research), and the number of and duration of stay of accompanying dependents. Research-only or Professional Project grantees receive a standard stipend that is not adjusted for academic rank. In most cases, dependent benefits will not be provided to Flex grantees, or to grantees pursuing grants less than four months (or a semester) in length.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State reserves the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Albania provides a unique opportunity for scholars interested in connecting with students and academics from a rapidly developing country in Europe. In the heart of the Mediterranean on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is a beautiful country with a varied climate and topography. In the last few years, it has become a popular travel destination. Albania enjoys friendly and cooperative bilateral relations with the United States. Pro-American sentiment is widespread among the population.
Still relatively unspoiled by globalization, Albania offers an inspiring mixture of civilizations and cultures. Scholars are impressed by the ancient history of Albania, the rich cultural tradition, and the harmony and respect shared among the adherents of the country’s three major religions: Islam, Roman Catholicism, and Orthodox Christianity.
Albania has a young population eager to learn and study. The educational system has experienced constant change and improvement in the last twenty-five years to reflect global developments in education and to meet the changing needs of the population. In 2015, a group of educational experts, representatives of private and public universities, and other stakeholders drafted a new law on higher education. For the first time, all Albanian universities went through an institutional accreditation process led by the British Accreditation Agency and successfully concluded in December 2017. Find a full list of accredited universities link.
There are 15 public universities and over 25 private universities in Albania. The Albanian higher education system is part of the European Higher Education Area and operates on a 3+2+3 scheme (3-year undergraduate degree, 2-year graduate degree - usually referred to as a Scientific Master’s Degree, and 3-year doctoral program). Both public and private universities have partnerships with European universities and exchange programs are largely funded through EU Erasmus programs.
The country has some good universities with strong international connections but only one currently offers joint degree programs with foreign universities. However, all universities are working to introduce or increase instruction in English in order to attract international students. The Fulbright Program enjoys high prestige. The Public Affairs Section (PAS) at the U.S. embassy in Tirana is responsible for administering the Fulbright Program in the country. PAS staff help interested applicants identify potential host institutions, safe and affordable housing options, and organize an orientation program for the newly arrived U.S. grantees. The orientation program provides an overview of Albanian culture, current academic, political and practical issues, as well as medical and security briefings. Throughout the grant period, grantees are invited to participate in cultural enrichment programs or engage in additional academic or non-academic activities with a variety of audiences.
The living conditions and infrastructure in Albania are good, particularly in cities. However, rural areas are still developing and infrastructure, especially roads, can be poor. Monthly housing costs vary between $700 and $900, depending on location and size. An international English language school (K-12) is located in Tirana. Instruction in English language is extremely limited outside of Tirana.
Internet access is widely available in homes and in cafes in urban areas. Rural areas have more limited access to the Internet, but many people connect via smartphones. Electronics are available for purchase but are often very expensive.
further information contact Educational Program Advisor Mirela Cupi Cupim@State.Gov, CultureandEducationTirana@state.gov, or visit the U.S. Embassy website
U.S. Fulbright Scholar Jay Shapiro worked the School of Magistrates and Law School of Tirana University. https://www.instagram.com/p/CtJ4gz7qprl/?igsh=YmdmdjFvcXhzbW54&img_index=1
Fulbright ETAs Sara Gace and Rozie Rodrigues organized a Spelling Bee Competition with the participation of the students of their respective host schools in Gjirokaster and Tirana. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8CXtE3tnfj/?igsh=aHR4MzduY3gzZ2Zn
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7llDrkKjAk/?igsh=MTJud3pla2o0ejB2aw%3D%3D
Monika Hanley, Jay Shapiro, BetsAnn Smith, David Eric Archer, Melissa Perry, Elizabeth Daniels
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Below is a list of individuals who have expressed interest in collaboration on exchange programs. This list is not exhaustive, but could serve as a helpful reference.