Western Balkans University

OVERVIEW

About Western Balkans University (WBU)

Basic information and contact details for Western Balkans University

Western Balkans University (WBU) is a modern, English-taught university located at the crossroads of Europe, in Tirana, Albania. Established through a strategic cooperation with the American Hospitals Group, the university integrates practical and clinical learning with theoretical foundations to deliver comprehensive, high-quality education. Through this partnership, students and academics benefit from a close institutional link between higher education and advanced clinical and professional practice, fostering an international academic environment.

Developed as a fourth-generation university, WBU places particular emphasis on applied knowledge and its relevance to real professional contexts. Academic programs are designed with a strong focus on employability, equipping students with practical skills and competencies that are in high demand in the global labor market. At the same time, the university supports continuous academic development and international exposure.

WBU operates within the European higher education framework, maintaining academic standards aligned with the European Higher Education Area and internationally accepted best practices. Innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and international engagement are central to the university’s academic culture. Through consistent investment in teaching quality and institutional development, Western Balkans University is gradually strengthening its presence at both national and regional levels in Southeast Europe.

Teaching and Learning

At WBU, teaching and learning revolve around the student, emphasizing practical, hands-on experience. Small-group classes allow for optimal interaction, as students receive close guidance from academic mentors and continuous feedback through assessment.

In order to ensure that graduates are well equipped for successful careers, academic advancement, and international mobility, study programs are carefully developed to meet European standards and international best practices.

Your Gateway to International Careers

At WBU, learning extends beyond the classroom. The university’s academic practices blend rigorous theoretical foundations with real-world experience and international opportunities, helping students build the skills and confidence required to succeed in the global labor market and start building their careers.

Why international students choose WBU

• English-taught degrees in medicine, health sciences, technology, and business
• Early integration of clinical and professional experience within the curriculum
• Close collaboration with leading hospitals and professional institutions
• Academic standards aligned with the European Higher Education Area
• Multicultural and inclusive campus welcoming students from over 40 countries
• Affordable, high-quality European education in a dynamic capital city

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Practice-Driven Learning

At WBU, learning is designed with careers in mind, combining academic knowledge with real-world professional experience. Classes are interactive and student-centered, taking place in small groups with continuous feedback and close guidance from academic staff. This approach ensures that students develop both solid theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

A distinctive feature of this approach is the Education Practice Integrated Curriculum (EPIC). This initiative places professional practice at the core of the academic journey from the very beginning. EPIC operates in collaboration with leading private hospitals and industry partners, enabling students to participate in professional internships alongside their coursework.

From the first semester of Bachelor studies, students may engage in real work practice for up to twenty hours per week, strengthening professional skills and employability. Successful completion of EPIC programs typically provides graduates with priority placement opportunities in partner institutions and stronger prospects in the job market.

Study Programs

Western Balkans University offers a broad range of Bachelor, Integrated Second Cycle, and Master programmes designed to integrate applied learning, professional relevance, and strong theoretical foundations. Academic offerings include:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy
• Health Sciences
• Technology, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
• Economics, Business and Management

All programs are designed to meet international academic and professional standards.

Clinical Training and Professional Exposure

Clinical and professional practice form the core of the WBU academic experience. Through strategic partnerships with the American Hospitals Group, International Hygeia Hospital, and Cambridge Clinical Laboratories, students gain early exposure to clinical settings and hands-on training in real professional environments.

This integrated approach equips graduates with the skills and experience required for lifelong professional practice and competitive international careers.

Research with Impact

Western Balkans University is building a strong reputation in applied and interdisciplinary research, particularly in the areas of healthcare, medical sciences, technology, and sustainable development. Students are actively encouraged to participate in research projects, developing analytical and investigative skills that enhance both academic growth and professional opportunities.

Scholarships and Financial Support

Western Balkans University is committed to widening access to high-quality higher education through a range of financial support opportunities. These include merit-based scholarships, excellence awards, and early application tuition benefits designed to support academic talent and early planning.

Financial support initiatives are awarded in accordance with transparent criteria and institutional policies, contributing to accessibility for both domestic and international students. Details on eligibility, application procedures, and timelines are provided through the university’s official admissions channels.

Subjects Taught at Western Balkans University

See below for a range of subjects taught at Western Balkans University (WBU):

Clinical & Health

• Medicine & Dentistry
• Other Health

Computer Science

• Computer Science

Life Sciences

• Biological Sciences

Business & Economics

• Business & Management
• Economics & Econometrics