Education in Kosovo: Education System, Best Universities and Travel Requirements

Kosovo is a self-declared independent country, located in Southeast Europe. It has been recognized by the United States and major European Union countries. Primary education in Kosovo is provided for free. It consists of schooling from grade one through five. This is a requirement by law for all children and students enroll at the age of six. The second component of education is the lower secondary educational system, which is usually for teens around 12 to 15 years of age. It provides education through grade nine. It is publicly funded and free of charge.

From here, students move on to secondary education. This is either professional education or general education. Most students spend three to four years at this level. This level of education is not a requirement under law, though. Most students who enroll in it do so to learn trades and skills that they will use to build their careers and lives. These schools have a goal to prepare students for vocational work directly out of school or to prepare them to enter university.

Higher Education in Kosovo​

Higher Education in Kosovo​

Much of the country is rebuilding and reorganizing. This includes the educational system in the country. Universities and educational institutions provide higher education in Kosovo. Both private and public schools are available here at this level. Students are able to earn an associate’s degree, which generally takes under two years to complete in a specialized area of study, a bachelor’s degree, which takes between three and four years to complete, or a master’s degree, which can add an additional two to three years of education on.

Post graduate education to earn a PhD is also available. Many students enroll in these programs part time, though full time education is still widely available as well. It is important to note that many of the schools, under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, are being altered. The goal is to align the educational system along the lines of other European countries.

The Best Universities in Kosovo

There aren't too many to explore but these two stand out.

  1. University of Pristina, located in the city of Pristina as a public
    university
  2. AAB University, located in the city of Pristina as a non-public
    university

Each of these schools set the requirements for enrollment both at the domestic and the international level. Students generally will need to apply directly to the school to learn about qualifications and costs for tuition. These can range significantly with private schools tending to be more expensive than public universities. International students are welcome, though, at both.

Travel Visa Requirements​

Travel Visa Requirements​

Once you decide to obtain your degree in Kosovo, you can apply to enroll in one of the universities. Once you do that, you can obtain the required student travel visa. An application with the Kosovo government, though a consulate or embassy can help students to do so, is required. A fee is paid at this time. The individual must also submit a letter from the school indicating their acceptance into the program of student, as well as information about the student’s living arrangements.

Students will need to show they have financial stability enough to live in the country and support themselves while doing so. The country does not provide health insurance to international students. Purchasing a policy from a third party is often a good idea, though a student who enrolls in a travel package may already obtain this.

Universities in Kosovo are trying their best to try to encourage overseas students to study in Kosovo, in their capacities. There is much to be done in this regard, but the interest from international students is there. For example, at AAB University, there are many interested students from abroad who want to study there. The two main faculties, in our opinion, in which they can enroll, are: Computer Science Faculty and English language and Literature Faculty.

Local students are very much interested to study abroad, to experience the European dream. This is done by different exchange programs, such as: Erasmus+. Their interest and willingness to study abroad is to gain knowledge, come back and implement and serve that knowledge to their country.