NON-STATE ACTORS IN EDUCATION
2.2 Non-state education provision
3.1 Regulations by distinct levels of education
- Early childhood care and education (Entry/Establishment ○ Financial operation ○ Quality of teaching and learning ○ Equitable access ○ Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability)
- Primary and secondary education (Entry/Establishment ○ Financial operation ○ Quality of teaching and learning ○ Equitable access ○ Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability)
- Tertiary education (Entry/Establishment ○ Financial operation ○ Quality of teaching and learning ○ Equitable access ○ Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability)
3.3 Supplementary private tutoring
Two of the most important legal and policy documents guiding ECCE, primary and secondary education in Albania, specifically the Law on Pre-university Education 69/12 with amendments and the National Strategy for Development of Pre-University Education (2014-2020), state that Pre-university education is offered in public and private education institutions. The Law on Pre-university Education System in the Republic of Albania 69/12, amended in 2015 and 2018, (Point 21 of Article 2) defines private school (Shkollë private) as “the non-public school, which is not established, financed and administered by the central or local government”.
The Law 80/2015 on Higher Education and Scientific Research (Point 3 of Article 17) define non-public institutions of higher education as ”private legal entities and the activity that they carry out can be for-profit or non-profit”.
2.1 State education provision
State schools
In Albania, in 2018/19, most schools (90.4%) in basic education (including elementary (5 years, beginning at age 6) and lower secondary, 4 years, beginning at age 12) and (76.44%) in upper secondary education (3 years, starting at age 15) were state schools. Basic education, including 9 years of elementary and lower secondary level, is free and compulsory. Upper secondary education, called general secondary education or gymnasium, covering 3 years is free, but not compulsory.
Non-state managed, state schools
Government dependent private schools do not exist in the education system and are not mentioned in any law. Schools are either public or privately owned.
Non-state funded, state schools
No information was found.
2.2 Non-state education provision
Independent, non-state schools
In 2019, enrolment in private education institutions represented 9.6% in basic education and 23.5% in upper secondary education (Viti 2018-2019 Vjetari statistikor 2018-2019/ Statistical Yearly Book).
Private schools are non-public/state schools that are not established, financed and administered by the central or local government (Law on Pre-university Education, art. 2). They are established, funded and managed by non-state actors. In addition, persons who belong to national minorities have the right to establish and administer their own pre-university private schools or vocational schools, when they meet all the requirements set by the related education legislation (Law 96/2017 on the Protection of National Minorities, art. 13).
Private schools are mainly funded from the incomes they generate and provide their service based on fees. They can be established as profit or non-profit entities, and they cover all levels of pre-university education.
State-funded (government-aided), non-state schools
The Ministry can financially support local private education institutions, which are non-for-profit and have been operating for at least five years, based on its opportunities and approved programs (Law on Pre-university Education, art. 39). This provision has not yet been implemented due to budget constraints.
Contracted, non-state schools
No information was found.
2.3 Other types of schools
Homeschooling
Home learning or home-based education is offered in special/particular cases for all grades of basic education or only some of them (Law on Pre-university Education, art. 17). The special cases, criteria and procedures for home learning are determined by the Minister. In addition, the local education institution responsible for pre-university education offers home-based education to students who are not able to attend regular/mainstream or special basic education schools, in accordance with the criteria and procedures defined through a joint Instruction of the Minister of Education and Minister of Health (Law on Pre-university Education, art. 64).
The Law on Pre-University Education defines distance learning as a form of education, with most of the learning process occurring when the teacher and the student are not usually in the same place and it is mainly realized with the help of Information and Communication Technology. Distance learning was applied as a teaching and learning strategy in Albania during the COVID-19 Pandemic situation in all the schools and all levels of education, including pre-university and higher education.
Market contracted (voucher schools)
No information was found
Unregistered/unrecognised schools
See the section on Sanctions.
According to Section 3.4.3. “Governance Structure”, of the new draft Strategy of Education 2021-2026, “the Republic of Albania applies a centralized governance of the Education System”. The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth (MESY) is the highest executive authority and is responsible for state and non-state education institutions in Pre-University and Higher Education, which implements national educational policies, outlined by the Council of Ministers and the continuous improvement of the quality of the educational service for all Albanian citizens. The Council of Ministers is also responsible for some governance of non-state actors. Vocational Education and Professional Training are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MFE).
The General Directorate of Pre-University Education (GDPUE) and its subordinate structures are responsible for the management of the Pre-University Education system. Agency for Quality Assurance in Pre-University Education (AQAPUE) is responsible for the evaluation of the performance of the Education system, designing of curricula, teachers’ professional development and assurance of quality in Pre-University Education.
Pre-school education is the full responsibility of the Local Government and partially that of pre-university level. Article 23 states that Local Government/municipalities in Albania are responsible for the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of education institutions/buildings of the public pre-university school system, except for vocational schools, as well as for the administration and regulation of the pre-school education system in kindergartens and nurseries. Nurseries are under the competence of Local Governance Units while Kindergartens are under the responsibility of MESY regarding teachers and curricula.
Vision: The main legal framework includes Law 69/2012 on Pre-University education, with amendments, Law 15/2017 on Vocational Education and training, Law 80/2015 on Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as other guidelines and regulations provided by MESY, AQAPUE. At the policy level, the pre-University Education Strategy 2014-2020 and the new draft Strategy of Education 2021-2026 serve as guiding documents toward the national vision of education including state/public and non-state/non-public/private education. There is no specific section or explanation regarding non-state actors or provision in the strategy.
3.1 Regulations by distinct levels of education
Early Childhood Care and Education covers children of age 0-6, including nurseries (Cerdhe) for children of age 0-3) and kindergarten (kopshte) for children of age 3-5. Kindergartens and nurseries are public and private. Both public and private nurseries offer their services with payment. Public nurseries' fees are determined by Local Governance Units, whereas private nurseries' fees are decided by their owners. According to the 2018-2019 MESY Statistical Yearly Book, 92.1% of kindergartens in Albania are public.
Registration and approval: See Multi-level regulations.
Licence: See Multi-level regulations.
Profit-making: See Multi-level regulations.
Taxes and subsidies: See Multi-level regulations.
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: Pre-school education programs and operations are in line with the Pre-University Education Law and the Pre-School Education Curriculum Framework, 2016, which has got the status of a policy document of a national dimension.
Teaching profession: According to Article 57 of the Law on Pre-University Education, Pre-School teachers should have obtained the Diploma of 1st Cycle, Bachelor that prepares teachers for the pre-school education level. They are also required to meet the Pre-School Teachers’ Professional Standards” drafted by AQAPUE.
Fee-setting: The fees for (a request for) opening a private pre-university educational institution, where there are taught also religious subjects, or where teaching is also conducted in foreign languages, are determined by a decision of the Council of Ministers (DCM). The service fees are paid to the MESY.
Admission selection and processes: No information was found.
Policies for vulnerable groups: See Multi-level regulations.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
Reporting requirements: No information was found.
Inspection: The entity responsible for quality assurance and inspection in Pre-University Education, including early childhood, is the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Pre-University Education/Agjenica e Sigurimit të Cilësisë në Arsimin Parauniversitar (AQAPUE/ASCAP)). Regarding methods and approaches for quality assurance, AQAPUE has drafted the Pre-School Teachers’ Professional Standards'' for teacher assessment and the “Development and Learning Standards” for student evaluation.
Child assessments: The Pre-school Education Evaluation Framework (Korniza e vlerësimit në arsimin parashkollor) has been designed to support specialists, teachers and the kindergarten staff with the evaluation of the development and learning of kindergarten children of age 3-6. Among others, this type of education makes possible identification of children who might be at risk or are in need of early interventions or specialized services.
Sanctions: See Multi-level regulations.
Registration and approval: See Multi-level regulations.
Licence: Private institutions are licensed by the National Licensing Center with the decision of the Minister, as defined in the Law No. 10081, dated 23.2.2009 on “the Licenses, Authorization and Permissions in the Republic of Albania”. The Private Educational Institutions start their operation only after having received their licence. For more information, see Multi-level regulations.
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH): As stated in several legal and policy documents and specifically in the Council of Ministers Decision No.825/2015, Educational institutions in the Republic of Albania are obliged to ensure a healthy and safe environment, paying specific attention, among others, to the hygiene and sanitary conditions.
Profit-making: See Multi-level regulations.
Taxes and subsidies: See Multi-level regulations.
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: According to Article 46 of the Law on Pre-university Education, with amendments, the private education institution implements the curriculum that has been approved at the moment of licencing. Any changes made require approval by the Minister. Teaching in a foreign language is allowed with approval by Council of Ministers, while there is mandatory teaching in Albanian, for students with Albanian citizenship, of specific subjects, such as: “Albanian language", "Literature", "History of Albanian Nation” and the “Geography of Albania”.
Textbooks and learning materials: According to Article 47, textbooks are selected by teachers on a school basis, after certification by the ministry. Selection procedures are determined by instruction of the Minister. Exceptions to this rule are determined by a decision of the Council of Ministers. Textbooks for students are an alternative. The number of textbook alternatives is limited to three alternatives for each subject or area of learning.
Teaching profession: In order to qualify as a teacher for primary, lower secondary and upper secondary education, a candidate must obtain a diploma of the second cycle of University studies (masters in education), must complete 1 mandatory year of professional training (internship) and pass the State Exam for Teachers The school teachers of public and NS provision are not covered by the civil servant regulation. Teachers’ salaries are in line with their qualifications. More specifically, the salary depends on the years of teaching experience and the level of qualification, including: qualified teacher, specialist teacher, and master teacher.
Corporal punishment: Corporal punishment is prohibited in Albania. Article 6 of the Law on Pre-University Education states that In the Pre-university education system, students and school staff are protected from any kind of action or non-action that may cause discrimination, violence, maltreatment, or moral damage. In addition, according to Article 23 of the Law 18/2017 on the Rights and Protection of Children, the child has the right to be protected from all forms of violence. More particularly, Article 18 of this Law states that “During the teaching and educational process, the child is treated with dignity by teachers and staff. Corporal punishment of the child and any other forms of violence during the education process are prohibited”.
Other safety measures and COVID-19: Distance/remote learning was applied by the government in both public and non-public/private schools to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. RTSH shkolla was also implemented offering various subject teaching programs to support all students all over Albania, especially the groups of children who did not have access to distance education.
Fee-setting: No information was found.
Admission selection and processes: No information was found. However, the Law on Pre-University Education 69/2012, with amendments, states that a student has the right to select a public or private education institution and In the Pre-university education system, students and school staff are protected from any kind of action or non-action that may cause discrimination, violence, maltreatment, or moral damage.
Policies for vulnerable groups: See Multi-level regulations.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
School board: According to the Instruction No. 25, dated 25.07.2018, “on the Establishment and functioning of the Board of the Educational Institution”, every pre-university educational institution, public and private has its own Board composed of parents, teachers, and students, as well as representatives of the community, the local education unit and the local self-governance unit. The Board‘s mission is to ensure that the education service aligns to national and local education policies and the interests of the community. The Board also contributes to the progress of the Education Institution, in accordance with the legal acts in force.
Reporting requirements: No information was found.
School inspection: According to the new draft Strategy for the Education system in Albania, the management and assurance of quality in pre-university education in Albania is divided into three different levels under the MESY: 1) The central level represented by the Agency for Quality Assurance in Pre-University Education (AQAPUE / ASCAP)), the General Directorate of Pre-University Education (GDPUE/DPAP) and the Center of Education Services (CES / QSHA); 2) The regional/local level represented by the Regional Education Directorates of Pre-University Education (REDP / DRAP) and Local Education Offices, which are subordinate structures of the General Directorate of Pre-University Education (GDPUE / DPAP), and 3) the Educational Institutions as direct service providers. With the latest changes in the pre-university education governance structure, GDPUE is responsible for the school evaluation and inspection, whereas AQAPUE is concentrated on system performance and risk-based evaluation of pre-university education providers. AQAPUE also assists GDPUE in the field of curricula, professional development as well as monitoring, evaluation and inspection of schools. The school inspection, both in public and private educational institutions, is based on the School Quality Assessment Package approved in 2020, which includes four main fields of quality: Leadership and Management, Teaching and Learning Quality, Student Assessment and Achievement, and Student wellbeing and behaviour.
Student assessment: According to the AQAPUE Instruction document, 2019 for guiding student assessment in lower and upper secondary education schools, assessment of students is made through: 1) continuous assessment, 2) summative assessment, including tests, and 3) assessment of the subject portfolio.
Diplomas and degrees: Article 52 of the Law on Pre-University Education 69/2012 with amendments specifies that: 1)the document of completion of basic education is the Basic Education Certificate (issued by the school principal), 2) The document of completion of upper secondary education is the Diploma of State matura, which is issued by the National Agency of Exams after having passed the national exams), 3) the private upper secondary education institutions may issue a diploma of a foreign educational institution or similar to it.
Sanctions: See Multi-level regulations.
Higher education institutions in Albania are fully compatible with the Bologna system; university courses and programs are structured through the European Credit System and are both public and private. According to Article 17 of the Law 80/2015 on Higher education and scientific research,, non-public institutions of higher education are private legal entities and their activity can be non-profit or for profit. Currently, there are 15 public universities and 26 private higher education institutions in Albania, which operate in Tirana and other cities. According to the above-mentioned article, regarding the types of higher education institutions, there are: Universities, University Colleges, Academies and Higher Professional Colleges.
Registration and approval: The Council of Ministers’ Decision No. 418, dated 10.5.2017 specifies the standards, criteria and procedures for the opening, reorganization, division, merging, or closure of Higher Education Institutions and their branches.
License: According to Article 43 of the Law on Higher Education, a non-public higher Education Institution starts its operation only after having received the licence. The licence is obtained when the Institution fulfils the state criteria and standards, approved by the Council of Ministers, based on the proposal of the Ministry of Education. The type of licence is determined by the Ministry of Education.
Profit-making: According to the Law 80/2015 on Higher Education, the non-public Higher Education Institutions are private Legal Entities, whose activities may be non-profit or for-profit. Public Independent Higher Education Institutions are public legal entities that are established with the decision of the Council of Ministers, as defined in this law. For more information, see Multi-level regulations.
Taxes and subsidies: No information was found.
Quality of teaching and learning
Curriculum and education standards: As stressed by the Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education (Agjencia për Sigurimin e Cilësisë në Arsimin e Lartë), the Higher Education Quality Code is the main document for all quality assurance processes and procedures in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It sets the quality standards, which are mandatory for implementation by higher education institutions. Quality Code, amended through the Decision of Council of Ministers no. 531, dated 11.09.2018, summarizes the state standards for quality assurance, for study programs of professional character, programs of the first cycle of Bachelor studies, study programs of the second cycle "Professional Master", "Master of Science" and "Master of Arts", as well as for integrated second cycle study programs.
Teaching profession: According to Article 46 of the law on Higher Education, the HEI personnel is composed of the Academic personnel, Assistant teaching-scientific personnel, and Administrative personnel. The rights and duties of the personnel are defined in the Statute of the respective Institutions and in their Regulations in line with the Legal Acts. More specifically, Article 64 of the law states that in the non-public HEIs, the criteria, regulations and procedures for the employment of the academic personnel are defined in the Statute of the institution.
Fee-setting: No information was found.
Admission selection and processes: According to Article 33 of the Law 80/2015 on Higher Education, every Albanian citizen who has completed the State Matura has the right to apply for admission in the first Cycle of Studies in Higher Education Institutions. The main criteria for Admission by Higher education Institutions are defined by this Law and specific Decisions of the Council of Ministers. The Grade Point Average (GPA) is one of the most important criteria for entering specific Study programs of different cycles, which has been continuously increased, with the GPA for study programs leading to teaching as the highest one.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
Board: Article 47 of the Law 80/2015 on Higher Education states that the Board of Administration is the highest collegial administrative body, which guarantees the accomplishment of the mission of the higher education institution, as well as its financial and administrative progress. The Administrative Board in the non-public higher education institutions is established and functions in line with their Statutes.
Reporting requirements: According to Article 32 of the Law on Higher Education, Higher Education Institutions submit to the responsible Ministry annual reports for each academic year on the activity performed, the financial situation of the institution, the forecast for the engagement of academic staff, tuition fees for the following year, information on tracking students who have completed the studies for each study program they offer, as well as other elements determined by the instruction of the responsible minister.
Inspection: As described in the Law 80/2015 on Higher Education, the Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (AQAHE)/ASCAL) is an independent legal entity that is responsible for the quality of higher education. Through mechanisms of quality assurance, accreditation and other processes, it monitors and assesses the quality of educational institutions and the programs that they offer. AQAHE operates based on its guidelines, the Code of Quality of Higher Education, which is updated in line with the European standards and guidelines of quality in the European Higher Education Area. AQAHE carries out the assessment/evaluation process for the accreditation of Higher Education Institutions and the Study Programs that they offer and continues monitoring their quality.
Assessments: According to the Law on Higher Education, student assessment is calculated through a percentage of the final grade: including the level of participation in discussions during the seminars, collegium, midterm exam, course assignment and final exam. According to Article 70 of the law, the Higher Education Institutions offer study programs organized in Modules and assessed through credits in line with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The normal amount of credits to be received by a student during an Academic Year is 60.
Diplomas and degrees: According to Article 73 of the Law on Higher Education, the 1st Cycle Studies, referring to level 6 of the Albanian Framework of Qualifications are organized with not less than 180 European Credits (ECTS) and their normal duration is three Academic Years. In addition, as stated in Article 91 of this law, at the end of the Study Program, a student is provided with the respective Diploma or Certificate. The diplomas that are issued at the completion of a study program of the first cycle, second cycle and Executive Master are accompanied by the Diploma supplement. All types of diplomas and certificates are first registered in the State Register of Diplomas and the State Register of Certificates for Higher Education and Scientific Research held in the Education Service Center.
Sanctions: No information was found.
3.2 Multi-level regulations
The following section includes regulations for Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary and/or Tertiary education mainly focusing on the Law on Pre-University Education 69/2012 with amendments Law on the Rights and Protection of Children, Law 80/2015 on Higher Education and Scientific Research, and other important Strategic Documents, including The Strategy of Pre-University Education Development 2014-2020 and the new draft Education Strategy 2021-2026 (covering all levels of education), as well as other related legal and policy documents.
Besides the law on Higher Education, the above-mentioned laws, regulations and strategic documents guide and regulate establishment, financing and quality of educational institutions at different education levels.
Registration and approval: According to the Article 42 of the Law on Pre-university Education, private education institutions are established and function in accordance with this law, except for the cases in which the law has a special formulation for public educational institutions, as well as bylaws issued specifically for them. Suspension and revocation of private educational institutions, which are mentioned in point 2 of this article, is carried out by the National Licensing Center by the decision of the Minister.
In addition, based on the Council of Ministers Decision No. 825, dated 07.10.2015,, the request for opening a private pre-university education institution, in which religious subjects are taught or where teaching is also conducted in a foreign language, is based on the following criteria and procedures and is accompanied by the following documents and declarations. a) Registration in the National Registration Center. b) The identification number of the taxable person (NIPT) and the historical extract of the subject. c) Copies of property or rent documents for the facility and other additional facilities, in which the activity will take place, notarized and issued no earlier than three months from the date of applying.
Licence: According to the Council of Ministers Decision 825/2015, private institutions are licenced by the National Licencing Center with the decision of the Minister, as defined in the Law No. 10081, dated 23.2.2009 on “ the Licences, Authorization and Permissions in the Republic of Albania”. Suspension of activities of a private educational institution is conducted by the National Licensing Center based on a decision of the Council of Ministers.
Article 42 of the Law 69/2012 on Pre-University Education, with amendments, states that Licensing of private institutions is carried out by the National Licensing Center with the Minister’s decision. The private education institution starts its operation after having obtained the licence. Licensing is regulated by the Law 10081/.2009 on “Licences, Authorizations and Permissions in the Republic of Albania”. Private education institutions, which offer also religious subjects or are established or administrated by religious communities, are opened and closed with the decision of the Council of Ministers and the proposal of the Minister, based on the request of representatives from the religious communities. The criteria and procedures for opening such a private education institution are determined in the decision no. 825, dated 07.10.2015 of the Council of Ministers. Some of the main criteria are as follows:
- The classroom as a teaching and learning environment needs to have a space of 1.3 up to 1.6 m2 per student.
- The window surface needs to cover at least 15% of the floor and the lighting needs to be on the left-hand side of the student.
- Provision with water, heating, electricity, telephone communication and internet connection is also required.
- The toilets must include 1 box for 40 boys, 1 box for 30 girls and 1 box for the educational employees of the institution.
There are also other requirements related to a safe and healthy environment.
In addition, the private schools, which develop their teaching programs also in a foreign language, or issue a foreign or similar diploma, are opened and closed with the decision of the Council of Ministers with the proposal of the Minister.
Profit-making: According to the law on pre-university education, private Pre-University Educational Institutions can be non-profit or for-profit. They are mainly funded through the incomes generated and provide their services based on specific fees. In addition, based on Article 39 of the law, the Ministry can provide financial support to local, private, non-profit pre-university education institutions that have been operating for at least five years. However, as stated in the OECD reviews of Evaluation and Assessment in Albania, “this provision has not yet been implemented due to budget constraints”.
Taxes and subsidies: There are fixed taxes paid to the MESY in order to open and obtain a licence for a private, Pre--University Education and supplementary education Institution. The set fees are displayed on the MESY website and the Council of Ministers Decision No.825/2015.
Quality of teaching and learning
Teaching profession: According to the Law on Pre-University Education, teaching is a regulated profession in Albania. In order to qualify as a teacher for primary, lower secondary and upper secondary education, a candidate must obtain a diploma of the second cycle of university studies (Masters in education), must complete 1 mandatory year of professional training (internship) and pass the State Exam for Teachers.
Policies for vulnerable groups: According to Article 6 of the Law on Pre-University Education, students from families in need, students with disabilities/special needs and students with learning difficulties are offered special support. In addition, as specified in this Law. According to Article 10, persons who belong to national minorities are offered the conditions to learn and be taught in their native language, to learn about their history and culture in accordance with the school curriculum. No information was found regarding access of these students to non-state provision.
Quality assurance, monitoring and accountability
Sanctions: Article 69 of the Law on Pre-University Education System 69/2012, with amendments, clearly states that “opening and exercising of the activity of private educational institutions without a relevant licence, in accordance with this Law, constitutes an administrative violation and the offenders/violators are fined through the principal administrative penalty and an additional one, which is ”immediate suspension of the activity”. Article 70 of the Law on Pre-university Education, states that Violation of legal requirements for the activity of private educational institutions constitutes an administrative offence, which is ascertained and punished by the institution responsible for quality assurance in pre-university education through several administrative penalties: from warning and fines, to revocation of licence and closure. The final decision for suspension and licence revocation is the responsibility of the Minister.
3.3 Supplementary private tutoring
In Albania it is widely accepted that private tutoring is extended at primary and secondary education levels. There are different types of fee-charging private tutoring including individuals or teachers who provide services outside of school duties and responsibilities, individually, especially referring to subjects, such as: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or foreign languages.
There are also private course development centres, especially focused on foreign languages, or vocational training courses which offer private tutoring to students of different age groups. These are licenced centres and provide certificates of course completion.
Financial operation and quality
No information was found.
The Albanian Teachers’ Code of Conduct has banned the practice of teachers providing private tutoring to their own students, and legally it is considered malpractice.
