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Located in: Albania
Western Balkans University (WBU) is a modern, fully accredited private university located in Tirana, the capital of Albania. It was established in 2022 through the cooperation framework of Cambridge Clinical Laboratories, the American Hospitals Group, and the International Hygeia Hospital.
WBU takes an international approach to medical education and participates in a wide range of global academic networks and prominent international organisations. With over 25 national and international partners, the university offers students unique opportunities for exchange, research, and academic mobility.
WBU is particularly renowned for its medical and health sciences programmes, which were developed in partnership with leading healthcare organisations to meet the highest international standards. Notably, the medicine curriculum has been created in cooperation with the University of Cambridge.
Western Balkans University uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), ensuring all courses meet international educational standards and use a fair and transparent grading system. The university offers 3 courses in English for international students:
Currently, Western Balkans University does not offer graduate entry routes for these programmes, but student transfers are accepted and assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The tuition fees for the English-taught programmes at Western Balkans University are as follows:
The admission criteria for international applications to WBU are:​
Admission to WBU is very competitive, due to its strong international reputation and limited number of seats. The university attracts students from around the world, making a strong application absolutely essential. This includes a well-prepared CV and properly translated, notarised, and legalised documents. However, there’s no need to worry because our expert admissions team can manage your application from start to finish, ensuring it meets all legal requirements. Best of all, we provide exclusive WBU-specific exam and interview preparation materials to maximise your chances of getting accepted at his prestigious medical school.
The medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy degrees from the Western Balkans University are internationally recognised.
WBU offers a student-centred education with a focus on personalised mentorship, modern teaching methods, and hands-on learning through clinical rotations and lab work. Students here are taught by internationally trained faculty in intentionally small class sizes to facilitate active participation in lectures and personalised guidance from professors.
The university campus is equipped with modern laboratories, simulation centres, and clinical training environments that have the latest medical technology. Additionally, through WBU’s partnerships with leading local and global healthcare providers, the university ensures that students gain real-world experience at top-tier medical hospitals and clinics.
The ​Western Balkans University English medicine programme is a 6-year degree developed in collaboration with the Cambridge University Medical Education Group. This partnership has resulted in an innovative curriculum that incorporates the latest discoveries, theories, and research in medical education.
Dr. Mark Lillicrap, Associate Professor of Medical Education at the University of Cambridge, has played a pivotal role in the collaboration. He and his colleagues have worked closely with the WBU team to define precise learning outcomes and develop a curriculum designed to train competent doctors who are ready for medical practice across the world.
The programme follows international best practices and uses an integrated, inquiry-based approach that combines medical sciences with clinical application from the very 1st year. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on early patient contact, case-based learning, and tackling global health challenges.
Students gain early clinical exposure within the American Hospital Group and International Hygeia Hospital (formerly Hygeia Hospital Tirana) across multiple sites. The programme is worth 360 ECTS credits, adheres to international academic standards of excellence, and awards an internationally recognised degree.
The Dentistry programme at Western Balkans University is a 5-year, English-taught course designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience needed for a successful career in dental medicine. The course is worth 300 ECTS, and students are awarded an internationally recognised Master of Science in Dentistry degree upon graduation.
The Faculty of Dental Medicine at WBU is regarded as a world-class oral health center, dedicated to promoting oral health through excellence in education, delivery of service, community engagement, and research. The faculty is made up of three units: the Department of Dentistry, the Department of Basic Sciences, and the Research Center for Quality and Safety of Oral Healthcare.
​Western Balkans University has inaugurated WBUDent, a state-of-the-art University Dental Clinic designed to enhance dental education and patient care. This facility has state-of-the-art simulation labs equipped with the latest technology in dental medicine, ensuring a hands-on, practice-oriented learning experience.
The curriculum features comprehensive theoretical learning along with continuous clinical training from early on. Students at WBU participate in supervised internships organised by the faculty and affiliated centres, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world dental settings.
The pharmacy course in English at Western Balkans University lasts for 5 years, comprises 300 ECTS credits, and awards an internationally recognised Master of Science in Pharmacy degree upon graduation.
The curriculum builds a strong foundation in drug development, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and patient care, while emphasising the safe and effective use of medication in modern healthcare. Alongside theoretical learning, students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, simulated pharmacy environments, internships, and professional placements.
This integrated approach allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world healthcare and pharmaceutical settings from the start of their education. The curriculum meets the highest academic and ethical standards, enabling graduates to pursue licensure, further study, or employment across a wide range of pharmaceutical fields globally.
​Western Balkans University is engaged in a variety of national, international, and internal research programmes. The university's Research Office supports innovation across scientific initiatives with academic and industrial backing. This part of WBU plays a pivotal role in supporting faculty and research staff with grant applications and funding opportunities, as well as ensuring adherence to global research standards.
WBU has established 3 dedicated research centers:​
The Western Balkans University actively participates in international research collaborations through Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Interreg Europe, and more. These partnerships provide students and faculty with the opportunity to directly contribute to research and enhance their education through a global network of professional research organisations.
While WBU does not offer on-campus accommodation, it has established a partnership with Fole Residence, a student housing facility located approximately 10 minutes from the university. Fole Residence provides a variety of accommodation options, including single rooms and shared studio apartments, costing between €150 and €300 per person.
WBU offers a comprehensive range of support services for international students that are designed to promote academic success, personal well-being, and professional development. These services include academic counselling, career guidance, and mentorship programmes, ensuring students have everything they need to succeed throughout their studies.​
The university has several dedicated support offices:​
Tirana is an exciting city where international students can enjoy a high standard of living, reasonable costs and a mild Mediterranean climate. The city is home to modern medical facilities, well-connected public transport, and a strong international student community. Other highlights of studying in Tirana include:
A City Surrounded by Nature
Tirana is flanked by Dajti Mountain and is located just 40 minutes from the Adriatic coast, meaning weekend hikes, cable car rides, or beach days are always within reach for a quick getaway.
Affordable Living with a European Lifestyle
Tirana offers many of the perks of a European capital, including plenty of venues, a busy nightlife, and great food. Students can live comfortably on a modest budget, with plenty of low-cost options for dining out, housing, and entertainment.
Genuine Hospitality
Albanians are famous for their friendliness and approachability. It’s easy to strike up a conversation, ask for directions, or get recommendations on the best local spots. You’ll quickly feel at home, even if it’s your first time in the country.
A City That Doesn’t Sleep
From open film screenings and food festivals to live music and art exhibitions, there’s always something happening in Tirana.
At Tirana and WBU, diversity is celebrated, and students from all backgrounds are welcomed with open arms. International students get to enjoy a supportive community, an inclusive atmosphere, and student associations dedicated to helping them feel right at home.
Throughout the city, you will find places of worship accommodating all faiths, including mosques, churches, and synagogues. You can also find food to accommodate all tastes, including halal, kosher, vegan and vegetarian options.
Best of all, Tirana is a safe city with low crime rates, which makes it an ideal destination to study medicine, dentistry or pharmacy abroad.
When you apply through Medlink Students, you get full access to our exclusive Student Success Programme, a comprehensive support system designed to help you succeed before, during, and after admission.
This means that our experienced team of doctors, academic advisors, and admissions experts will be there to guide & support you throughout your entire educational journey. This includes managing your university application, providing tailored WBU entrance exam & interview preparation, and much more.
Sign up for a free consultation to learn more about this incredible opportunity.
WBU is located in Tirana, the capital city of Albania.
Tuition fees for medicine are per year, dentistry is annually, and pharmacy is per year.
Yes, WBU has worked with the Cambridge University Medical Education Group to develop their innovative medicine curriculum.
Yes, WBU accepts transfer students on a case-by-case basis, subject to eligibility criteria and available spaces.
WBU is recognised internationally across Europe and beyond, ensuring global opportunities for graduates.
Yes, applicants must pass an entrance exam and an admissions interview.
Yes, the Integrated Second Cycle Programmes accept students directly after completing secondary education.
Clinical rotations are carried out in WBU-affiliated hospitals, including the American Hospitals Group and International Hygeia Hospital.
