Established in 1922, Qiriazi University College is a highly esteemed institution of higher learning nestled in the city of Korça, Albania. The key inspiration behind the initiative was the remarkable success of girls’ schools in the Western world. Despite its humble beginnings, Qiriazi University College rose to prominence and emerged as a ray of hope. Due to its unwavering determination and dedication, it has become a vital cornerstone in the history of Albanian education.
Formerly known as “Kyrias Institute,” Qiriazi University College is the oldest continuously running higher education establishment in Albania. It was revitalized into a state-ofthe-art, modern educational institution modeled after the most esteemed universities in the US and Europe. Its steadfast commitment to academic and professional excellence assures that students receive the highest-quality education possible.
The team at Qiriazi University College gets inspiration from prominent institutions, particularly those renowned for their innovative teaching methods, research excellence, and student-centric approaches. They also look to educational approaches emphasizing technology integration into the classroom, community engagement, and interdisciplinary learning. Their core objective is to continually evolve and adapt, leveraging best practices from around the world to enhance the quality of education they offer to students.
The Educator
Journey of Prof. Gjokë Uldedaj: President of Qiriazi University College
Prof. Gjok Uldedaj, an industry veteran and experienced educator, has begun his professional journey in the Prof. Gjok Uldedaj, an industry veteran and experienced educator, has begun his professional journey in the academic world. In 1986, he got his first job as a lecturer at the Agricultural University of Tirana, Faculty of Economics. Despite his other commitments, the dedicated man has never been separated from academia and university life.
In 2007, he was elected Chairman of Albania’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. From 2009 to 2013, he was elected an MP in the Parliament of the Republic of Albania. He was also selected as a member of the Committee on Finance and the Economy. In 2010, he served as the Center for Business and Parliamentary Dialogue’s President with honor.
In 2016, he was elected president of Qiriazi University College. In addition to his outstanding academic record, the visionary leader is a prolific author of books, monographs, and scientific papers.
An Overview of the Programs Offered by Qiriazi University College
Qiriazi University College offers a wide range of programs tailored to meet the evolving demands of today’s market, spanning various industries from business to law, food technology, information technology, healthcare, hospitality, and sports. It has over 100 cooperation agreements with national, regional, and international partners. Thanks to these partnerships, the team is aware of the demands and latest trends in every industry, and they can incorporate these understandings into the study programs.
Employers look for students who possess the most sought after abilities. Qiriazi University College craft its courses with specialists from prestigious worldwide educational institutions and industries. Through ongoing dialogue and proactive engagement, the team strives to equip the graduates with the skills and knowledge required to excel in their chosen fields, along with placement assistance, internships, and job opportunities that fit students’ career goals.
Notable Research Initiatives at Qiriazi University College
Qiriazi University College has prioritized fostering cooperation and research initiatives in the fields of innovation and technology and joint study programs with reputable international partners. This is because international projects are a significant area to which Qiriazi University College has special attention. They participate in several European Union programs, including Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Jean Monnet, and others. The solid and longstanding relationship with these institutions has enhanced the university’s international reputation.
Currently, Qiriazi University College is involved in a dozen research and study projects. The projects’ primary focus is on managing enterprises and corporations, primarily in the tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as creating information technology to support educational needs. These projects foster the intersections of information technology and management, addressing complex challenges and stimulating innovation in both domains. Through collaborative efforts involving faculty, students, and industry partners, these projects aim to push the boundaries of knowledge, develop cutting-edge solutions, and contribute to advancing information technology and management practices in the respective fields.
Nurturing a Culture of Research Excellence
Qiriazi University College cultivates a culture of research excellence among the university and students through various initiatives and support mechanisms. Faculty members are encouraged to pursue their research interests through internal and international grants, professional growth opportunities, and access to cutting-edge facilities and resources.
Qiriazi University College offers research opportunities for academic staff and students through conferences, internships, capstone projects, and the chance to publish their research findings in its scientific informative journal “Kyrias”. They provide guidance and support for students interested in conducting independent research, including access to faculty mentors, research funding, and presentation opportunities at conferences and symposiums. Additionally, they organize workshops, research conferences, seminars, and networking events to promote a culture of intellectual curiosity and inquiry across campus and beyond.
Collaborating with Institutions on a Global Scale
Qiriazi University College actively participates in exchange programs and collaborations with international institutions to enrich its global perspective. Thanks to these programs, students can study abroad at partner universities, which allows them to experience various academic environments, cultures, and languages.
Nevertheless, the institution is constantly searching for new partners with the greatest caliber and experience, having previously signed many collaboration agreements with colleges in the European region and beyond. Qiriazi University College has partnered with higher education institutions from Austria, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Spain, Armenia, Türkiye, Hungary, etc.
Distinctive Strategies to Achieve Excellence and Innovation in Education
Qiriazi University College employs several mechanisms to ensure its academic programs remain relevant and of the highest quality.
Firstly, it conducts comprehensive curricula reviews, seeking input from the academic staff, students, alums, and industry partners. This feedback helps the team identify areas for improvement and innovation, allowing them to incorporate emerging topics, technologies, and methodologies into the courses.
It also prioritizes the professional development of university employees, offering conferences, workshops, and training opportunities to keep abreast of the latest developments in education and research. This ensures that the instructors are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver engaging and effective instruction.
Furthermore, they maintain a proactive approach to monitoring global educational trends and standards, benchmarking their programs against peer institutions and accreditation bodies on national and international levels.
Ultimately, their dedication to ongoing development stems from a culture of cooperation, creativity, and excellence, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of higher education and effectively prepares the students for success in a rapidly changing world.
Future Outlook: Planning for a Glorious Future
Over the next five years, Qiriazi University College will continue to grow and innovate in several key areas. With a commitment to expand its academic offerings to meet the evolving needs of students and industries, the institution introduced new programs that reflect emerging fields and interdisciplinary approaches. In this context, Qiriazi University College is working in several directions simultaneously. In the next five years, it will focus on developing curricula and programs for English language study, reading current academic and scientific literature, recruiting international students, drawing in foreign lecturers, and organizing international exchanges of students, faculty, and administrative staff, among other things.
Furthermore, it strives to enhance its research capabilities and partnerships, fostering collaboration with industry leaders, government agencies, NGOs, and international institutions to address pressing challenges and drive innovation in various fields.
