Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Western Balkans University ("WBU", "we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website wbu.edu.al, use our services, or interact with us in any way.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including but not limited to:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Date of birth
• Academic records and transcripts
• Identification documents (passport, ID card)
• Employment history and qualifications
• Financial information (for tuition and scholarship purposes)

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Referring website address
• Device identifiers
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Processing admissions applications and enrollment
• Providing educational services and academic support
• Managing student records and academic progress
• Processing scholarship and financial aid applications
• Communicating important updates, events, and news
• Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
• Improving our website, services, and user experience
• Complying with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Conducting research and statistical analysis
• Ensuring the safety and security of our campus and community

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and conducting our business, subject to confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal process, or to protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property.
• Academic Partners: With partner institutions for academic exchange programs, joint research, or accreditation purposes, with your consent.
• Government Authorities: With relevant government bodies as required by Albanian law and regulations governing higher education institutions.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how you use our website
• Improve website performance and functionality
• Provide relevant content and communications

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Please note that disabling cookies may affect certain features of our website.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data during transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Secure storage systems with restricted access
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on data protection practices

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

6. Your Rights

In accordance with applicable data protection laws, you have the following rights:

• Access: The right to request access to your personal data.
• Rectification: The right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Erasure: The right to request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal obligations.
• Restriction: The right to request restriction of processing of your data.
• Data Portability: The right to receive your data in a structured, commonly used format.
• Objection: The right to object to the processing of your personal data.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected].

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by applicable laws and regulations. Academic records may be retained for longer periods as required by Albanian higher education regulations.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child under 16 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Western Balkans University
Tirana, Albania
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +355 67 60 20 600