The cost of living in Tirana, Albania can vary depending on your lifestyle and personal choices. However, we can provide you with a
general overview of the monthly costs associated with living in Tirana. Please keep in mind that prices may change due to inflation
and other economic factors.
Housing: Rental prices in Tirana can vary significantly depending on the
location, size, and quality of the accommodation. On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from 250 to 500 Euros per month for
a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, while prices in the suburbs or less central areas can be somewhat lower. We suggest you
Fole Residence, a student residence which is located 10 minutes away from the university. You can choose to rent a single room by
yourself or you can share a studio apartment with your friends. You can find more information here
https://fole.com.al/.
Utilities: Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, for a typical 85 square meter apartment
can cost around 100-150 Euros per month.
Groceries: The cost of groceries is reasonable in Tirana. A monthly
grocery bill for a single person might range from 150 to 200 Euros, depending on your eating habits and whether you eat out
frequently.
Transportation: Tirana has a relatively small and walkable city center. Public transportation is
affordable, with a one-way ticket on a bus or trolley bus costing about 40 cents (Euro). If you use public transport regularly, a
monthly pass is available for around 10-15 Euros. If you prefer to use a taxi, prices are also reasonable.
Dining Out:
Eating at restaurants and cafes in Tirana can be quite affordable compared to Western Europe. A meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost
around 10-20 Euros per person, while a fast-food meal is cheaper.
Entertainment: The cost of entertainment,
such as going to the movies or visiting cultural attractions, is generally reasonable. Ticket prices for cultural events or movies
can range from 4 to 10 Euros.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs can vary, but Albania has a mix of public and
private healthcare facilities. Health insurance is recommended if you're staying long-term, and the cost will depend on the
coverage you choose.
Internet and Mobile Phone: Internet and mobile phone plans are reasonably priced, with
various options available depending on your data and call needs. A basic plan might cost around 10-20 Euros per month.
Gym or Fitness Club: Membership fees for gyms and fitness clubs vary, but you can expect to pay around 20-40 Euros per
month.
It's important to note that the above estimates are approximate, and individual spending habits can greatly affect
your monthly costs.
Finding part-time jobs for students in Tirana, Albania is possible, but the availability of opportunities and the types of jobs
may vary. Here are some options and considerations for students seeking employment in Tirana:
Language Skills:If you speak English or other foreign languages, you may have an advantage in finding work. Many businesses, especially those in the
tourism and hospitality sectors, value employees who can communicate with international visitors.
Hospitality and
Tourism: Tirana is a growing tourist destination, and there are often part-time job opportunities in hotels, restaurants,
cafes, and bars, especially during the tourist season. Positions like waitstaff, bartenders, hotel receptionists, and tour guides
might be available.
Retail: Retail stores often hire part-time employees, especially during busy shopping
seasons. Working in clothing stores, supermarkets, or electronics shops could be an option.
Internships:
Consider seeking internships related to your field of study. Many businesses and organizations offer internship programs for
students, which can provide valuable work experience.
Teaching or Tutoring: If you excel in a particular
subject or language, you might offer tutoring services to local students. English language tutoring, in particular, is in demand.
Online Freelancing: Depending on your skills, you could explore online freelancing opportunities in fields like
graphic design, content writing, programming, or digital marketing. Websites like Upwork and Freelancer are platforms where you
can find remote work.
Work on Campus: If you are a student at a university in Tirana, check with your
university's career services or student affairs office. They may have information about on-campus job opportunities or student
employment programs. EPIC project of Western Balkans University is also an excellent choice for its potential students.
Learn more about this project here.
Language Schools:
English language schools often hire native or fluent English speakers as teachers or assistants. Check with language schools in
Tirana for openings.
Networking: Networking is important in Tirana, as personal connections can often lead to
job opportunities. Attend networking events, join student organizations, and engage with your peers and professors to expand your
network.
It's essential to be aware of the legal requirements for working as a student in Albania, such as obtaining the
necessary work permits or visas if you are an international student. Additionally, keep in mind that while part-time work can
be a valuable experience and help cover living expenses, it's important to balance work with your studies to ensure academic
success.
To study in Western Balkans University, international students must get an Albanian student visa depending on their country of origin.
Western Balkans University may come to your help with the list of documents below. It is, however, advised to always check with the
consulate/embassy for more details on visa requirements.
If International students intend to study in Albania, then they must apply for a Student Visa. The Albania Study Visa is only
issued by the Albania Immigration Department. The initial step is to fill out the Application Form at least three months before
the course start date in order to avoid any delay or last-minute rush and then submit it to the Immigration Department through
your regional consulate. It is important to note that EU countries are exempted from VISAs to Albania!
Follow these simple steps to apply for study visa in Albania:
- Fill out the application form.
- After completing the form, directly submit it to the Immigration Department at least 3 months prior to the start of the course.
- All the forms must be revised by the Ministry of Education and it must be signed by the concerned College or University.
The following criteria must be met:
- A letter of acceptance must be provided demonstrating that an applicant has been offered a place on a full-time course of
study at a recognized educational institution.
- Candidates must be able to demonstrate evidence of enough funds to support themselves in the country.
- It must be shown that the course fees have been paid in full.
- Private medical insurance must be arranged and documentary evidence of this must be provided.
- It must be the candidate’s demonstrable intention to return to their own country at the end of their period of study.
If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs authorizes the visa, you can then apply at one of the Embassies or Consulates near you by
submitting the following documents:
- Proof of authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (eg. Visa Authorization Number)
- Your Birth Certificate
- Your high school diploma or other previous academic qualifications
- A medical report issued by a certified medical practitioner that states you are not infected with any contagious diseases.
The report must have been issued within the last three months
- Police clearance, issued within the last six months