Implementation of Bologna Process in Albania (2007 -2015)

Abstract After signing the Bologna Declaration, Albania started the Bologna reforms in 2004. During the last 8 years higher education institutions in Albania has undergone a series reforms and new changes are under the way with the new law on higher education that is being discussed currently. However there is still a long way to go when it comes to practical implementation of Bologna principles and the related policy line. The aim of this paper is to investigate the process of harmonization of the Albanian Higher Education with the standards and practices of other EU member states, by focusing on the strategies and policies adopted by the state, institutions of higher education and by other actors involved. Despite the political rhetoric, the higher education system in Albania has displayed many problems with respect to the Bologna Process, having to do with the implementation of the structural reforms of Bologna context, enhancement of students’ learning, their mobility and the orientation of the higher education towards the business and the work market etc.