1.DUALBA Project Launch: Kick-off meeting in Tirana, Albania from 3-4 February 2025
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the “Strengthening Capacities for the Implementation of Dual Education in Albanian Higher Education (DUALBA)” project, co-funded by the European Commission.
The University of New York Tirana (UNYT) hosted the first day of the kick-off meeting on February 3rd, marking the beginning of this transformative initiative to bridge the gap between the labor market and higher education institutions through a dual education model.
The two days were filled with insightful discussions on project management, quality assurance, and the strategic path forward. Our focus was on strengthening our commitment to ensuring the long-term
impact and sustainability of the project. A heartfelt thank you to all participants for your valuable contributions, enthusiasm, and dedication. Your collaboration is key to dual education through partnerships with HEIs and industry.
2.Study-visit at FH JOANNEUM University of Applied Sciences in Graz, Austria, from April 13 to 17, 2025
As part of its ongoing mission to enhance the development and implementation of Dual Higher Education (DHE) in Albania, the DUALBA project successfully launched its first international study visit at FH JOANNEUM University of Applied Sciences in Graz, Austria, from April 13 to 17, 2025.
This strategic visit brought together academic and administrative representatives from Albanian higher education institutions to engage in knowledge exchange, capacity building, and practical observation of Austria’s well-established DHE model.
The visit served as a foundational moment for aligning Albania’s educational strategies with proven European practices and for fostering institutional partnerships with key industry players.
Day-by-Day Highlights:
Day 1: Introduction & Strategic Dialogue
The visit began with an insightful overview of Austria’s Dual Higher Education landscape, where participants explored policy frameworks, structural models, and success stories. A managerial meeting followed, facilitating high-level discussions on project objectives, implementation challenges, and opportunities for collaboration between Albanian and Austrian partners.
Day 2: Workshop & Industry Engagement
Day two focused on understanding DHE within both Austrian and broader European contexts. A dynamic workshop brought together Albanian academic leaders and company representatives to discuss the integration of DHE principles into national curricula. Participants explored how to create learning pathways that combine academic rigor with hands-on industry experience.
In the afternoon, participants visited Siemens Mobility, where they observed the practical application of dual education. The visit highlighted the synergy between academia and industry and demonstrated how such collaboration boosts student employability and professional preparedness.
Day 3: Company Visit & Reflections
On the final day, the group visited SSI Schäfer, a key dual partner company, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how structured work-based learning operates within Austrian companies.
The study visit concluded with a reflection session, where participants evaluated the experience and discussed how the knowledge gained could inform and transform the DHE model in Albania.
Impact and Future Outlook
The study visit in Graz was not only an informative and inspiring experience but also a critical step toward the practical implementation of DUALBA project & DHE in Albania. It allowed participants to observe best
practices, build international networks, and return with actionable strategies to adapt and localize within their institutions. By connecting higher education institutions with industry partners and fostering a culture of experiential learning, the DUALBA project continues to pave the way for a more dynamic, employment-oriented educational system in Albania—one that equips students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in a competitive job market.
