Joint Program Institutional Profile
| Official Title | Medicine and Surgery - Joint Program with Rome Tor Vergata |
| Host Institution | Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel (Tirana) |
| Partner Institution | University of Rome Tor Vergata (Italy) |
| Degree Recognition | Italian-Equivalent MD, Valid in all EU / EEA countries |
| Course Language | Italian (Lectures mostly by Tor Vergata Professors) |
| Admission Basis | Specific Entrance Exam (IMAT-like format but local) |
| 2025 Average Score | 37.9 |
| Clinical Training | University Hospital Center Mother Teresa (QSUT) |
| Campus Address | Rruga Dritan Hoxha, Tirana, Albania |
| Academic Cycle | 6 Years (360 ECTS) |
| Website | unizkm.al/en/faculty/medicine |
| Tuition Structure | Flat rate (~€8,000 to €10,000 per year) |
The Italian-Albanian Medical Bridge
The Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel (UKZKM) was founded in 2004 as a unique international project. Its mission was to create a center of excellence in the Balkans that adhered strictly to Italian academic standards.
The partnership with the University of Rome Tor Vergata is the cornerstone of the Medical Faculty. Professors from Rome fly to Tirana to deliver the same curriculum, exams, and clinical standards as their counterparts in Italy.
This program offers a Double Diploma or a joint degree that is fully recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education and, consequently, by the European Union. It allows students to benefit from the lower living costs of Albania while earning a prestigious Italian degree.
Over the last two decades, this " Balkan-Roman" bridge has trained hundreds of doctors who now practice in Italy, Germany, and across Europe, proving that quality medical education knows no borders.
Partnership Milestones
- 2004 UKZKM Foundation
- 2010 Tor Vergata Joint Accord
- 2015 Clinical Expansion
- 2024 20th Anniversary
The Tor Vergata Philosophy in Tirana
Italian Rigor
The program is not an "alternative" version of an Italian degree; it is the Italian degree. The rigor of the oral exams and the depth of the anatomical study are identical to Rome.
Tor Vergata Professors
More than 70% of the teaching staff are visiting professors from Rome.
Oral Exam Tradition
Students are tested orally to develop high-level clinical reasoning.
EU Standards
The ECTS structure is perfectly aligned with the Bologna Process.
Balkan Clinical Reach
Studying in Tirana provides exposure to a different epidemiological landscape, offering unique insights into infectious diseases and public health challenges.
Diverse Pathology
Exposure to cases often rare in Western Europe.
Multicultural Care
Learning to treat a diverse Balkan and Mediterranean population.
Clinical Centers
Rotations in the largest Albanian tertiary care hospitals.
Tirana Clinical Training: Balkan Excellence
QSUT Mother Teresa
The University Hospital Center in Tirana. The largest medical center in Albania where main rotations occur.
UKZKM Clinics
The Catholic University's own specialized clinics, particularly strong in Dentistry and Physiotherapy.
Shefqet Ndroqi
University Hospital focused on respiratory diseases and thoracic surgery, offering high-level clinical training.
Admission Metrics: 2025 Data
Admission to the Tirana joint program is managed through a local entrance exam that mirrors the Italian national test. It is a strategic option for those who want an Italian degree but prefer the Balkan environment.
| Year | Avg. Score Admitted | Entry Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 37.9 (Avg) | Competitive |
| 2024 | N/A | Competitive |
The Academic Roadmap: Tor Vergata Curriculum
Biomedical Foundations
Focus on human biology, medical chemistry, and physics under the guidance of Rome professors.
Human Function
Deep dive into physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology.
Clinical Methodology
Transition to systemic medicine and pathological anatomy.
Specialized Clinics
Mastering the major medical specialties.
Surgery & Pediatrics
High-level rotations in OB/GYN, Pediatrics, and specialized surgical units.
Final Practice & Thesis
Full-time hospital internship and final research project for the joint degree.
Tirana Student Life: Balkan Warmth
Tirana is one of Europe's most dynamic and fastest-growing capitals. It is a city of color, coffee, and intense nightlife. The Blloku District, once restricted to the communist elite, is now a thriving hub of bars and restaurants.
For international students, Tirana offers a Mediterranean lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of Italy. The people are incredibly welcoming, and the Italian language is widely spoken among the older and middle-aged generations.
Neighborhood Selection
- Lapraka (Near Campus)
Convenient and budget-friendly. Walk to class. Shared Room: €150-€250.
- Blloku / Center
The heartbeat of the city. 15 min bus to campus. Shared Apt: €300-€450.
Cost of Living: The Tirana Advantage
Unbeatable Value
Tirana is one of the most affordable capital cities in Europe. Your budget goes much further here, allowing for a high quality of life while pursuing your medical studies.
| Item | Cost (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Room in Shared Flat | €200 – €300 |
| Groceries (High Quality) | €150 – €200 |
| Dining Out (Daily) | €5 – €10 |
| Public Transport | €10 |
| Gym & Social | €30 – €50 |
Tirana Partnership: Strategic Scorecard
Key Advantages
- Degree recognized by University of Rome Tor Vergata.
- Full EU validity for the medical license.
- Very low living costs (rent/food).
- Professors from Rome fly in for classes.
- Vibrant and safe capital city.
Strategic Challenges
- Higher tuition than public Italian universities.
- Non-EU location (Albania is outside the EU).
- Complex administrative paperwork for visas.
- Infrastructure in Albania is still developing.
Tirana Administrative Survival Kit
Albanian Residence Permit
Non-Albanian students must apply for a temporary residence permit for study.
Joint Degree Office
The specific unit at UKZKM that coordinates with Tor Vergata in Rome.
Tirana Transport
Local buses are the main way to get around. No metro exists.
Tirana Partnership FAQ
Is the degree Albanian or Italian?
It is a joint degree from UKZKM and Tor Vergata, legally equivalent to an Italian MD.
Is the course in English?
The Medicine course is typically in Italian, while others may vary. Check the latest call.
Do I need the IMAT?
No. You take a local entrance exam at UKZKM in Tirana.
Can I work in the EU with this?
Yes, fully recognized across the EU/EEA.
Are the professors Albanian?
Most medical professors fly in from Rome (Tor Vergata).
What is the tuition fee?
Usually around €8k-€10k per year, reflecting its private-public status.
Is Tirana safe?
Very safe. Violent crime is rare, and the city is lively at night.
Is there a Catholic religious requirement?
No, the university is open to all faiths and backgrounds.
Where is the campus?
Near the Lapraka district, west of the city center.
Can I transfer to Rome?
Transfer to Tor Vergata is possible but depends on slot availability and ECTS matching.
What is the exam format?
Oral and written, following the Italian model.
Is there an age limit?
No, anyone with a high school diploma can apply.
Do I need a visa?
EU citizens don't need a visa for up to 90 days but need a permit for study.
What language is clinical work in?
Clinical rotations involve Albanian patients, so some local language basics are useful.
Is there a university hospital?
Yes, UKZKM has its own clinics and partners with Mother Teresa Hospital.
How are the labs?
Modern and well-equipped, following Italian standards.
Is there a student canteen?
Yes, the UKZKM campus has excellent dining facilities.
Are there scholarships?
Limited merit-based scholarships are available from the university.
How long is the program?
6 years.
Can I take USMLE?
Yes, the degree is from a recognized institution.
Is the medical license valid in UK?
Yes, as an Italian-equivalent degree (check post-Brexit rules).
How is the weather?
Mediterranean. Hot summers and mild, rainy winters.
Are textbooks provided?
Students usually buy their own Italian/international textbooks.
What is 'Our Lady of Good Counsel'?
The name of the Catholic Foundation that runs the university.
Is there an alumni association?
Yes, a strong network in Italy and Albania.
Strategic Location: Tirana Campus
Interactive Campus Map
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