Student Visa Albania for Indian Students

Many international students from India are now discovering that Albania in Southeast Europe is an exciting destination for study abroad. Thanks to its reasonable tuition costs, wonderful scenery and increasing number of English courses, Albania is a great place to study. Many students from India are discovering Albania as a place to study for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees. Yet, without securing a suitable student visa for Albania, you cannot start on your academic journey.

In this article, we will explain each step of the Albania Student Visa process for Indian students, including the criteria for eligibility, types of visas, what documents are needed, how to apply, related costs, and some tips to help you adapt.

This blog will walk you through the visa process if you plan to pursue medicine, engineering, social sciences, or the arts in Albania.

Do Students Need a Visa to Study in Albania?

Indian students must get a visa to Study in Albania. Albania isn’t included in the Schengen Area, so students need to apply for a visa to study there for more than 90 days.

For stays that exceed 90 days, you need to have a Type D (Long Stay) Student Visa and get a residence permit when you arrive.

This type of visa entitles you to:

• Choose one of the Universities in Albania for your studies.
• Ensure you remain inside your country legally for the length of your course.
• Request a specific type of permit to live in the country.
• Be able to use basic services, including opening a bank account or renting a place to live.

Types of Albania Student Visas

When coming to Albania for studies, you will mainly need a long-stay Type D visit visa (Visa D). Still, for some courses or at specific institutions, the visa can be slightly different. The two major categories are outlined below.

1. Type D Visa (Long-Term Student Visa)

This visa is intended for students who wish to live in Albania for more than 90 days. It is essential that:

• Dependents who are studying undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD programmes
• Students taking part in exchange programmes should spend more than 3 months overseas.
• Students who attend language courses that last more than 90 days

Validity: For one year from the date of issue, renewable with a residence permit.

2. Short-Term Visa (Type C – Occurs in Rare Circumstances)

• The short-stay visa is for individuals going to a 90-day or shorter seminar, workshop or course.
• This mode of study is not good for degree-seeking students, although it can help:

1. Summer school classes
2. Brief workshops or joint study courses

Who Can Apply for an Albania Student Visa?

It’s helpful to learn about who can get a student visa in Albania before proceeding with the application. You are eligible to apply for an Albanian student visa when:

• An Albanian educational institution has given you an offer letter.
• You have decided to enrol in full-time study (undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral).
• You may provide evidence that shows you have enough money to live in Norway during your visit.
• You are covered by valid insurance for the entire time you spend in Albania.
• Your passport will not expire for at least 6 months after you enter the country.

Student Visa for Albania from India

Indian students are allowed to get an Albanian student visa by applying with the right forms at the Albanian Embassy or Consulate closest to them. It’s simple if you plan and match all the requirements for a student visa in Albania.

Step-by-Step Process for Albania Student Visa

Here’s a complete set of steps for applying for an Albania student visa from India:

Step 1: Apply and get an admission letter from the Albanian University

You need to be accepted by a recognised Albanian university before starting the visa application process. Most organisations expect you to:

• Upload your academic records in the online application form.
• Show evidence of knowledge of English or Albanian.
• Make the required payment following the steps given to you.

Step 2: Organise Your Paperwork

Once you get the admission letter, gather all the documents required to apply for an Albania Student Visa for Indian students.

Step 3: Complete the Visa Application

You will need to get your Albania student visa at the nearest Albanian Embassy or Consulate. The Embassy of Albania is located in New Delhi, India.

Step 4: Applying for a Visa

Your visa could be processed in 15 to 30 days. You can be asked for more documents if required.

Step 5: Pick Up Your Visa

After approval, your passport will display the Type D Visa. Now, you have the opportunity to book your flight to Albania.
Then, proceed to apply for a Residence Permit in Albania.
Not more than 30 days after moving to Albania, you must go to the local border and migration office to apply for a residence permit.

Documents Needed for an Albania Student Visa

Bring all of the documents listed below for your visa appointment:

• The passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
• The visa application form is filled in and ready to go.
• Pictures that meet the Albanian passport size requirements
• Acceptance letter received from an institution in Albania
• Showing you can stay in Albania.
• Proof that you can cover your expenses (either bank statements or a statement from your sponsor)
• A policy that helps provide healthcare during your travel
• Clearance certificate from the police
• Your old academic records and certificates
• Copy of paid visa fee

Instructions to Follow When Uploading Credentials

Make sure to follow these instructions when you are getting ready to submit your student visa documents to Albania.

You must make sure that all papers are translated into Albanian or English and notarised.
Present the original along with the copy during your application.
All financial documents used in the process should not date back more than 3 months.
Make sure that the necessary forms are signed in all relevant situations.

Scholarship Programmes to Study in Albania

Indian students will find Albania to be generally inexpensive, but they can apply for the following scholarships:

• Scholarships from the Albanian Government are for some countries, namely, developing countries.
• University grants are given to international students whose applications are the best.
• If you choose to study at an EU exchange university through the Erasmus+ Programm
• It’s important to visit your university’s website and send an email to the international student department.

Language Requirements

Though the majority of degree programs are taught in Albanian, an increasing number are given in English, particularly postgraduate options.

Listed below are the tests recognised as proof of good English proficiency.

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• PTE

If the desired programme is available in the Albanian language, you are required to:

• Make sure to attend a basic language course.
• Succeed on a Language Proficiency Exam.

Working While You Are Studying in Albania

Students from other countries are allowed to work part-time. The guidelines for this contest are:

1. Offered up to 20 hours of permission during the academic year
2. If the employer and the visa office allow, you can work full-time during holidays.
3. Be sure to tell the immigration office and get all the essential permissions.
4. Most students have part-time jobs such as these:

• Dining out can be at cafés as well as restaurants.
• Giving tutoring or offering your services to people as a freelancer
• Internships that involve what you are studying

How to Appeal a Rejection of an Albania Study Visa?

Although international students are warmly invited to Albania, not every student visa is approved. Often, even if you send your paperwork and handle things as described, the Albanian Embassy or Consulate might still refuse your request. Learning the reasons for your rejection and how to appeal can mean you have a greater chance of getting accepted in another round.

Reasons Why Students May Be Refused a Student Visa

This content lists the main reasons a student visa for Albania from India or other countries can be refused.

Documents lacking or having incorrect information
It is very suspicious if some documents are missing or seem to have fake certificates. Embassies make sure to check every piece of required paperwork.

Not Enough Proof of Funds
Should you not show proof of enough money, it is likely the embassy will assume you might participate in illegal activities.

Not Enough Proof for the Research
Should you ignore your background or career goals when picking a course, it can cause you to wonder if your intentions are genuine.

Having Uncertain Accommodation and/or Insurance
You are required to show accommodation or health insurance to enter the country. When these documents are missing, a student might find that their visa is declined for Albania.

History of Travelling or Records of Committing a Crime
A previous violation of staying in the country without a visa or any criminal record can cause problems for you.

Lack of a specific reason for the trip
You must clearly say you want to come home after the course ends. Attempting to use the student route for migration may result in your visa being rejected.

Can You Contest a Refusal?

Yes. In case you think the visa was rejected unfairly, you can appeal to either the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the proper embassy. Here’s how:

What to Do When Filing an Appeal:

Write an Appeal Letter
Write an appeal to the embassy or immigration office in proper business format. Suply your full name, your application number, the date the decision was made and state why you think the decision should be changed.

Including Additional Supporting Information
When the reason for rejection was not enough proof, submit revised documents, current bank statements and confirmed letters of admission.

Send Your Entries Before the Deadline
The time you have for an appeal is limited. You should usually file an appeal within 15 and 30 days after the agency sends you a refusal letter. Check the document carefully to find out the starting date from your refusal notice.

Let the organisation make a decision.
It could take many weeks for the appeal to be completed. While reviewing your application again, should you be accepted, your application for a student visa can still be processed despite not having to apply again.

Tips to Avoid Rejection on Re-Application

Please ensure you understand all the steps and what’s needed for a student visa before applying.
Make sure your bank statements display the current, genuine balance you have on your account.
Have your documents translated into the necessary language: English or Albanian.
Draft a Statement of Purpose (SOP) that answers why you have chosen your course, university and what you plan for the future.

Conclusion

You need a student visa to Albania to begin your studies in this lovely, low-cost and hospitable European country. Albania’s straightforward setup, low costs and variety of academic courses are helping it become a popular place for foreign students.

Whichever country you are applying from, it’s important to be fully informed and prepared when seeking an Albanian student visa. By using the services of MetaApply IE, you can study abroad easily and effortlessly.