Quality Assurance System
Quality Assurance in Albania,
Albania applies a dual quality-assurance system in higher education: internal quality assurance led by each Higher Education Institution (HEI) and external quality assurance carried out through evaluation and accreditation processes. The national framework is regulated primarily by Law No. 80/2015 and implemented through accreditation procedures overseen by the Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ASCAL) and the Accreditation Board.
The Higher Education Quality Code (Kodi i Cilësisë së Arsimit të Lartë)
The Higher Education Quality Code is the core national reference document that defines mandatory state quality standards for HEIs and study programmes in Albania. It was approved by Decision of the Council of Ministers (DCM) No. 824, dated 24.12.2021, and serves as the main benchmark for internal and external evaluation processes.
This framework is aligned with European good practice and the ESG 2015 (Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area).
Internal Quality Assurance at Aldent University
At Aldent University, internal quality assurance is designed to ensure compliance with national requirements and more importantly continuous enhancement of teaching, learning, clinical training, and student support. In line with the national framework, UAL strengthens quality through:
- Clear quality policies and responsibilities (including a dedicated internal quality assurance function/unit)
- Regular programme monitoring and review, with evidence-based improvement plans
- Student feedback and stakeholder input (staff, clinical partners, employers) to improve learning and services
- Quality assurance of clinical practice and placements, focusing on supervision, patient safety, and competency development
- Transparent documentation and reporting, supporting accountability and readiness for external evaluation/accreditation
Procedure for the Operation of the Internal Quality Assurance Unit (IQA Unit) – UAL
The Internal Quality Assurance Unit (IQA Unit) at Aldent University (UAL) operates in accordance with Law on Higher Education No. 80/2015, UAL Statute, IQA Unit Regulation. In line with Law No. 80/2015 (Article 103), the UAL Statute, and the IQA Unit Regulation, the IQA Unit ensures the continuous monitoring, evaluation, and enhancement of institutional and programme quality.
The key responsibilities of the IQA Unit include: Holding regular/periodic meetings of the IQA Unit, Implementing student and staff surveys and conducting analysis of survey results, Participating in performance evaluation processes, Contributing to the preparation of the University Annual Report, Preparing the IQA Unit Annual Report.
A core principle of the IQA system is that the results of the annual self-evaluation must directly support quality improvement across the institution. How the Procedure Works? Periodic meetings, IQA Unit members meet regularly to review ongoing procedures, discuss findings, and agree on proposed action plans to improve areas with lower performance indicators.,
Collaboration and data collection: The IQA Unit cooperates with UAL academic and administrative structures and requests information needed to evaluate the indicators defined in the relevant criteria and standards.
Reporting and publication:
The IQA Unit contributes to the University’s Annual Institutional Report and, at the end of each year, prepares its own Annual IQA Unit Report, which is published on the University website: www.ual.edu.al
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