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AAB College

Private higher education institution in Kosovo From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

AAB College
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AAB College (Albanian: Kolegji AAB) is a non-public higher education institution in Pristina, Kosovo. AAB College was established in 2000 as the first non-public higher education institution in Kosovo, with its initial study program in mass communication.[3] It has since expanded into a multidisciplinary institution with accredited bachelor's and master's degree programs in law, economics, social sciences, information technology, engineering, and health sciences.[4] The college is licensed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and accredited by the Kosovo Accreditation Agency, which is a full member of the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR), the Central and Eastern European Network of Quality Assurance Agencies (CEENQA)[5], the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), the Global Academic Integrity Network (GAIN), and an affiliate member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA).[6]

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Operating under the Bologna Process, AAB College aligns its academic structure with European higher education standards, promoting student mobility and academic compatibility.

AAB College also actively participates in the Erasmus+[7] program, enabling international academic exchanges and enhancing cooperation with partner institutions across Europe.[8][9][10]Currently AAB College is the coordinating institution of the Erasmus+ project WB-Edu4Migration, which focuses on enhancing higher education’s role in addressing migration challenges in the Western Balkans.[11][12][13]

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Organizational structures

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Organizational structure of AAB College

AAB College has a defined organizational structure aimed at ensuring effective governance, academic excellence, and administrative efficiency. This structure combines academic leadership, administrative management, and student representation to promote collaboration and transparency within the institution.

Governance and leadership

At the highest level of institutional governance, AAB College is directed by a Steering Council, which holds ultimate authority over strategic planning, policy formulation, and institutional oversight. This governing body typically includes senior academic administrators, external subject-matter experts, and representatives from the founding organization. Its core responsibilities encompass the establishment of long-term institutional goals, supervision of financial governance, and assurance of compliance with both national educational legislation and internationally recognized standards.

The executive management of the college is led by the rector, who serves as the chief executive officer of the institution. The rector is responsible for overseeing daily operations, providing academic leadership, and representing the college externally. The rector is supported by a team of vice-rectors, each assigned a specific portfolio, such as academic affairs, international cooperation, research and innovation, and financial affairs. These vice-rectors are responsible for coordinating their respective areas and facilitating the implementation of the institution's strategic objectives.

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List of Rectors of AAB College

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Academic units

The core academic functions are organized into multiple faculties or departments ,[14][15] each led by a dean or head of department. Faculties oversee curriculum development , faculty recruitment, student assessment, and quality assurance within their disciplines.

Some of the major faculties at AAB College include:

  • Faculty of Social Sciences[16]
  • Faculty of Foreign Languages[17]
  • Faculty of Public Administration[18]
  • Faculty of Arts and Architecture[19]
  • Faculty of Economics[20]
  • Faculty of Law[21]
  • Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports[22]
  • Faculty of Mass Communication[23]
  • Faculty of Computer Sciences[24]
  • Faculty of Psychology[25]
  • Faculty of Medical Sciences[26]
  • Faculty of Dentistry[27]

Each faculty is further subdivided into specialized departments or study programs, providing focused academic oversight and fostering disciplinary excellence.

Administrative services

The college operates several administrative offices that support its academic functions and institutional operations. These offices are responsible for a range of essential services, including admissions, student support, financial management, human resources, information technology, and campus maintenance. They contribute to the effective functioning of the institution and ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.

Key administrative units include:

  • Office of Admissions and Enrollment[28]
  • Finance and Accounting Department
  • Human Resources and Staff Development
  • IT Services and Infrastructure[29]
  • Library and Learning Resources[30]
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Student representation and support

AAB College facilitates student participation in institutional governance through representative bodies such as the Student Council or Student Union.[31] These organizations represent student interests, coordinate extracurricular activities,[32] and engage with the administration on matters related to campus life. The college also offers a range of support services, including career counseling,[33] psychological support, and academic advising, aimed at promoting student well-being and academic success.

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Quality assurance and accreditation

The institution has established a Quality Assurance Unit[34] that oversees the monitoring and evaluation of academic programs, teaching practices, and administrative procedures. This unit operates in accordance with national accreditation requirements set by the Republic of Kosovo and follows frameworks outlined by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Affiliations and memberships

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AAB College holds affiliations and institutional memberships with various academic and professional organizations.[35][36][37][38] These associations are intended to support academic collaboration, research initiatives, and mobility opportunities for students and staff, as well as to facilitate integration within the broader international higher education landscape.

International and regional academic networks

AAB College is a member of various international and regional academic organizations that promote collaboration in higher education. Among its affiliations, the institution is a member of the European University Association (EUA),[39] which comprises over 800 universities and national rectors' conferences from 48 countries. Through such memberships, AAB College participates in discussions related to higher education policy, institutional development, and academic cooperation within the framework of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

National and regional collaborations

AAB College engages in cooperation with academic institutions, governmental agencies, and professional organizations within Kosovo and the Western Balkans. The college works with the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA) to align its academic programs with national quality assurance standards. It also participates in regional academic initiatives and forums aimed at supporting educational reform, academic mobility, and collaborative research.

Professional and sectoral affiliations

AAB College maintains collaborations with sector-specific organizations and professional networks to support the alignment of academic programs with labor market needs. These affiliations include partnerships with business associations, technology clusters, and healthcare institutions, facilitating internship opportunities, curriculum development, and employability initiatives.[40]

Research and innovation networks

AAB College participates in research networks that support interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange. These affiliations provide opportunities for faculty and students to engage in international conferences, access research funding, and collaborate on joint projects. The institution’s research office coordinates participation in European research programs and assists with academic publishing activities.

Commitment to quality and ethical standards

AAB College aligns its operations with recognized quality assurance frameworks and participates in international academic organizations that promote standards in higher education. These affiliations support institutional efforts in areas such as academic integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement. Participation in such networks often includes access to training, benchmarking activities, and advisory services related to institutional development.

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Admission process

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AAB College’s admission process[41] is structured to select candidates for its undergraduate and graduate programs in line with national education regulations and the institution’s policies. The process typically begins with the publication of admission notices on the college’s official website and other relevant platforms, detailing available programs, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documentation.

Prospective students must complete an application form and submit it alongside supporting documents, which usually include academic transcripts, diplomas or certificates, proof of identity, and, where relevant, documentation of language proficiency. For undergraduate admission, applicants are expected to have completed secondary education credentials recognized by the Kosovo Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation. Graduate applicants generally need to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree, and additional materials such as research proposals or letters of recommendation may be requested for certain programs.

Depending on specific study program, the college may administer entrance exams or conduct interviews aimed at assessing applicants’ academic readiness and suitability for the chosen field of study. An admissions committee reviews all applications, making selections based on academic merit, program requirements, and available capacity.

Once students are admitted, they receive information on enrollment procedures, including registration steps, tuition fees, and orientation. The college also provides support to international students and those requiring additional assistance throughout the admission and enrollment period.

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International Affairs and Cooperation

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Source:[42]

The Office for International Affairs and Cooperation (OIAC) at AAB College coordinates the institution’s international relations, partnerships, and mobility programs[43]. Its primary role is to establish and maintain collaborations with universities, research centers, and international organizations to support academic exchanges, joint projects[44], and capacity-building initiatives.

The office manages international mobility programs such as Erasmus+[45], overseeing the selection and support of participating students and staff, as well as hosting incoming international visitors[46]. It also facilitates AAB College’s involvement in international projects and grant applications, working alongside other institutional units to ensure effective cooperation.

OIAC organizes international events, including conferences[47] and workshops, aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration with global partners[48]. Additionally, it handles official communications with foreign institutions and administers policies related to internationalization, study abroad, scholarships, and visa guidance.

Through these activities, the office contributes to the college’s internationalization efforts by enhancing academic quality and promoting cross-cultural exchange.

Project Development Office (AAB College)

The Office for Project Development at AAB College is dedicated to initiating, coordinating, and managing international and regional projects that strengthen higher education, research, innovation, and social impact. Through partnerships across Europe and the Western Balkans, the office positions AAB College as a proactive hub in EU-funded and regional initiatives. Its portfolio spans Erasmus+ (CBHE, EMJM, Jean Monnet), Horizon Europe, EIT Culture & Creativity, Western Balkans Fund, and Visegrad+ programs.

Below you can see projects that are organized by funding call, showing AAB’s strategic engagement in different programs and initiatives.

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Erasmus+ CBHE (Capacity Building in Higher Education)

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1. MORIN: Academic recognition of student mobility based on learning outcomes to support migrant integration. Role: Partner | Countries: Kosovo, Albania, Czechia, Serbia, North Macedonia.[49][50][51][52]

2. WB EDU4MIGRATION: Bridging the skills gap for social care providers via curricula enhancement and micro-credentials. Role: Lead | Countries: Kosovo, Albania, Denmark, Austria, Italy.[53][54]

3. CORE-ED: Equipping specialists in correctional pedagogy to foster inclusion and shared values in justice systems. Role: Partner | Countries: Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Greece, Romania.[55][56][57][58]

4. HOMODIGITALIS: Bridging digital humanities and educational media in the Western Balkans. Role: Partner | Countries: Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Germany, Greece.[59][60][61]

5. UNIGREEN: Embedding sustainability principles into HEI governance, administration, and curricula. Role: Lead | Countries: Kosovo, Albania, Greece, Poland.

6. GREEN IMPACT: Strengthening HEI capacity to lead the green transition via a Whole-Institutional Approach. Role: Partner | Countries: Bulgaria, Spain, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro.

7. TBEAI@WB: AI-driven curricula, AI hubs, and academia-industry collaboration for entrepreneurs. Role: Lead | Countries: Albania, Portugal, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo.

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Erasmus+ EMJM (Erasmus Mundus Joint Master)

1. FSE-JM: Forensic Sciences Engineering Joint Master Design: Design of an interdisciplinary MSc in forensic sciences. Role: Partner | Countries: Kosovo, Germany, North Macedonia.[62]

Erasmus+ Jean Monnet

1. EU HEALTH ACQUIS: Module on EU Health Legal Framework within Health Care Management studies. Role: Lead | Countries: Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Greece, Romania.

2. LEG-EU: Module on integrating EU gender equality laws into law curriculum. Role: Lead | Countries: Kosovo (mono-beneficiary).

3. EU PROGRESS REPORT: Module on Kosovo's EU progress in justice, education, economy, and health. Role: Lead | Countries: Kosovo (mono-beneficiary).

4. KO-in-EU: Centre of Excellence on EU integration, values, role, and impact. Role: Lead | Countries: Kosovo (mono-beneficiary).[63]

Horizon Europe

1. EDU-LAB: Comparative European study of youth education-to-labour transitions. Role: Partner | Countries: Kosovo, Austria, Greece, Portugal, Germany, Italy, UK, Poland, Finland.[64][65][66][67]

2. HUMLIT: Humour Literacy: Exploring humour as a tool to reframe conflicts and promote dialogue. Role: Partner | Countries: Kosovo, Poland, Estonia, Belgium, Czechia, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Romania, Spain, North Macedonia, Norway, Slovenia.[68][69][70][71]

EIT Culture & Creativity

1. CREATECH: Boosting innovation and entrepreneurship in CCIs through training, start-up support, and partnerships. Role: Partner | Countries: Albania, Italy, Slovenia, Kosovo, Greece, Belgium, North Macedonia, UK.[72][73][74][75]

Other Calls

1. STUDENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (Western Balkans Fund): Students' engagement in campus sustainability initiatives and green careers. Role: Lead | Countries: Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro.[76]

2. SUSTAIN EDU (Visegrad+ Grants): Supporting HEI staff to integrate SDGs into teaching, research, and innovation. Role: Lead | Countries: Kosovo, Albania, Poland, Czech Republic.[77]

3. LET'S PLAY MATHS (Erasmus+ KA220-SCH): Using sport-based teaching methods to enhance mathematics learning. Role: Partner | Countries: Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, France.[78][79]

Graduation at AAB College

The graduation ceremony at AAB College[80] is an annual academic event held in Pristina, Kosovo, marking the completion of undergraduate and postgraduate studies. It serves as a formal recognition of students' academic achievements and symbolizes their transition into professional and civic life.

The ceremony typically includes the conferral of degrees by faculty representatives, speeches by institutional leaders and invited guests, and the awarding of diplomas and academic honors. Graduates wear traditional academic regalia, reflecting international academic customs.[81]

The event is attended by students, faculty, staff, families, and guests[82], and emphasizes the institution’s values of academic excellence, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning. It also encourages continued engagement through alumni networks.

Publishing and libraries at AAB College

AAB College maintains publishing activities and library services to support its academic programs.

The institution publishes a peer-reviewed scientific journal titled THESIS, which features research articles, reviews, and scholarly discussions across various academic disciplines[83].

In addition to the journal, the college publishes conference proceedings, research monographs, and textbooks related to its academic fields[84].

The AAB College Library provides access to collections of print and electronic resources, including books, journals, databases, theses, and multimedia materials[85][86].

Awards at AAB College

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AAB College confers a range of awards to students, faculty, and external contributors.

The institution presents annual awards to students for academic performance, including recognition for highest grade point averages, best theses, and participation in extracurricular activities[87].

The institution organizes formal ceremonies for the presentation of its awards[88].

AAB College has established several international awards[89]:

1. International Award for Democracy and Integration - awarded to individuals contributing to democracy and social integration. One of the recipients of this award is Doris Pack, recognized for her engagement in promoting international recognition and supporting Kosovo’s democratic transformation[90].

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Doris Pack receiving the award from AAB, 2022

2. International Human Rights Award - recognizing efforts in human rights protection and promotion.

Recipients include:

3. International Award for High Scientific and Artistic Achievement – for contributions in research and artistic fields.

4. Ali Podrimja International Literature Award – named after the Albanian poet Ali Podrimja, the award recognizes literary contributions.

Recipients include:

5. International Award for Senior Achievement in Sports – for sports careers and contributions.

References

See also

External links

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