Epoka University

EPOKA University is an international higher education and research institution located in Tirana, Albania. Established in 2007 and granted university status in 2012, EPOKA operates on a modern smart campus and provides education and research opportunities across engineering, architecture, economics, business, law, political science, international relations, and related interdisciplinary fields. The University offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD-level study programs, with a strong emphasis on English-medium education, internationalization, research, innovation, and engagement with society.

EPOKA’s institutional strategy is built around the interconnected priorities of Education, Research, and Contribution to Society. Its mission is to develop and disseminate knowledge at an international level while preparing highly qualified, research-oriented graduates who can respond to national, regional, and global challenges. The University combines academic teaching with applied research and seeks to strengthen the connection between higher education, industry, public institutions, and wider society.

Research and innovation are central components of EPOKA’s development strategy. The University has established a research ecosystem that brings together academic faculties and dedicated Research and Development Centers, supporting interdisciplinary research, innovation, and project development. Its research activities address both international scientific priorities and the needs of Albanian and Western Balkan societies. EPOKA particularly encourages collaboration across disciplines and the development of research partnerships involving academic, governmental, private-sector, and international stakeholders.

The University has a strong commitment to internationalization and European cooperation. EPOKA actively participates in international academic networks and mobility programs and has developed partnerships with universities and institutions across Europe and beyond. Its international activities include Erasmus+ cooperation, staff and student exchanges, joint academic initiatives, research collaboration, and participation in European research and capacity-building projects. EPOKA has experience as a partner in EU-funded initiatives, including Erasmus+ capacity-building projects and Horizon 2020 research cooperation.

EPOKA’s international partnerships include institutions from countries across the European Higher Education and Research Areas, providing a foundation for collaborative research, knowledge exchange, academic mobility, and joint project development. The University’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028 places particular emphasis on increasing the internationalization of research and project activities, expanding partnerships for Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe projects, strengthening collaboration with foreign researchers, and developing interdisciplinary research initiatives.

The University brings together expertise from engineering and technology, architecture, civil engineering, computer engineering, economics, business administration, finance, law, political science, and international relations. This multidisciplinary structure provides opportunities to address complex societal challenges through research that combines technological, economic, social, legal, and policy perspectives. Current academic offerings also include emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, Business Intelligence and Data Science, and FinTech, reflecting EPOKA’s commitment to adapting its educational and research portfolio to technological and societal developments.

EPOKA is particularly interested in collaborative initiatives that strengthen research capacity, promote innovation, support digital transformation, and generate measurable societal impact. The University aims to further develop its role within the European research ecosystem by increasing participation in international research projects, expanding collaboration with European universities and research organizations, and supporting interdisciplinary teams capable of developing competitive Horizon Europe proposals.

Through its combination of international orientation, multidisciplinary academic expertise, research infrastructure, and connections with public and private-sector stakeholders, EPOKA University provides a suitable environment for collaborative European research and innovation projects. The University is open to partnerships with universities, research institutions, SMEs, public authorities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders interested in developing impactful projects addressing shared European and regional challenges.