AAB College

AAB College

Kolegji AAB
Motto	Cilësi. Lidership. Sukses!
Type	Privat
Established	2000 (2000)[1]
Rector	Blerim Olluri[2]
Academic staff	900+
Students	20,000+
Location	Pristina , Kosovo 42°38′23″N 21°06′43″E / 42.6398°N 21.1120°E / 42.6398; 21.1120
Colours
Affiliations	Erasmus
Website	www.aab-edu.net

AAB College (Albanian: Kolegji AAB) is a non-public higher education institution in Pristina, Kosovo. Established in 2000 as the first non-public higher education institution in the country with the first study program in mass communication, but has since expanded into a multidisciplinary institution with accredited bachelor's and master's degree programs^[3] in fields such as law, economics, social sciences, information technology, engineering, and health sciences. The college is licensed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and accredited by the Kosovo Accreditation Agency.

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+^[4] program, enabling international academic exchanges and enhancing cooperation with partner institutions across Europe.^[5][6][7]

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.

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.

The core academic functions are organized into multiple faculties or departments,^[8][9] 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^[10]
• Faculty of Foreign Languages^[11]
• Faculty of Public Administration^[12]
• Faculty of Arts and Architecture^[13]
• Faculty of Economics^[14]
• Faculty of Law^[15]
• Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports^[16]
• Faculty of Mass Communication^[17]
• Faculty of Computer Sciences^[18]
• Faculty of Psychology^[19]
• Faculty of Medical Sciences^[20]
• Faculty of Dentistry^[21]

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

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^[22]
• Finance and Accounting Department
• Human Resources and Staff Development
• IT Services and Infrastructure^[23]
• Library and Learning Resources^[24]

AAB College facilitates student participation in institutional governance through representative bodies such as the Student Council or Student Union.^[25] These organizations represent student interests, coordinate extracurricular activities,^[26] and engage with the administration on matters related to campus life. The college also offers a range of support services, including career counseling,^[27] psychological support, and academic advising, aimed at promoting student well-being and academic success.

The institution has established a Quality Assurance Unit^[28] 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).

AAB College holds affiliations and institutional memberships with various academic and professional organizations.^{[29][30][31][32]} 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.

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),^[33] 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).

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.

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.^[34]

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.

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.

AAB College’s admission process^[35] 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.

The Office for International Affairs and Cooperation (OIAC) at AAB College coordinates the institution’s international relations, partnerships, and mobility programs^[37]. Its primary role is to establish and maintain collaborations with universities, research centers, and international organizations to support academic exchanges, joint projects^[38], and capacity-building initiatives.

The office manages international mobility programs such as Erasmus+^[39], overseeing the selection and support of participating students and staff, as well as hosting incoming international visitors^[40]. 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^[41] and workshops, aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration with global partners^[42]. 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.

• Official website