According to Law No. 80/2015, “On Higher Education and Scientific Research in Higher Education Institutions in the Republic of Albania”, the types of higher education institutions are: universities, university colleges, academies, and professional higher colleges.

The University (Universiteti) is a higher education institution that operates in the fields of education, scientific research, creative, and professional activities. The university represents an integrated structure composed of main units, basic units, and other units, as defined by the institution's statute. It includes at least three faculties. The university offers study programs across all cycles of higher education, as well as study programs of a professional nature

The Academy (Akademia) is a specialized higher education institution that operates in the fields of higher education, scientific research, creative, and professional activities. The Academy represents a structure composed of at least one faculty. In accordance with its respective area of competence, the Academy may offer study programs across all cycles of higher education, as well as study programs of a professional nature.

The University College (Kolegji universitar) is a higher education institution that operates in the fields of education, scientific research, creative and professional activities. The university college represents a structure composed of main units, basic units, and other units, as defined by the institution's statute. It includes at least two faculties. The university college offers study programs at the first and/or second cycle of studies, as well as study programs of a professional nature.

The Professional Higher College (Kolegji profesional i lartë) is a higher education institution with a professional orientation, aimed at preparing specialists with practical skills. The Professional Higher College represents a structure composed of at least two departments. It offers teaching and training activities that last one or two academic years, with a workload of 60 or 120 ECTS credits respectively and are concluded with the issuance of either a certificate or a professional diploma.