For 15 years, Tirana Business University (TBU) has been one of the most dynamic higher education institutions in the country, offering knowledge, modern facilities, and a contemporary approach to teaching. The university is built on the idea that education should be practical, meet the demands of the job market, and focus on full personal and professional development.
Throughout this journey, TBU has worked closely with the business world, especially with e BALFIN Group, of which it is part. This partnership has created real opportunities for BALFIN employees and their families to study at TBU, benefiting from tailored programs and special discounts.
The administrator of TBU, Dr. Altin Sholla, invites us to learn more about the university’s mission and vision, the programs it offers, and the concrete ways it supports BALFIN employees and their families.
Can you briefly describe TBU and its mission?
In a world of constant change, Tirana Business University was born to meet the challenges of our time. From the very beginning, our vision has been to create an environment where education leaps beyond theory into the realm of practice. We recognized that for students to truly thrive, learning had to be more than memorization of concepts, it had to be an immersive experience, a training ground for real life. At TBU, lecture halls are not isolated from the world; they echo with the energy of innovation and the practical lessons of the workplace. Our students engage with real projects and hands-on experiences from day one, so that by the time they graduate, they are not just knowledgeable, but rather seasoned, capable, and ready to compete in the ever-evolving job market.
Our mission is clear and unwavering: We want to contribute to our country by preparing the next generation of leaders in business and technology. Every course, every program, and every partnership we build is guided by this goal.
We live our values in everything we do. As we move forward, our university continues to grow – with more students and new programs. It is the passion and vision we share that drives TBU forward every day.
What study programs does Tirana Business University offer?
We create our programs and courses by working closely with businesses, especially with the companies in BALFIN Group. This partnership is very important for our success; it is a vital cooperation and exchange. Often, it has also been the starting point for successful student businesses.
At the undergraduate level, students can pursue Business Administration with specializations in Marketing, Management, or Accounting & Finance, gaining a deep understanding of how businesses grow. Those passionate about technology can choose Information Technology, specializing in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or Business Informatics each designed to shape the digital leaders of tomorrow. Our commitment continues at the graduate level with advanced programs like MBA, Professional MBA, and two new Master programs coming to life this autumn: “Professional Master in Tourism & Hospitality Management”, and “Professional Master in Digital Marketing & Communication”.
The Executive MBA had a great launch last year. The students who attended praised TBU’s initiative to create focused modules with guest lecturers from various European universities and companies. These carefully selected lecturers not only had strong academic credentials but were also real professionals working in their respective companies.
How important is it for TBU to offer programs that meet the needs of the job market?
Aligning education with the needs of the real world isn’t just a priority, it’s the very heartbeat of our institution. We design every program hand-in-hand with industry experts and business leaders who know exactly what skills are in demand. This close collaboration means our curriculum is always relevant, always up-to-date with the shifting landscape of the economy. Our students face real market challenges, often working on projects directly from companies. By the time the walk across the graduation stage, they have already practiced what others only read in textbooks.
At TBU, a diploma is not a paper to be hung on the wall, it’s a launchpad. We don’t measure success by the number of degrees we give out, but by how well we prepare students to start a long and successful career. We find that TBU alumni are often one step ahead in their jobs, creating opportunities for others with the knowledge, skills, and experience to adapt and excel.
How does TBU favors BALFIN Group employees in the study process?
TBU values and respects the persistence of employees who want to grow professionally. Through our partnership with visionary employers of BALFIN Group, which we are part of, we are pioneers of an education model that makes lifelong learning truly accessible for those who want to build a career. We understand that balancing work, family time, and studying can be challenging. That’s why TBU offers flexible schedules for lessons and seminars, whether in the afternoons or on weekends. From the moment a BALFIN employee (or any working student) enrolls with us, they find a support system focused on their success, starting with an easy registration process and effective time management. TBU and the faculty staff also provide mentoring, understanding the needs of working students and being available whenever students have questions or need guidance.
What specific discounts or benefits does the university offer to BALFIN Group employees?
We believe that true partnership goes beyond words, it’s shown through actions. That’s why every BALFIN employee who enrolls in a program at TBU receives a 20% tuition discount for all Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. This reflects our belief in everyone’s potential.
By easing the financial burden, we invite every eligible employee to invest in their growth, skills, and future success with confidence.
Do the employees’ family members also benefit from these advantages? In what way?
When we talk about investing in education, we know its benefits rarely stay with just one person, because when someone grows, their whole family feels it. That’s why at TBU, our support goes beyond BALFIN employees, it also includes their spouses, children, and siblings. So, the same support 20% off stands alike for BALFIN employee families as well. We believe that this kind of support creates opportunities to strengthen many communities. This is how real change begins: one person inspires another, and families grow through the power of education.
How important is this support for employees’ motivation and professional development?
When an organization invests in the education of its people, it gains employees who are more confident, innovative, and deeply committed to their roles. At BALFIN Group, we witness every day that as individuals grow professionally, they feel a stronger sense of belonging and invest their talents back into their work with greater dedication. By empowering people through education, we create not just better employees, but a culture of trust and progress where everyone gets to win.
Do you have an approximate figure for the number of BALFIN employees who have benefited from TBU so far?
More than thirty BALFIN Group employees, and even more of their family members have studied at TBU. In addition, many of our alumni are now part of different BALFIN companies. This partnership has helped graduates move directly into professional roles within BALFIN, and many of them have quickly advanced into leadership positions. Each success story shows how our collaboration is not only shaping careers but also strengthening our shared community through education.
