About the Institute
The Confucius Institute at the University of Tirana (CIUT) was established on November 18, 2013, through a partnership between Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and the University of Tirana. As Albania’s first and only Confucius Institute, CIUT plays a central role in advancing Chinese language education across the country.
CIUT is located in the hub of Tirana, housed in the “Liria” Building on the University of Tirana campus, adjacent to the Faculty of History and Philology, the Faculty of Foreign Languages, and the Faculty of Economics. Its major facilities include offices for both the Chinese and Albanian directors, faculty offices, classrooms, and a library.
By the end of 2025, cumulative enrollment had reached over 5,000 students, with five affiliated teaching sites operating across Albania.
Programs and Activities
Chinese Language Teaching & Proficiency Tests
CIUT offers a full range of Chinese language courses for primary and secondary school students, university students, and adult learners. The curriculum covers YCT and comprehensive Chinese courses at HSK Levels 1–6, with additional offerings in Business Chinese and Tourism Chinese tailored to local needs.
The Institute currently operates five teaching sites: Tirana Metropolitan University, University of Durrës, WAT International School (Tirana), Coddy International School, and Vlorë High School. In the 2025 academic year, 335 students were enrolled. CIUT also provides Chinese language elective courses for credit at six faculties at University of Tirana by collaborating with the Faculty of Foreign Languages.
HSK, HSKK, and YCT examinations are administered twice a year, in March and June respectively.
Faculty Development & Academic Research
CIUT is committed to building a team of qualified local teachers. The institute provides systematic professional training and mentorship for both its teachers and young Albanians who are planning their careers in Chinese language education. Teachers are actively encouraged to pursue graduate study through programs such as the China Studies Program, helping to build a sustainable pipeline of local Chinese language instructors.
Cultural Programs
CIUT organizes a wide range of cultural activities that have become a consistent presence in Tirana’s academic community. Regular programs include the CIUT Book Club, the “Chinese Bridge” competition (university and secondary school levels), Chinese New Year Cultural Week, International Chinese Language Day, Chinese Film Week, Chinese Character Dictation Contest, and Oral Chinese Corner. The institute also runs the Chinese Culture Salon for Albanians to explore their interest in different forms of Chinese culture and are including calligraphy, Chinese song, Taichi, paper cutting, and other traditional arts—all in a Chinese-language environment.
Signature Initiatives
CIUT Book Club—The Institute’s signature program, evolved from the Yin-Yang Book Club founded in October 2021 by former Chinese Director Professor ZHANG Xiaoying. The club introduces Albanian youth to Chinese classical texts such as the Tao Te Ching, The Art of War, and the Analects of Confucius, fostering engagement with Chinese thought and culture through guided reading and discussion.
Digital Outreach—CIUT places strong emphasis on social media and video content to reach prospective students and the wider public, maintaining active channels on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. A short documentary produced by Institute, The World Heritage Sites of Albania, won the First Prize at the inaugural CI Moment Global Short Video Competition organized by the Chinese International Education Foundation (CIEF).
CIUT maintains close working relationships with major Albanian universities, schools, enterprises, community organizations and media outlets, steadily expanding the reach of Chinese language education and deepening Albanian public understanding of China and Chinese culture.
Looking Ahead
In addition to its core mission of Chinese language teaching in Albania, CIUT aims to build itself as the consultancy center for Albanian students to receive tertiary education in China. The Institute will continue to provide guidance on study-in-China programs and scholarship applications, including the Chinese Government Scholarship, the Forbidden City Scholarship, the Belt and Road Initiative Scholarship, the International Chinese Language Teacher Scholarship, and the Ambassador’s Scholarship, connecting talented Albanian students with opportunities for further education in China.
Contact
Chinese Director: ZHENG Baoguo
Email: info@ciut.edu.al
Website: http://www.edu.al
Phone: +355 69 239 2246
Address: Godina Liria, Rruga Arben Broci, Qyteti Studenti, Tirana, Albania
