05/07/2025
DUALBA Project Study Visit to FH JOANNEUM, Graz | April 13–17, 2025
As part of its ongoing mission to enhance the development and implementation of Dual Higher Education (DHE) in Albania, the DUALBA project successfully launched its first international study visit at FH JOANNEUM University of Applied Sciences in Graz, Austria, from April 13 to 17, 2025.
This strategic visit brought together academic, administrative, and business representatives from Albanian higher education institutions and private sector partners to engage in knowledge exchange, capacity building, and practical observation of Austria's well-established DHE model.
Partners that were part of the study visit:
• University of Novi Sad (SR)
• FH Joanneum Gesellschaft MBH (AT)
• Business Academy in Novi Sad (SR)
• University of New York Tirana (AL)
• Tirana Business University (AL)
• Aleksander Moisiu University of Durres (AL)
• University 'Ismail Qemali' Vlore
• European University of Tirana
• Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education (AL)
• Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage Vlore (AL)
• Balkan Finance Investment Group SHPK (AL)
• Kalo & Associates (AL)
• Halimi Foundation Institute (AL)
• Professional College of Tirana (AL)
• Omega (AL) – business partner actively supporting the integration of DHE principles into industry practices
• Erled shpk (AL)
• Mondragon University (ES)
• Ministry of Education and Sport (AL)
Day-by-Day Highlights:
Day 1: Introduction & Strategic Dialogue
The visit began with an insightful overview of Austria's Dual Higher Education landscape, where participants explored policy frameworks, structural models, and success stories.
Day 2: Workshop & Industry Engagement
dynamic workshop brought together Albanian academic leaders and company representatives, including Omega (AL), to discuss the integration of DHE principles into national curricula.
Day 3: Company Visit & Reflections
On the final day, the group visited SSI Schäfer, a key dual partner company, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how structured work-based learning operates within Austrian companies.