UBT Prizren

The College Quality Assurance Manual was produced and revised to conform to the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) 2015 on internal quality assurance. It describes the key structures, processes, policies, procedures, performance measures and quality assurance mechanisms that facilitate a systematic approach to embedding a quality improvement approach within the institution. Effective quality management has been of key importance to UBT College since its establishment and to its respective branches too including the one in Prizren.

The main teams and individuals with responsibility for quality assurance are: The Governing Body, President, Academic Council, Quality Assurance Committee, Quality Manager, Heads of Faculties and Departments, Faculty Councils, Academic Staff and Students, and Branch Director.

Academic Council is entrusted primarily with the role of protecting academic standards and making recommendations in in relation to academic matters. It is primarily tasked with ensuring that academic policies relating to teaching and learning are consonantly applied across all programmes in tandem with ensuring the implementation of the academic regulations laid down in the Quality Assurance Manual. The Council has particular responsibility to make recommendations for the establishment of appropriate structures or procedures to ensure that the quality objectives are met, make recommendations for the selection, admission and retention of students, approve new programme proposals, review annual programme reports to make recommendations based on this, review student and staff feedback, review the regulatory framework governing the assessment and examination of students and offer industry specific guidance and advice as to the proposed programmes of study.

The Quality Assurance Committee regulates the academic and administrative service evaluation, quality improvement and approval of quality standards, preparation and supervision of the self-evaluation process, makes the necessary preparations for the external evaluation of UBT College Branch Prizren too, reviews policies and procedures in the context of quality improvement, coordination of internal control standards,  identifies the situation and performance indicators, develops improvement activities and periodic monitoring and evaluation of academic programmes, student services, resources and stakeholder engagement policies.

The Branch Director takes responsibility for the overall delivery of a quality service to our stakeholders – students, staff and employers at the branch level. On the other hand, the President of UBT College has the responsibility to ensure that academic quality assurance policies and procedures and their adherence, ensuring arrangements and resources are in place to support academic quality assurance system, the recruitment and selection of highly-skilled and qualified staff. The Executive Council, the Secretary General and Head of Student Support Services have the responsibility to ensure that their practice and operation is delivered in accordance with the highest standards. The Faculty Councils and Heads of Programmes have the responsibility to ensure that the Guidelines of the Academic Councils and Quality Committee are implemented in accordance with internal standards on teaching and learning.

Quality Assurance Committee – The institution has a Committee to review the development and implementation of quality assurance processes throughout the College. The main objective of the body is to ensure that the policies, processes and procedures set down in the UBT College Quality Manual are implemented. The Committee is also responsible to review the policy in line with European Standard Guidelines, oversee the implementation of quality assurance processes in teaching, learning, curriculum development, student assessment, student support services and public information.

Mission statement

“To deliver transformative, inclusive, and professionally anchored higher education, advancing regional prosperity, lifelong learning, and knowledge-based development through excellence in teaching, applied research, and civic partnership.”

This mission centers on five core pillars:

• Transformative Education: Preparing students to lead change in their professions and communities.
• Inclusiveness: Providing access to quality education regardless of background, with a focus on underserved regions.
• Professional Anchoring: Designing curricula and pedagogy in alignment with industry and regulatory frameworks.
• Civic Responsibility: Engaging in projects that foster local development and democratic values.
• Knowledge Economy Integration: Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in regional economic sectors.

The mission directly supports UBT’s institutional goals while emphasizing the distinct developmental role of the Prizren Branch within the broader Kosovo higher education system.

Vision statement

“To become a leading regional institution of higher learning, recognized for academic excellence, applied innovation, and sustainable engagement with the cultural, economic, and civic ecosystems of Prizren and its surrounding regions.”

This vision captures the intent to:

• Elevate the academic profile through competitive programs and teaching quality.
• Foster innovation ecosystems via research-industry partnerships and knowledge transfer.
• Build a strong civic identity, anchoring the institution within the local community fabric.
• Advance cross-border educational diplomacy, especially with Albanian-speaking regions and European networks.

The Prizren Branch envisions not only serving as a provider of education, but also as a facilitator of change, catalyst of growth, and platform for collaboration across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.

UBT College – Prizren’s plan centers on four strategic pillars—Academic Excellence & Program Relevance; Graduate Employability & Industry Integration; Research, Innovation & Knowledge Transfer; and Institutional Capacity & Regional Development Leadership—and translates them into action by modernizing curricula with digital skills, sustainability, and stakeholder feedback; adding programs aligned to Prizren’s economy; expanding English-taught and blended delivery; institutionalizing internships; launching a Branch Career Services Office; and co-hosting job fairs with chambers of commerce. The Annual Work Plan (AWP) converts long-term goals into yearly milestones across academic, administrative, and governance activities to support ESG compliance and evidence-based decisions, with pillars covering academic and program innovation, student success and employability, research and the third mission, infrastructure and digital transformation, and good governance with stakeholder participation; Year-1 priorities include full curriculum alignment with ESG/KAA/NQF and feasibility studies for new programs tied to Prizren’s profile. We publish an annual KPI dashboard (by February), conduct a mid-term review in 2029, maintain a KPI risk register, embed KPIs in QA audits, and publicly share summary results. Program-specific investments (e.g., CS&E lab clusters, food safety labs, design studios, law clinic and moot courtroom) are linked to outcomes such as employability, partnerships, and grants, while sustainability is reinforced through KPI-linked spending, diversified income (tuition, projects, grants, municipal incentives), independent audits, and scenario-based forecasting; risk management spans financial, academic, reputational, and regulatory domains, aligned with ESG monitoring and external QA. Together, the Action Plan, Financial Projections, KPIs, and AWP ensure that vision meets execution and that quality, innovation, and public engagement remain measurable and accountable.

UBT_Branch_Organogram_Prizren

UBT College Branch Prizren operates a branch-level quality system that is fully integrated with the institution’s central framework and aligned with KAA/NQF/EQF standards. Led by the Branch Quality Coordinator and the Branch Quality Circle, quality assurance follows a Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle: we gather evidence through SMIS and faculty platforms, run regular institutional and thematic self-evaluations, and translate findings into time-bound Quality Improvement Plans with clear owners and indicators. Stakeholders—students, academic and administrative staff, alumni, and local employers—contribute via surveys, focus groups, and consultations, ensuring programs delivered in Ferizaj reflect regional needs while meeting central standards. Progress is monitored against annual KPIs, results are reported to faculties and the central Quality Office, and summaries are published to promote transparency and close the feedback loop.

The Branch upholds a culture of academic integrity grounded in fairness, transparency, and accountability. Expectations are communicated in program handbooks, syllabi, and student orientations; assessment design emphasizes authentic tasks, oral defenses where appropriate, and calibrated rubrics to deter misconduct. Submissions are screened with plagiarism-detection software, and suspected breaches follow a clear, staged procedure—documentation, impartial review, proportional sanctions, and an appeal route—applied consistently across courses delivered in Prizren. In research, staff and students adhere to ethical approval processes, responsible data management, proper authorship and citation, and disclosure of conflicts of interest. The Branch Quality Coordinator maintains an integrity log to identify patterns, informs targeted training (academic writing, citation, research ethics), and feeds lessons learned into program and assessment improvements, ensuring integrity principles are embedded in everyday practice.

At UBT Prizren research is a core driver of our mission to connect knowledge, innovation, and community impact. Our branch pursues an interdisciplinary agenda aligned with regional priorities and our study programs, advancing inquiry in areas such as computing and data-driven systems, architecture and spatial planning, and management and entrepreneurship. Research is organized through collaborative groups and centers, supported by clear ethics and integrity frameworks, open-science practices, and a culture of quality improvement from idea to dissemination.

We cultivate a strong research–teaching nexus. Faculty embed current scholarship into courses, mentor early-career colleagues, and involve students in real projects—from problem framing and methodology to analysis, prototyping, and publication. Dedicated support helps teams shape competitive proposals, build international partnerships, and deliver funded projects with tangible outcomes. Knowledge transfer is integral: we co-create solutions with industry and public institutions, provide pathways for intellectual property and commercialization where appropriate, and translate evidence into practice for the benefit of the wider community.

We emphasize responsible research, reproducibility, and transparent reporting, while promoting mobility and collaboration across disciplines and borders. Whether you are a student, scholar, or external partner, UBT Prizren offers a welcoming environment to explore ideas, develop innovations, and turn research into real-world value.

At UBT Prizren, people come first. We recruit academic and professional staff through open, transparent calls aligned with national legislation and UBT’s internal regulations, using clear role descriptions, merit-based criteria, and diverse selection panels. New colleagues complete a structured induction covering our code of ethics, quality standards, ECTS and learning-outcomes practice, and digital teaching platforms. Progression and re-appointment are equally transparent and timely, grounded in excellence in teaching, research, and service, and informed by balanced performance reviews that include student, peer, and supervisor feedback.

Professional growth is built into everyday work. Our long-term staff development plan provides continuous training in modern pedagogy, assessment design and constructive alignment, research methods, academic writing and publishing, grant development and project management, as well as language and digital skills. Mentoring, communities of practice, and targeted workshops (e.g., thesis supervision, VR/AR in teaching, SharePoint and Microsoft tools) help colleagues translate new skills into classroom and research impact. Where appropriate, we support career advancement with tailored development plans, coaching, and incentives that recognize high-quality outputs and leadership.

We connect learning with the world beyond campus. Faculty are encouraged and supported to take part in international mobility, joint projects, and study visits (e.g., ERASMUS+, Horizon), bringing back fresh ideas and partnerships. We also integrate external associates—industry experts, practitioners, and public-sector leaders—who receive orientation on higher-education teaching (ECTS, outcomes, assessment) so their co-teaching, clinics, labs, studios, and thesis co-supervision align with academic standards. This ecosystem strengthens teaching quality, accelerates knowledge transfer, and enhances student employability and regional impact.

At UBT Prizren, your journey is supported from the moment you consider applying through to graduation and beyond. Our admissions policy is clear, published, and aligned with national regulations. Each program page explains entry criteria, required documents, key dates, and—where relevant—language requirements for English-taught study. International applicants receive step-by-step guidance on recognition/equivalency of prior schooling and how their GPA and language credentials are assessed. Transfer students are assisted with transparent recognition of credits (ECTS) through learning agreements and course matching so you know in advance what will be accepted.

Once you enroll, you’ll get a structured orientation that covers how studies are organized (ECTS, learning outcomes, assessment methods), your rights and responsibilities, use of the Student Portal and Moodle, library and digital resources, and where to find help. A comprehensive Student Handbook and the Student Rights & Responsibilities Convention are available online and introduced during Welcome Days. Program Directors and Coordinators share timetables, consultation hours, and contact points so you always know how to reach your instructors and advisors.

We monitor academic progress proactively and offer targeted support when you need it. This includes academic advising, “learning-to-learn” tutorship, exam-prep sessions, study skills workshops, and the option to adjust course loads when appropriate. Program teams track progression, engagement, and completion trends and respond with actions like additional tutorials or curriculum refinements to keep you on track. Consultation hours are scheduled and bookable, ensuring quick access to faculty guidance.

International mobility is a core part of student life. Through the International Relations Office (and the Prizren Branch Liaison), you’ll find info sessions, application support, and pre-departure/orientation guidance for Erasmus+ and other exchanges. Before you go abroad, a learning agreement confirms how credits will be recognized; when you return, your transcripts are processed promptly. Incoming exchange students receive the same wrap-around support—academic advising, orientation to campus and city life, and access to services—so they can integrate smoothly.

UBT Prizren is an inclusive campus with services designed for diverse needs: part-time and mature learners, international students, and students from under-represented groups or with disabilities. On campus you’ll find student administration, study coordinators, counseling, basic health guidance, and technical/IT support for learning platforms and labs. Trained staff coordinate reasonable accommodations and flexible learning pathways where needed, and confidential counseling is available for wellbeing and study-related challenges.

Your future career matters to us. The Career Center (with a dedicated Branch tutor) offers CV and interview coaching, professional skills trainings, internship and externship placements, industry visits, alumni networking, and job-search support. Many activities are co-designed with employers so you can connect classroom learning with real-world practice. We also run scholarship and financial-assistance schemes that reward strong academic progress and support students with financial need; details, eligibility, and how to apply are published each year.

Campus life is vibrant and student-led. You’ll have opportunities to join and organize competitions, cultural events, exhibitions, fairs, film and library weeks, and community projects. These activities are supported by central services and Branch staff, with small grants available for approved student initiatives. They’re a great way to meet peers, build a portfolio, and strengthen employability skills.

We believe in fair, timely resolution of concerns. Clear, published procedures guide appeals, complaints, and academic integrity cases, with decisions made impartially by committees that are not involved in the original matter. Students are informed about grounds, timelines, and possible outcomes at each stage, and have the right to escalate to a second-level appeals body where applicable.

Who to contact

• Admissions & registration: Student Administration (front desk) or your Program Coordinator
• Academic advising & timetables: Program Director / Coordinator (listed on your program page)
• International mobility: International Relations Office & Prizren Branch Liaison
• Counseling & wellbeing: Student Counseling Service (confidential appointments available)
• Career services & internships: Career Center (Branch tutor)
• Accessibility & accommodations: Student Support Services (accessibility coordinator)
• General support & policies: Student Support Services (Directorate) / Student Portal

All policies, procedures, handbooks, scholarship calls, and service hours are published on the UBT website and Student Portal. If you’re unsure where to start, visit the Student Administration desk at the Prizren campus or message Student Support Services via the portal—we’ll route you to the right team fast.

UBT Prizren treats cooperation and internationalization as core to our mission. We operate under UBT’s Institutional Cooperation & Internationalization Strategy and translate it into branch-level action: choosing the right partners, resourcing mobility and joint projects, and anchoring activities in Prizren’s strengths (heritage-led urbanism, agri-food/biotech, creative industries, digital governance).

How we partner
We formalize collaboration through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Erasmus+ Inter-Institutional Agreements (IIAs). Each agreement is paired with a practical action plan—clear goals, timelines, responsibilities, and indicators—so partnerships produce real outcomes for students and staff. Typical activities include:

• Student & staff mobility (teaching, training, short and semester windows)
• Joint studios, design/builds, clinics, and project briefs linked to partner contexts
• Co-supervised theses and visiting-scholar lectures
• Collaborative research, grant proposals (e.g., Erasmus+, Horizon), and publications
• Short schools, summer academies, and double/dual-degree pathways where applicable

Strategic alignment & resourcing
International collaboration is built into UBT’s strategy and budget: we prioritize mobility funds, visiting cohorts, lab/virtual learning infrastructure, and proposal support. At branch level, an IRO liaison and program coordinators co-manage exchanges and deliverables, while the Innovation & Training Park (ITP) Prizren provides a high-quality venue for workshops, hackathons, and partner showcases.

What this means for students
You get transparent mobility processes (learning agreements, ECTS recognition, pre-departure/orientation), short and intensive mobility options hosted in Prizren, access to joint studios with international mentors, and clear pathways to internships and research placements with partner institutions and companies. Returned credits are recognized swiftly and your outputs (projects, theses) are visible across UBT’s Knowledge Center.

What this means for staff
We actively support international visibility and cooperation: Erasmus+ STA/STT, conference panels, summer schools, and visiting lectureships—with admin help for documentation, scheduling, and logistics. Post-mobility debriefs feed new methods and content into syllabi; participation in international projects is factored into performance and promotion processes.

Recognition & reach
UBT’s network spans hundreds of partners worldwide and is reflected in joint projects, conferences, and rankings/quality frameworks. Prizren contributes by seeding partnerships—especially in the region—and by hosting local tracks of flagship events (Global UBT Fest, the Annual International Conference, International Staff Week) that attract students, academics, and industry/public-sector guests.

Community, industry, and schools
Beyond HEIs, we collaborate with municipalities, NGOs, and employers to run living-lab projects, legal clinics, smart-city pilots, start-up trainings, and food-safety and design initiatives—turning international expertise into local impact. We also maintain an active schools-outreach calendar (teacher workshops, open-studio/lab days, Matura prep) and a branch alumni program that feeds mentoring, placements, and curriculum advice back into our programs.

Who to contact

• Partnerships & MoUs/IIAs: International Relations Office (IRO)
• Mobility (outgoing/incoming): IRO & Prizren Branch IRO Liaison
• Events & hosting in Prizren (ITP): Branch Events & Partnerships Team
• Research & grants: Program Coordinators / Research Office
  If you’re ready to propose a partnership or mobility, reach out to the IRO or your Program Coordinator—include your idea, intended outcomes, and a suggested timeline. We’ll help you turn it into an action plan.