Doctoral Programmes

What it is

The Doctoral Studies Support Programme finances scientific research carried out in the course of doctoral studies at higher education institutions in Albania.

This is the newest programme of the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation: the first call was announced in July 2025 and the first cohort was financed by decision of the Administration Board in December 2025.

The programme is administered by the Directorate of National Programmes, Technology and Innovation Sector. Approving funds for doctoral study projects, on the basis of open competition between applicants, is one of the Agency’s functions.

Objectives

• To encourage high-quality, innovative scientific research in the course of doctoral studies in Albania, across the six priority fields of scientific research.
• To support the building of human capacity and the development of the next generation of scientific researchers.
• To raise the quality of academic research.

The first call focused on priority themes in the country’s socio-economic development, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches taking in advanced technologies, agriculture and the food industry, digital cultural heritage, climate change, energy, and the meeting point of law with technology and the environment.

Who can apply

The programme is open to doctoral candidates at higher education institutions in the Republic of Albania, public and non-public.

The detailed eligibility criteria — the stage of studies, the conditions for the academic supervisor and the documentation required — are set out in the programme guide, which is published together with the call.

What it funds

The programme finances the research activity carried out in the course of doctoral studies. Funds are allocated on the basis of open competition between applicants, according to the criteria approved by the Administration Board.

The amount of financing per doctorate, the duration of the support and the eligible expenditure lines are set out in the programme guide and in the Administration Board’s decision for each call.

The application process

Applications are accepted in response to the call announced by NASRI and published on the Agency’s official website. While the call is open, the Agency holds information days with representatives of higher education institutions and with academic staff, to explain the legal basis, the application criteria and how to apply.

The application form, the method of submission, the deadlines and the evaluation procedure are published together with the call and the programme guide.