Dear friends of the University,

I would like to start my speech by thanking and showing deep gratitude to all our students, who 28 years ago, with exemplary courage and without any hesitation, became the most vital pillar of the first higher-education hub in Albanian language in this area. They became the protagonists, missionaries, torchbearers and main bearers of the platform of the University of Tetova, founded by Albanian intellectuals headed by the first and historic Rector, Prof. Dr. Fadil Sulejmani.

I also want to express my deep respect for the martyr of Albanian education, Abdilselam Emini, whose blood became the light of knowledge on the road to the building of the University of Tetova!

Special honor goes for our brothers also, who helped and served the University, by transforming their houses into university auditoriums, where the first students of this institution were educated, gained knowledge and were professionally trained. We will never forget the efforts of the Albanian families, who contributed to the firm establishment of our University.

After 28 years of unstoppable work, the University of Tetova has turned into a real center of education and training, not only in North Macedonia, but also in the region. In this temple of knowledge, today are studying young men and women from our country, Republic of Albania, Republic of Kosovo, Presheva Valley and the entire Albanian diaspora.

Together with their distinguished professors, they have left an indelible mark on the most important processes that the University of Tetova has gone through, from the foundation, the beginning of the first lectures to the period after the officialization, integration and progress of the University. With special piety, we also remember the contributors, who are no longer among us, wishing for their work to be eternal.

Dear Sirs/Madams

During this academic year, our University has achieved significant results in all areas and has managed to achieve its main goals and mission as a higher-education institution in our country.

From December of last year until today, in which we mark this anniversary, with the dedication of the leaders of the University, we have fulfilled the main priorities of this institution, such as:

  • Enrollment of students for the first time in the academic year 2022/23 in the first and second cycle of studies, with a total of 3000 enrolled students, which based on comparative analysis with previous years, it represents an increase of 32%.
  • Digitization of all student services and other administrative procedures, in order to facilitate the performance of students’ obligations and services.
  • Support for students with distinguished success, exempting them completely from tuition fees.
    • It is worth mentioning that 96 scholarships for first-cycle students and 17 scholarships for second-cycle students have been allocated for UT’s students of excellence in the academic year 2022/2023.
  • Completion of the accreditation process of 183 study programs, of which 89 study programs in first-cycle studies and 94 programs in second-cycle, adapted to the requirements of the labor market, after the evaluation process carried out with employers;
  • The start of the reaccreditation process of 17 programs in third-cycle studies – PhD studies, as well as the accreditation of new programs in this cycle of studies;

Special importance, in the year we are leaving behind, has also been devoted to continuous professional improvement, where great steps have been taken this year that are worth highlighting:

  • Obtaining authorization from the Ministry of Health, which enables the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of Tetova to carry out specializations in the fields of: family medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine and psychiatry as well as 20 authorizations for professors and doctors who will be mentors and educators of the new staff.
  • Accreditation of teacher training and professional services of primary schools in our country for the completion of six modules: Education in contemporary context; Development of socio-emotional skills in students; Gender equality and gender sensitivity in schools; Teaching based on approach to the problem; Teaching for the development of critical thinking in students; Designing objective tests of knowledge; Developing social skills and self-confidence in students, dealing with problematic behaviors and creating a positive socio-emotional atmosphere in the classroom.

It is obvious that, without scientific research and results, we cannot lead the way in finding solutions to the great challenges of our time, such as biodiversity loss, climate change and social inequality. As a multidisciplinary university, the University of Tetova has great potential to make innovative discoveries and promote their application. For this, we need partners and support. Sustainable futures are built together. With complete success, we have organized dozens of activities of a scientific and cultural nature, and for the sake of time we single out only a few of them, such as:

  • The 3rd International Congress of Natural Sciences, Medicine and Technologies, within which 5 scientific conferences were held in cooperation with 6 universities of the region and 483 participants, as well as the 4th International Congress of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts, in whose program 5 scientific conferences of relevant fields were developed in cooperation with 25 universities and the participation of 485 scientific researchers.
  • The organization of the 16th International Seminar of Albanology, titled “Culture and globalization”. Over 100 researchers of the sciences of linguistics, literature, history and ethnoculture, during the works of this edition, presented their scientific papers, bringing new thoughts on these topics, which are not only in the interest of researchers, but also of the whole public opinion;
  • The organization of the 16th edition of the cultural manifestation “The Bridge with Three Arches”. This traditional activity is a joint project that is organized by the University of Tetova, the University of Arts of Tirana and the University of Prishtina and is a challenge for the students of fine arts, in witnessing their talent and expressing their vision on fine art;
  • We have devoted special importance to the publication of scientific journals with an international scientific board, where the researches and researchers’ studies from the country, the region and beyond are published.
  • From this year, 11 journals of the faculties of the University of Tetova have been indexed in the DOAJ database, which culminated in the awarding of the impact factor by the ISI Impact Factor indexing database.

During the past year, in cooperation with local and international institutions, we have successfully completed several research-scientific projects, such as:

  • “Health-related behaviors of school-age children in the Republic of North Macedonia” (HBSC);
  • ERASMUS+, KA2 – Cooperation for innovation and exchange of practices, KA205-Strategic partnerships for young people;
  • “ART BLOSSOM” project that aims to increase the employment of young unemployed women through the cultivation of flowers and young people who are experts and competent in artisanal handwork through art and innovative technologies.
  • “Measuring the Perceptions of the Level of Corruption in Public Institutions in the PollogRegion” carried out in collaboration with the Vrije University of Amsterdam and within the Aurora Alliance, a consortium of European universities with research purposes, where the University of Tetova is an associate partner.
  • For the first time, in the organization of the Center for Peace and Transcultural Communication of the University of Tetova – Northern Illinois University (USA), and the American Corner in Tetovo, we realized the Summer School 2022, which aimed to provide a detailed presentation of the rule of law in North Macedonia.

In addition to the above-mentioned projects, we have organized dozens of other activities, such as book promotions, academies in honor of prominent figures and marking important dates from our national history. Here we single out the promotion of the Monography of the University of Tetova, during the time period 1994/95 – 2004/2005, which was promoted precisely on the eve of the 27th anniversary of the beginning of the first lectures.We should emphasize the memorial Academy for Rafi Halili – the symbol of the Albanian resistance, the Scientific Symposium, titled: “The contribution of the organization Kushtrimi i Lirisë (Rally Round the Freedom) and Rafi Halili in Albanian history”; whom we will forever remember as an unyielding patriot, a tireless political activist for the prevention of discriminatory tendencies by the Yugoslav communist dictatorship regime against Albanians in Macedonia, Kosovo and beyond, as well as the inauguration of the works “Rexhep Qosja – philosopher, ideologist and politician of the national cause” and “My mother Mihana Lama”, by the well-known general Prof. Dr. Kudusi Lama;

On the occasion of the November holidays, we have unveiled the names of the main amphitheatres, with the names of emblematic figures that have left an indelible mark on our national history. The three amphitheatres of our University already bear their names: Abdylselam Emini – the martyr of Albanian education, Rafi Halili – activist of the national cause, Sevasti and Parashqevi Qiriazi – the first two teachers of the Albanian language from Manastir.

International cooperation is very important for achieving the goals and at the University of Tetova we constantly work to achieve them. One of the future pillars of higher education in Europe are European university alliances. At the University of Tetova, we have already gained great experiences from the AURORA alliance that creates innovative forms of cooperation between 13 European universities. The University of Tetova is an integral part of this selected family of universities, which aims to develop in scientific research, always bearing in mind the contribution and inevitable role of universities in the communities they represent.

We have given special importance to interuniversity cooperation with Albanian universities, universities from the region and international ones, intensifying inter-institutional relations. New cooperation agreements with the University of Innsbruck, Bucharest, Iowa in the USA, Alto Duro in Portugal, the University of Malta, the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Albania; The Academy of Fine Arts in Plovdiv, as well as dozens of inter-institutional agreements within the Erasmus platform from all over Europe, are evidence of our commitment to the internationalization of the University of Tetova. Also, as a University, we have signed the continuation of the Agreement with Magna Charta Universitatum;

In the academic year 2021/22, the University of Tetova was approved by the National Agency for European Education and Mobility 80 mobilities for students, 60 for studies and 20 for internship, as well as 17 mobilities for academic and administrative staff. All these mobilities have been used and the exchange has been made in different European countries, such as: Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey.

This year too, we have been committed to improving and advancing working and study conditions. Thus, in the field of capital investments, together with the Ministry of Education we have invested in the reconstruction and adaptation of the spaces of the former rectorate where the Faculty of Physical Culture, a part of the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Applied Sciences, and the Faculty of FoodTechnology are located. With the support of the US Embassy in our country, we have inaugurated the Law Clinic, which will serve the students of the Faculty of Law for the realization of lessons and practical work. Furthermore, with the donation of the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Coordination “Tika”, the Research Laboratory of Psychology was put into use, which will serve the Faculty of Philosophy.

Dear participants,

I take the opportunity to thank all those who, with their hard work, talent or simply with ordinary human kindness, contribute every day to the development of our University. This is our joint work, which is supported not only by the leadership but also by the professors, academic lecturers, administrative staff, retired employees and especially by the large number of students and graduates. I want to thank these people very much today, I also express my deepest appreciation to them. Let us remember with gratitude all those outstanding members of the academic community, who are no longer with us, whose work not only contributed to the development of this University, but consequently also influenced the professional and academic training of all those who have the honor of working with them.

Our students are the backbone of this house. We are working every day to build well-being and a sustainable future as a university. Today’s students are the ones who will shape the future and it is our duty as a University to provide them with the best possible starting point for changing the world. I say it out loud, the University is you!

At the end of my speech, let me emphasize that all of us together – students and professors, will move confidently towards the future with the determination and vision to transform this source of light and knowledge into a model center of higher education.

May the University of Tetova be blessed!

Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli
Rector of University of Tetova

Prof.Dr. Jusuf Zejneli
2023-2026

Prof.Dr. Kushtrim Ahmeti
2022-2023

Prof.Dr. Reshat Qahili
December 2021-May 2022

Prof.Dr. Vullnet Ameti
2012-2022

Prof.Dr. Agron Reka
2009-2012

Prof.Dr. Sadi Bexheti
2006-2009

Prof.Dr. Nexhbedin Beadini
2003-2006

Prof.Dr. Ramiz Abdyli
January-March 2003

Prof.Dr. Fadil Sulejmani
1995-2003

History of UT

The University of Tetova welcomes and is open to all the students, teachers and collaborators.  It welcomes individuals who possess intellectual and moral qualities, which they can apply in an academic climate of clearly defined institutional autonomy and academic freedom, to contribute to the development of education, science and professional development at the university.

“The university has a short history but a long past”.

It was founded on December 17, 1994 as an initiative of Albanian intellectuals, various non-political affiliations and a wide spectrum of supporters of higher education from inside and outside North Macedonia.

The historical development of the university can be divided into two phases:

1994-2003 The establishment of the university

2004-2010 The institutional development; academic and physical modernization.

From an emerging physical state, the University developed and was transformed into what we can witness today- the New University Building. Thereafter, it has been confirmed as a member of the Conference of European Universities and, as a reformed institution, it is recognized as the only public higher education institution operating in the Albanian language, providing qualifications, specializations and research to all people. The University of Tetova consists of 13 faculties, 65 study programs, 115 departments and 3 research centers and institutions.

Teaching and Research Framework

The Bologna Agreement is implemented in the educational process and the university has initiated reforms in its scientific research program to bring it up to the standards of more developed countries. The results of entering into international collaboration projects such as Erasmus, DAAD, and Tempus, following European standards, has already led to and evident enhancement in academic quality.

With regard to the Bologna Agreement, the University of Tetova is currently entering a new phase of its development, implementing a standard 3+2+3 model, and a structured 4+1+3 (BA, MA, and PhD studies) model with a research focus. Applying the new European study system, UT is fulfilling its goal of improving student professional development and establishing an international harmonization of degrees.

The current academic staff comprises 273 full-time teachers and 355 part-time teachers.

Degrees from University of Tetova are now recognized as being comparable with those obtained from more established European universities; this recognition is confirmed by alumni employed or continuing postgraduate studies at various higher education institutions across the world.

Future Orientation

Looking towards the future, the University’s goal is to locate all faculties on a single campus. Physically, this will include:  first, second and third cycle studies, specializations, visiting professors and other guests, canteen, sports centers, main library, computer center, and various labs.

At an operational level, the future development of the University of Tetova will involve:

  • The implementation of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS);

The implementation of ECTS will be achieved through student mobility through which students will broaden their horizon and deepen their knowledge at universities signatories of the Magna Charta Universitatum.

  • Incorporation into all European university forums, through which cooperation is increasing;
  • Progress of scientific research against academic research, will have a positive impact on the academic achievement;
  • Offering online degrees, E-learning, electronic books (including audio-books) will enable broader access and increase the quality of learning and teaching;
  • Already secured, Audio-visual tools will further assist in offering distance learning lectures
  • Completing and equipping academic and laboratory facilities with modern technology;
  • Implementing and carrying out projects at university institutions like Institute of Ecology and Technology, The Institute of Albanian Culture, etc.
  • Participating in collaborative European academic and research projects, like TEMPUS, DAAD, USAID, SORROS, NATO, BE, various embassies have, in extension from previous years, become priorities in the strategic plan of the university;
  • Dispersing study programs throughout the country, in various cities, in accordance with the high school preparation programs to bring degrees closer to students.

Future Responsibility

While we take pride in the achievements of recent years, we are also accepting responsibility for future actions that need to be taken for us to match the trends of contemporary academic institutions. To achieve this, the management and academic staff of the University of Tetova are taking full responsibility for creating new values, especially in education, science and culture, which are the pillars of the prosperity of new generations.

To sum up, the University of Tetova is already headed towards developing a new effective system of higher education that will lead the university towards achieving the standards of contemporary academic institutions. By appointing and preparing professionals, and by promoting observable and measurable change both within and outside the country, the university will achieve it towards achieving its over-arching mission.

Future goals

The intention of being closer and more accessible to students has already resulted in the availability of study programs throughout the country, and, particularly, within specific cities in the Republic of North Macedonia.

With an increase in student numbers every year, the University of Tetova now has 13,000 students and, importantly in achieving our goals, the number of students from various ethnic groups is increasing. In the past, only a small number of students of non-Albanian background registered with UT. This number has already grown to over one hundred, almost 10% of the overall number of students.

The University of Tetova aims to be a University for all of the citizens of North Macedonia, without any national, religious, or other differences. In pursuit of this aim, it is now open to all students who wish to study here.

The university’s offer for prospective students is economical and inclusive. Numerous study programs with affordable fees are offered.

With an increase of 30% over the past few years, the number of students enrolled is increasing continuously compared to the number of students enrolled at other universities in the country. This is a sign that the UT is developing and heading towards European universities.

The University of Tetova is the one and only Albanian-language state university in North Macedonia. Qualified academic staff, increasing collaboration, cooperation with prestigious universities in the region and internationally and, most importantly, the emotional relationship of Albanians with the UT, their sacrifice and their contribution, have established and brought it to its current position. They now provide the major reasons why one should study at the University of Tetova.

President of the Senate | Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti
Rector
| Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli
Vice-Rector for Education Affairs | Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Neziri
Acting Vice-Rector for International Cooperation | Prof. Dr. Salajdin Salihi
Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs | Prof. Dr. Agon Memeti
General Secretary | Adem Beadini
Prof. Dr. Fatbardha Ismaili
Prof. Dr. Sali Zhaku
Prof. Dr. Sheherzada Murati
Prof. Dr. Zeqirja Idrizi
Prof. Dr. Lulzime Kamberi
Prof. Dr. Nderim Zeqiri
Prof. Dr. Asan Idrizi
Prof. Dr. Metin Izeti
Prof. Mr. Bajramali Idrizi
Prof. Dr. Sadi Bexheti
Prof. Dr. Qenan Ferati
Prof. Dr. Milazim Kamberi
Prof. Dr. Florim Idrizi
Prof. Dr. Flamure Ibraimi Sadiku
Prof. Dr. Xhabir Abdullahu
Prof. Dr. Merije Elezi
Prof. Dr. Hazir Pollozhani
Prof. Dr. Elmi Jusufi
Prof. Dr. Naser Raimi
Prof. Dr. Astrit Iseni
Prof. Dr. Faton Shabani
Asst. Prof. Dr. Besa Dogani
Asst. Prof. Dr. Arbresha Zenki Dalipi
Eliesa Zhaku
Besa Bexheti
Ardi Memeti

Rector | Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli
Vice-Rector for Education Affairs | Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Neziri
Acting Vice-Rector for International Cooperation | Prof. Dr. Salajdin Salihi
Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs | Prof. Dr. Agon Memeti
General Secretary | Adem Beadini
Dean of Faculty of Philosophy | Prof. Dr. Ibish Kadriu
Dean of Faculty of Pedagogy | Prof. Dr. Lulzim Memedi
Dean of Faculty of Philology | Prof. Dr. Berton Sulejmani
Acting Dean of Faculty of Law | Prof. Dr. Ebrar Ibraimi
Dean of Faculty of Economy | Prof. Dr. Brikend Aziri
Dean of Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Prof. Dr. Alit Ibraimi
Dean of Faculty of Physical Education | Prof. Dr. Shpresa Memishi
Dean of Faculty of Applied Sciences | Prof. Dr. Enis Jakupi
Dean of Faculty of Arts | Prof. Mr. Senad Abduli
Dean of Faculty of Medical Sciences | Prof. Dr. Nevzat Elezi
Dean of Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition | Prof. Dr.  Xhezair Idrizi
Dean of Faculty of Business Administration | Prof. Dr. Llokman Hebibi
Dean of Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology | Asst. Prof. Dr. Bardhyl Limani
Head of Student Parliament | Ladon Murseli

THE MUSEUM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TETOVA

In Poroj, a village outside of Tetovo, there is a museum that documents the sobering history of the founding of the University of Tetovo – back in 1994.

Born out of the determination to found a university teaching in the Albanian language, members of the community came together to form this university in Tetovo. Members of the community wanted to establish a university in Tetovo where students could learn in the Albanian language. Without support from the state, the community came together – with volunteer professors, meeting in makeshift classrooms in peoples’ houses. This effort was met with resistance, however, as you can see in the newspaper articles and exhibits in the museum.  In one of the photos, you can see the villagers coming out on to the streets to protect the students, after about 300 troops were sent to address the situation.

In fact, foundation of the museum of the University of Tetova, is one of the most important moments during the lifetime period of this institution as far as it represents the connect between the past and the future.

Actually, the museum of the University of Tetova is open in the Blackwell History of Education Museum – College of Education in Northern Illinois University, Chicago USA.

http://news.cedu.niu.edu/coe_news/cameras-eye-blackwell-photo-exhibition-to-tell-tale-of-tetova/

Don’t miss the great chance to visit this Museum!

IT Center

Ramazan Fetai

E-mail: ramazan.fetai@unite.edu.mk

Center for Peace and Transcultural Communication

Mr. Sc. Donika Kamberi

E-mail: centerforpeace@unite.edu.mk | artina.kamberi@unite.edu.mk

Career Center

E-mail: careercenter@unite.edu.mk

Language Center

Prof. Dr. Isa Spahiu

E-mail: isa.spahiu@unite.edu.mk

Secretary General

Adem Beadini

E-mail: adem.beadini@unite.edu.mk


Office of Education
E-mail: zyraperarsim@unite.edu.mk

International Relations Office
Head: Doc.Dr. Hatibe Deari
E-mail: international@unite.edu.mk | hatibe.deari@unite.edu.mk

Office of Finance and Accounting
Head: Mr.Sc. Imberjah Tairi
E-mail: imberjah.tairi@unite.edu.mk

Office of Legal Affairs
Head: Mr.Sc. Florian Nesimi
E-mail: florian.nesimi@unite.edu.mk

Press Office
Head: Mr.Sc. Selam Sulejmani
E-mail: press@unite.edu.mk

Project Management Office
E-mail: projects@unite.edu.mk

Office for Scientific Research and Innovation
E-mail: zshi@unite.edu.mk

Office for Evaluation and Quality Management
Head: Asst. Prof. Dr. Sheruze Osmani Ballazhi
E-mail: evaluation@unite.edu.mk

ECTS Coordinator
Head: Mr. Sc. Naser Ramadani
E-mail: naser.ramadani@unite.edu.mk

Office for Doctoral Studies
Head: Valmisa Novi
E-mail: doktoratura@unite.edu.mk

Registrar’s Office
Head: Emin Zejneli
E-mail: emin.zejneli@unite.edu.mk

List of International Cooperation Agreements:

North Macedonia

NO. UNIVERSITY
1 St. Clement of Ohrid University
2 Goce Delchev University
3 University of Information Science and Technology “St. Paul The Apostle”, Ohrid
4 University for Tourism and Management in Skopje
5 FON University
6 South East European University – SEEU
7 Saints Cyril and Methodius University

Albania and Kosovo

NO. UNIVERSITY
1 University of Tirana
2 University of Prishtina
3 “Aleksander Xhuvani” University of Elbasan
4 “Aleksander Moisiu” University
5 “Fan S. Noli” University
6 “Marin Barleti” University
7 “Eqrem Çabej” University
8 “Luigj Gurakuqi” University
9 “Ismail Qemali” University
10 Academy of Physical Education and Sports “Vojo Kushi”
11 Agricultural University of Tirana
12 European University of Tirana
13 Epoka University
14 BprAL „UniMedica“, Prishtina
15 Universe College, Kosovo
16 University of Medicine, Tirana
17 College of Medical Sciences “Rezonanca”, Pristina

TURKEY

NO. UNIVERSITY
1 University of Istanbul
2 University of Thrakis
3 University of Sakarya
4 Ondokuz Mayıs University
5 University of Haxhetepe
6 Manisa Celal Bayar University
7 Koxhaeli University
8 University of Bilexhikut
9 Marmara University
10 Yıldız Technical University
11 Kırklareli University
12 Istanbul Trade University
13 Uludağ University
14 Mehmet Akif Ersoy University
15 Bursa Technical University
16 University of Canakkale
17 Atatürk University

Others

NO. UNIVERSITY
1 University of Maribor, Slovenia
2 University of Zagreb, Croatia
3 University of Rijeka, Croatia
4 University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
5 University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
6 University of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
7 University of Nis, Serbia
8 University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
9 “Dzhemal Bijediç” University, Bosnia and Herzegovina
10 International University of Novi Pazar, Serbia
11 University of Novi Sad, Serbia
12 University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
13 University of Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
14 University of Zadar, Croatia
15 University of Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
16 Faculty of Economics in Subotica, Serbia
17 City College, City University, New York
18 University of Murcia, Spain
19 Compostela Theological Institute – Pontifical University of Salamanca, Spain
20 Eastern Mediterranean University, Northern Cyprus
21 Middle East Technical University, Campus in Northern Cyprus
22 St. Cyril and Methodius University, Veloko Trnovo, Bulgaria
23 University of Food Technology, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
24 University of Applied Sciences, JAMK, Finland
25 University of Calabria, Italy
26 Alma Mater Europaea-European Center, Maribor, Slovenia
27 Medical University of Graz, Austria
28 University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italia
29 Northern Illinois University, USA
30 CASS European Institute of Management Studies, Paris, France
31 Dr.Wishvanath Karad MIT- World Peace University MIT-WPU, India