Vice Rector for Institutional Development, Quality, and Student Affairs, Majlinda Gjelaj, emphasized during separate meetings of the advisory boards of the Faculty of Architecture and the Faculty of Philology that aligning academic programs with industry helps the University of Prishtina (UP) better understand labor market demands and prepare students accordingly. 

At the Faculty of Philology’s advisory board meeting, Vice Rector Gjelaj recommended identifying UP alumni and fostering cooperation with them, noting that graduates who studied at UP are more inclined to support their alma mater in bridging academia with the job market. 

Vice Rector Gjelaj also spoke at the opening of the Faculty of Architecture’s advisory board meeting, describing this body as a vital bridge between the university and industry. She highlighted the joint commitment of Kosovo businesses and the Faculty of Architecture to promote practical work opportunities for students and sustainable employment post-graduation. Recommendations from employers, she added, assist UP in refining curricula and elevating the quality of education. 

“A sustained partnership with the job market is crucial to equip our students with the competencies needed for an ever-evolving economy,” stated Vice Rector Gjelaj. 

Participants—representatives from businesses, public institutions, and professional organizations—shared insights on strengthening cooperation with the Faculty of Architecture to improve student preparedness for the job market year after year. 

The University of Prishtina’s ties to domestic industry are among the key metrics evaluated by Times Higher Education (THE), the world’s most renowned university ranking platform. In UP’s 2025 THE ranking, recently published, the industry criterion rose by 9.24% compared to the previous year, while the most significant growth of 66% was recorded in research quality. Improvements were also noted in two other indicators. 

UP’s notable rise in THE rankings and the advisory board meetings of both faculties coincide with high school seniors across Albanian-speaking regions concluding their final days of secondary education. Meanwhile, the University of Prishtina continues to solidify its international reputation as the premier choice for launching and advancing academic careers.