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Kosovo is the youngest European country, in the heart of the Balkans. With 70 percent of the population under 35, it is young and vibrant. Pristina, the capital city, officially has around 227,466 inhabitants, but that number swells during the business day to nearly 500,000. It is very easy to navigate, with a strong café culture, many great restaurants, and a large international community. Every other major town is within 90 minutes of Pristina, including Prizren (the cultural capital of Kosovo), Peja and Gjakova (hubs for outdoor enthusiasts). The Kosovo Agency of Statistics released the final 2024 census data, which indicates that the total population of Kosovo as of 2024 is 1,585,590. More information on Kosovo and tourism can be found .

A culturally Muslim country, but very liberal in practice, Kosovo is widely considered to be one of the most pro-American countries in the world, with a �ǿմ�ý favorability rating of more than 95 percent of the population. The ongoing dispute over Kosovo's independence from Serbia creates a unique dynamic, especially with the Kosovo-Serb minority population.  

Since Kosovo declared its independence in February 2008, its higher-education system has slowly been making progress towards a more Western-oriented approach, based on the Bologna System. �ǿմ�ý Fulbright Scholars have significantly helped to expand the knowledge of students and professors who might otherwise not have the opportunity to study or travel abroad. 

Higher education in Kosovo consists of seven state universities, two colleges and one American College: the University of Pristina "Hasan Prishtina” is Kosovo's largest university; the University of Prizren "Ukshin Hoti”; the University of Gjakova “Fehmi Agani”; the University of Gjilan "Kadri Zeka"; the University of Mitrovica "Isa Boletini"; the University of Peja "Haxhi Zeka"; the University of Applied Sciences (UASF) in Ferizaj, Faculty of Islamic Studies, the International Business College Mitrovica and Evolucion Academy and RIT – Kosovo (Former American University in Kosovo). There are 10 private institutions of higher education. For more information on all these higher education institutions please check this . The academic calendar consists of two semesters (October-January and February-May).  Exams are generally offered at the end of each semester. 

The Fulbright Program in Kosovo is 16 years old but undergoing a significant expansion thanks to a joint investment of funds by the Government of Kosovo and the United States. Significant opportunities remain to make a difference in the state of education in the country. Knowledge of the Albanian language is beneficial, but not a requirement.

Families are welcome and opportunities for K-12 education are available. You may reach out to us, and we will provide you with a list of K-12 schools taught in English.  

Medical facilities in Kosovo consist of the government-sponsored University Clinical Center and private medical clinics. Medical facilities outside Pristina have limited capabilities. For more information, please see .

Public transportation is available. Taxis are generally inexpensive, safe, and a reliable means of transportation.  

�ǿմ�ý citizens need a valid passport to enter Kosovo and may be asked to provide documentation stating the purpose of their visit. No visa is required for trips of up to 90 days. For work, study, or visits longer than 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at Pristina’s Directorate for Migration and Foreigners. To apply for a temporary residence permit, you will need to provide proof of health insurance, and an official police background check report issued in the United States prior to travel. See our Criminal Records checks page on our website. The �ǿմ�ý Embassy cannot assist you in obtaining background checks, certificates of conduct, or fingerprints. For all public information related to entry, exit, and visa requirements available to �ǿմ�ý citizens visiting or residing in Kosovo, see . 

Prospective applicants may contact the �ǿմ�ý Embassy directly with questions or for clarification. The primary points of contact for the Fulbright Program are Remzije Potoku, Higher Education Specialist ( PotokuRK@state.gov) and Grese Koca, Public Engagement Assistant ( KocaGA@state.gov ).