History

The Sports University of Tirana is the only higher education institution of its kind in the Republic of Albania in order to prepare physical education teachers and sports specialists. The University realizes the full scientific qualification of specialists in physical education and sports, up to the level of “Master” and “Doctor of Science”.
The genesis of the University of Sports of Tirana began with the establishment of the Technical School of Physical Education in 1948, as the first high school to prepare future physical education teachers. After 10 years, in 1958, after the establishment of the University of Tirana, the branch of physical education was created at the 2-year Faculty of History – Philology. Later this branch returned to the faculty with the destination “Physical Education Teacher” for lower and upper secondary schools.

In 1960 by Decision of the Council of Ministers, no. 394, dated 28.09.1960, the Institute of Physical Education was established, which a year later, by decision of the Council of Ministers, was renamed “Vojo Kushi” with a 3-year study period, equivalent to the university system of high schools. In 1971, by decision of the Council of Ministers, the name was changed to the Higher Institute of Physical Culture “Vojo Kushi”. In 1993 the term of studies in this institution becomes 4 years.
On 25.05.2000, with Decision of the Council of Ministers no. 266, this institution is called the Academy of Physical Education and Sports “Vojo Kushi”. By decision of the Council of Ministers no. 123 dated 17.02.2010, this institution is named the University of Sports of Tirana (UST).
From 1958 until today, the University of Sports of Tirana (former ILKF and later AEFS ‘Vojo Kushi’) as a unique institution in our country has systematically graduated Teachers, Trainers and Senior Specialists in the Field of Physical Education and Sports .

In 1962, near the ILKF “Vojo Kushi”, a scientific center was established, which later turned into a scientific sector. This sector for the time and in the future would help in identifying and processing contemporary scientific thought in the field of physical education and sports. This sector seceded as a separate entity from ILKF in 1992.

Starting from 1966, the structure of ILKF has functioned on the basis of departments as the basic teaching and research unit. Since 1994 the 4-year structure of the institution is supported on the basis of departments.
The mission of the University of Sports of Tirana (UST) is:

• University education of students and specialists in all study cycles.
• Qualification of academic and scientific staff in the fields of physical education, health and recreation.
• Promoting research and studies in the fields of physical education and sports, physical activity, health and recreation.
• Providing services to third parties and consulting in the field of physical education and sports, physical activity, health and recreation.