[citation needed] It was founded in 1951 and now has approximately 10,000 students, who come from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

The language of instruction is Albanian and, for special and/or exchange courses, English.

It offers integrated five-year programs (Bachelor + Master) in architecture and urban planning.

In the architecture program, the education of students in structural engineering and building technology are major focuses of the curriculum.

In addition to the integrated diplomas, DAUP offers a 3-5 year Ph.D./Doctorate program, which includes three profiles (1) Architecture Design (2) Urban Planning and (3) Historic Preservation and Restoration.