RIT Expands Global Footprint with the Launch of a New Location in Tirana, Albania

The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, delivers opening remarks for the launch of RIT's new location in Tirana.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) proudly announces the opening of its newest global location in Tirana, Albania, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to delivering world-class education and fostering global innovation. The launch event brought together distinguished guests, esteemed faculty, and students to celebrate the expansion of RIT’s academic network.

students during Harry Fultz opening ceremonyStudents attending the official ceremony for the opening of RIT's new location in Tirana.

“This is not just the launch of a new academic institution; it is the beginning of an exciting journey to provide transformative education and global opportunities for students in this region,” stated Dr. Kamal Shahrabi, President of RIT Kosovo. “Through our innovative programs, hands-on learning approach, and strong industry connections, we are equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving global economy.”

The establishment of RIT Tirana as part of RIT's Global Footprint, marks a major step forward in Albania’s higher education landscape, made possible through a strategic partnership with the Harry Fultz Foundation, an institution dedicated to academic excellence. Mr. Edmond Leka, Chair of the Harry Fultz Foundation, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating: "This initiative aims to provide top-tier, internationally recognized education, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic world. We are working with other partners to provide scholarships to support talent enrollment and fully comply with our mission to provide quality education at affordable prices.”

RIT Tirana becomes the latest addition to RIT’s global family, which includes locations in New York, Kosovo, Dubai,  Los Angeles, Croatia, and China. With this expansion, students in Albania now have the opportunity to study in an internationally connected academic ecosystem, benefiting from a curriculum that integrates experiential learning, research, and industry-driven innovation.

James Myers during ceremony of Harry FultzDr. James Myers delivering his speech at the official opening ceremony of RIT Tirana.

“RIT is a leading international research university working at the intersection between technology, arts, and design. We have global campuses in Dubai, Kosovo, Croatia and China that are extensions of our main campus in Rochester, NY in the U.S., and we are proud of more than 150,000 RIT alumni who come from more than 100 countries. We are delighted to add Albania to our constellation of global campuses” said Dr. James Myers, Associate Provost for International Education and Global Programs at RIT. “With 21,300 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is internationally recognized and ranked for its leadership in technology, the arts, and design. In the U.S., RIT is ranked among the top national research universities with strengths in engineering, computing, design and technology.”

picture of Ogerta Manastirliu minister of education in AlbaniaThe Minister of Education and Sports of Albania, Ogerta Manastirliu, delivers her speech at the official opening ceremony of RIT's new location in Tirana.

The event also featured remarks from Ogerta Manastirliu, Minister of Education and Sports, who highlighted the transformative impact of this new RIT location in Albania. “The American Academy of Technology in Tirana is the newest institution, which will open its doors in September 2025 with the first two study programs. We are proud that this prestigious institution is now joining the family of higher education institutions. It is, in fact, part of our strategic goal to reshape the university offering, to expand it, to make it more diverse, but above all, more qualitative and in line with international standards.”  

With RIT’s proven track record of producing industry-ready graduates, the launch of RIT Tirana is set to redefine higher education in Albania by introducing a globally recognized curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and unparalleled career opportunities.

For more information on RIT Tirana and its programs, please visit https://www.harryfultz.edu.al/study-at-harry-fultz/#  or contact aattoffice@harryfultz.edu.al.  

Photo Credit: Images sourced from the Instituti Harry Fultz Facebook page.


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