Rochester Institute of Technology to open branch in Albania this September
Starting September 2025, Albania’s Harry Fultz Institute will expand to include a university-level program with the establishment of the American Academy of Technology Tirana, affiliated with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)—one of the top-ranked universities in the United States.
The new institution will offer degrees accredited by U.S. authorities, with programs initially focusing on Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, and a Scientific Research Center.
Why is this important: Albania faces a growing challenge as many of its youth continue to seek higher education and employment opportunities abroad. The opening of RIT’s branch in Tirana, along with other international university partnerships, offers an alternative for Albanian students-enabling them to access world-class education and degrees without leaving the country.
Context: This development is part of the Albanian government’s broader effort to internationalize higher education by attracting prestigious global institutions. Prime Minister Edi Rama and Minister of Education Ogerta Manastirliu have emphasized the success of these reforms, which aim to offer more opportunities for Albanian students to excel at home.
Other notable partnerships and initiatives include:
- BOKU University of Vienna, one of Europe’s leading institutions, which is collaborating to reform the Agricultural University of Tirana.
- École 42, an elite French institution specializing in technology and innovation, which has established programs in Korçë, including a French technology lyceum.
- The Istanbul Technical University is preparing to open a branch in Albania, following an agreement with the Turkish government.
- The Spanish National Distance Education University (UNED) is currently operating a branch in collaboration with the University of Gjirokastër.
- The College of Europe opened its doors in Tirana last September.
What else: The U.S. fund supporting the project has committed to providing a significant number of scholarships for students attending the American Academy of Technology Tirana. Founded in 1829, RIT has a global presence with campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. For the academy’s inaugural year in Tirana, approximately 100 students are expected to enroll, while the academic staff will include both local and international faculty.
It is hoped that these initiatives will foster a new era of academic excellence and innovation in Albania, offering young people the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.
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