A new prestigious academy, the American Academy of Technology (Tirana), is being added to higher education institutions in the country. It comes in a strategic partnership with one of the most renowned universities in the field of technology, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, USA.

The new Academy is the result of a collaboration between the well-known “Harry Fultz” Institute and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), ranked among the best American universities, opening a significant opportunity for academic and professional training for young people pursuing this field.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, together with the Minister of Education and Sports Ogerta Manastirliu, attended the ceremony for the presentation of the programs and diplomas of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), which will open in September of this year and offer a diploma accredited by authorities in the United States.

Minister of Education and Sports Ogerta Manastirliu stated that the new Academy is part of the government’s strategic goal to reshape the university offering, making it more diverse, but above all, more qualitative and with international standards.

“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 with international standards,” the minister said.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Speech:

First of all, I want to apologize for the delay, especially to the younger people here, as I understand that they are the most impatient. I’m sorry for keeping you waiting a few extra minutes. The delay was due to another program we’re working on with another prestigious international institution in the field of education, particularly higher education. We were with representatives from the Agricultural University and Boku University in Vienna.

Boku University is one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, and as we speak, there is an ongoing reform process at the Agricultural University of Tirana in collaboration with Boku University. This is based on an agreement aiming for the same objective as the agreement between the “Harry Fultz” Institute and the Rochester Institute of Technology. The goal is to provide Albanian students with the opportunity to receive a world-class education right here in Albania and, in the end, earn a diploma that is 100% equivalent to the diploma awarded by the institution abroad—in this case, the Rochester Institute of Technology—but with lessons andpractical training conducted here in Tirana.

Here, I’d like to take the opportunity to remind everyone following us that you are all mature enough for what I’m about to say: at the Pyramid, an exceptional program is underway to introduce children to technology. With outstanding programs and remarkable success, this initiative was brought from abroad and fully implemented here in Albania. It’s the TUMO Center for Technology. The reason I’m highlighting it is that all parents with children aged 12 to 18 are invited to explore this program, as admissions are free. This is made possible through a partnership between the foundation and the Municipality of Tirana, aimed at providing this opportunity to those with the will and, of course, the talent for it.

Additionally, together with the foundation, we will open the doors of “Ecole 42” in September— a prestigious French school of excellence, once again in the field of technology. It will offer advanced studies with a completely innovative methodology. At the same time, we are also launching the French Technology High School in Korça, a project we are pursuing together with the President of the Republic of France. This is a commitment we made to the people of Korça, who requested the revival of the French high school.

We will also continue with TUMO in Shkodër and Elbasan. We are creating an ecosystem that enables the study of technology and provides well-paid job opportunities for those skilled in it.

The good news is that today, there has been a shift in the dynamic between the state and entrepreneurship, as well as between the education system and business. Until recently, it was a constant and not very successful effort to convince entrepreneurs to invest in human resources. Today, companies are increasingly eager to connect with these institutions. I am confident that at “Harry Fultz,” they have already felt this growing interest and have started forming agreements for future employment with their students while they are still in school. What’s important about today’s meeting is that the demand for employees skilled in technology from Albanian businesses is extremely high, and the salary offers are highly competitive.

I’m very glad to be here today, and I’m especially pleased that, on this occasion, the institute is using our presence to share these messages through the cameras with others. It’s crucial that this new reality being created today is recognized by many young people and their parents, who want the best for their children. They should know that, starting today, in Tirana, Albania, there is a new door open for all children who have the ambition and the will to step into the world of technology. At the end of their studies, they will receive a diploma that is exactly the same as the one they would otherwise have to earn by going to the United States, with astronomical expenses.

These are some of the things I wanted to share with you. Meanwhile, I’d like to thank you—it’s customary to thank the U.S. Embassy even when they’re not present, but today they are here. I thank the representative very much. This is the second day in a row that we are meeting and discussing two new academic and professional realities related to the United States. Yesterday, we discussed a new center for professional training in audiovisual production, and today we are here for this institute. The Minister also mentioned other initiatives being shaped in Tirana and Albania thanks to the internationalization of education.

Anyone who learns, anyone who works hard, and anyone who puts in the effort will ultimately succeed—not only in their studies but in life here in Albania. Starting from this very campus, they have every opportunity to succeed.

Thank you very much!