Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University has forged a global partnership with Rwanda to advance education, workforce development and the creative economy in the region.
Building on a long-standing collaboration, Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University is expanding its presence in Rwanda through academic partnerships, industry engagement and the formal launch of Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Rwanda in June 2026.
Why Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹
Founded in 1910 in Ohio, Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University is a public R1 research university offering more than 300 academic programs to 38,000 students across eight campuses and international centers. Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ is recognized worldwide for strength in fashion, aerospace engineering, peace and conflict studies, business and the arts, and operates study centers in New York, Paris, Florence and Geneva.
Why Rwanda
Rwanda’s commitment to innovation, education and economic development makes it a strategic location for long-term partnership. With a growing creative economy and strong national policy alignment, the country is positioned to serve as a regional hub for education and industry collaboration.
The work aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the Creative Economy Policy, each of which identifies skills development, job creation and economic diversification as national priorities.
[Rwandans] want access to world-class education, right here at home.
H.E. President Paul Kagame, Vision 2050
Why Fashion
The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ School of Fashion is consistently ranked among the world’s leading fashion programs. It is one of Vogue’s named Best Fashion Schools, ranked Top 25 globally by Fashionista and Top 30 by CEO World, and recognized by Business of Fashion for Global Influence and Learning Experience. PrepScholar ranks the school #2 among public fashion schools in the United States.
One hundred percent of students complete an internship and a study-away experience. Ninety percent of graduates find employment in their field within one year. More than 5,000 alumni work in the industry worldwide at brands including Chanel, Nike, Gucci, LVMH and Calvin Klein.
Their programs rival fashion schools in the country’s larger fashion cities thanks to their global approach to education and thoroughness in curating a program that’s outstanding both within and outside of the classroom.
Vogue
Symposium
Program Launch – June 17, 2026
Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University will convene government, academic and industry leaders for a high-level symposium marking the formal launch of Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Rwanda. The event will establish a shared vision, strengthen partnerships and advance collaboration across sectors.
Symposium Details
A New Chapter
Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Rwanda
Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University is establishing a formal academic presence in Kigali designed to serve as a hub for education, innovation and creative industry development across Africa. This builds on existing partnerships while expanding into new areas of impact, including workforce development, research and the creative economy.
Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ University Rwanda