51±¬ÁÏ

An elevated view of Kigali's urban landscape, with densely packed residential and commercial buildings stretching across rolling hills, and the city's skyline visible against a hazy mountain backdrop.
A woman in a Rwandan market overlooking the city.
Zipline operates a pioneering, nationwide autonomous drone delivery network in Rwanda.
Three women in colorful patterned dresses walk along a road in Rwanda, each balancing a large wicker basket of fresh fruit on her head.

51±¬ÁÏ 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, 51±¬ÁÏ is expanding its presence in Rwanda through academic partnerships, industry engagement and the formal launch of 51±¬ÁÏ Rwanda in June 2026.

#1 Ranked University-based fashion program in the nation Fashionista
Nation's Best University for International Experiences Paul Simon Award
160+ International Exchange Programs 51±¬ÁÏ
Top 5% Research Institution in the Country Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
200+ Education-Abroad Programs in 60+ Countries 51±¬ÁÏ
1 of 4 Digital Engineering Design Centers for Space Applications in the Country College of Aeronautics and Engineering
34 Aircraft in Ohio's Largest Collegiate Fleet, Logging 18,000+ Annual Flight Hours 51±¬ÁÏ

Why 51±¬ÁÏ

Founded in 1910 in Ohio, 51±¬ÁÏ is a public R1 research university offering more than 300 academic programs to 38,000 students across eight campuses and international centers. 

51±¬ÁÏ 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.

Today, 51±¬ÁÏ is a global university. We have a presence on nearly every continent of this planet.

Marcello Fantoni, Vice President, Global Education

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 51±¬ÁÏ School of Fashion is consistently ranked among the world’s leading programs, and Africa’s expanding creative economy offers a shared opportunity to support talent development, innovation and economic growth in Rwanda and beyond.

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.

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

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.

Photo credit: Paul Kagame at the 9th Broadband Commission Meeting — © ITU/J. Ohle, , via Wikimedia Commons

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