Rector Hajrullahu Presents at the Times Higher Education European Universities Summit

At the 2026 European Universities Summit in Milan, organized by Times Higher Education, higher education in Albanian was represented in the discussions only by the University of Prishtina.

This major event for higher education in Europe and beyond featured UP’s Rector, Prof. Arben Hajrullahu, on a panel titled “Leading Through Crisis: How Can Institutions Safeguard Their Values, Principles and Strategies While Under Continued Scrutiny.” He spoke alongside the President of Dublin City University, Prof. Dáire Keogh; the Rector of Istanbul Technical University, Prof. Hasan Mandal; and the Rector of the University of Primorska in Koper, Slovenia, Prof. Klavdija Kutnar. The panel was moderated by the Vice-Rector for Quality Assurance at the Polytechnic University of Turin, Prof. Stefano Berrone.

Responding to questions about maintaining institutional credibility under pressure, Rector Hajrullahu introduced UP’s “nothing to hide” policy, which has guided the university since his election in October 2024. He stated: “The biggest challenge for university leadership is to maintain academic autonomy without losing institutional efficiency.”

“Transparency is key to running a university well,” he continued. “We report things as they are—clearly and honestly. We see challenges as opportunities and address them step by step, building trust for a better future.”

He added: “The University of Prishtina continues to safeguard heritage, support society in confronting a difficult past toward sustainable development and promoting inclusion by reserving 12% of new student places each year for minority communities.”

The University of Prishtina strongly values internationalization and cooperation with respected institutions worldwide. UP has signed more than 100 partnership agreements, both internationally and locally, and aims to complete full digitalization within the next three to five years.

Rector Hajrullahu also highlighted UP’s ties with the Kosovo academic diaspora, scholars and professors working at top universities abroad. Through the Regulation on Transfer, the "Brain Gain" Program, and Special Cases of Academic Staff Recruitment, well-known professionals living overseas have joined UP as affiliated experts.

“Universities have a duty to promote critical thinking, encourage public debate, and foster dialogue. Above all, they must educate responsible citizens who can think independently and rationally,” said Rector Hajrullahu.

He closed his remarks by noting: “In times of crisis, institutions are defined not by the pressures they face, but by their refusal to compromise on sound principles and integrity.”

Also attending the summit was UP’s Vice-Rector for Teaching, Staff and Publications, Prof. Adem Beha. Over three days, 44 sessions explored ways to strengthen higher education, research, and cooperation; improve graduate employment; and address technological change.

Since 2023, the University of Prishtina has been the only Albanian-language institution included in the annual Times Higher Education World University Rankings.