Roundtable Discussion with Representatives of Higher Education Institutions in Armenia

On 4 June, the Higher Education and Science Committee of the Republic of Armenia organized a roundtable discussion with representatives of higher education institutions to review the draft Regulations on the Organization of Synchronous and Asynchronous Non-Formal Education in Higher Education Institutions of the Republic of Armenia. The proposed regulations are intended to establish the national methodological, technological, quality assurance, and legal framework for the non-formal education sector.

Given that the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Higher Education and Science includes provisions relating to distance and non-formal education, there is a clear need to create a sustainable foundation for the provision of flexible and lifelong learning. Furthermore, the development of these areas is fully aligned with the priorities of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Within the framework of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) MEDIA Project (2022-2026), funded by the European Union, three Armenian universities; the National Polytechnic University of Armenia (NPUA), Vanadzor State University (VSU), and Brusov State University — have implemented pilot programmes offering non-formal online courses in digital media and marketing, while also establishing the necessary institutional framework for their sustainable implementation.

Representatives of Vanadzor State University were Hermine Grigoryan, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Local Coordinator of the MEDIA Project, and Lusine Kostandyan, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs. The meeting also featured presentations on the experience and best practices of the European partner institutions, as well as those of Armenian universities. The outcomes of the discussions will serve as a foundation for the future Digital Education Action Plan of the Republic of Armenia.