Armenia

Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia/MESCS Հայաստանի Հանրապետության կրթության, գիտության, մշակույթի և սպորտի նախարարություն
MoESCS is the public body responsible for developing and implementing state policies in the fields of education, science, culture, and sports. The mission of the ministry is to ensure access to quality education at all levels from preschool to higher education through modern, inclusive, and equitable systems; 
to promote scientific research and innovation, supporting scientific institutions and international collaboration; to preserve and further Armenian cultural heritage, language, and identity both within Armenia and among the diaspora and to foster youth development and physical education, supporting policies that promote healthy lifestyles and sports.

Link(s): Armenian, English, Russian
RA MoESCS Higher Education and Science Committee(HESC)
The Higher Education and Science Committee of Armenia was established in 2023 as an affiliated entity within the organizational framework of the MoESCS. The Committee is entrusted with the implementation of state policies in the field  of higher education and scientific research. Its core mandate focuses on the development and advancement of policy in these fields, striving to promote quality, foster innovation, strengthen effective governance, and facilitate the international integration and competitiveness of Armenia’s higher education and research systems.

Link(s): Armenian, English, Russian
National Center For Professional Education Quality Assurance Foundation (ANQA)
ANQA is the main agency for promoting and safeguarding the quality of  education. Its mission includes institutional and programme accreditation, supporting internal quality assurance systems, and fostering a quality culture within the education sector. ANQA ensures transparency, accountability, and international comparability of Armenian education, facilitates recognition, of qualifications, and supports integration  of the Armenian HE into the EHEA.

Address: 6 Kievyan St., 9/1, Yerevan, Armenia 0028
Ph: (+374 10) 229-145;  (+374 10) 229-146
mob. +37491405-126
 info@anqa.am


Link(s): Armenian, English

Armenian Education System
The education system of Armenia  is a unified, state-regulated system with structure aligned with the main principles of the EHEA and lifelong learning. It includes general education, vocational education and training (VET), higher education, and adult education pathways.  It comprises early childhood education, general education, vocational education and training (VET), higher education, and adult learning. General education is compulsory and includes primary (Grades 1–4), basic (Grades 5–9), and upper secondary education (Grades 10–12), leading to the Secondary (Full) Education Atestat at ANQF/EQF Level 4, which provides access to higher education. VET programmes offer parallel progression routes to tertiary education. Higher education follows the Bologna three-cycle structure: Bachelor, Master, Doctorate.

Link(s): Chart in Armenian, Chart in English, Armenian, English

Information about the National Higher Education System
Higher education in Armenia is delivered across various institutions, including universities, institutes, academies, and conservatories. The country currently has 50 higher education institutions—comprising public, private, and international entities—with an enrollment of approximately 76,400 students.
The first cycle of higher education culminates in a bachelor’s degree, which requires students to complete between 180 and 240 ECTS credits over a period of three to four years of full-time study. Admission to bachelor’s programmes mandates possession of a secondary education certificate or an equivalent vocational qualification.
The second cycle results in a master’s degree, necessitating completion of at least 60 ECTS credits.
The third cycle consists of doctoral (PhD) programmes, typically spanning three years and entailing the completion of 180 ECTS credits, as well as the successful public defense of a dissertation.
For regulated medical disciplines, higher education follows an integrated curriculum lasting five to six years (300–360 ECTS credits). Graduates who successfully complete these programmes are conferred with the degrees of Medical Doctor or Stomatologist.

Link(s): Armenian, English

Recognized Higher Education Institutions in Armenia
In Armenia, recognized higher education institutions are those officially authorized by the state to provide higher education programmes and award nationally valid qualifications (Diploma of a state format). Recognition is granted through state licensing and accreditation procedures regulated by national legislation.
Only qualifications awarded by licensed and accredited institutions are considered officially recognized for purposes of further study and employment. The list of recognized institutions is maintained by the competent national authorities and publicly available through official government information systems.

Link(s): Armenian, English, Armenian, English
Recognized International Education Providers in Armenia
ՀՀ-ում ճանաչված միջազգային կրթություն իրականացնող բուհեր

Link(s): Armenian, English

Framework

Armenian National Qualifications Framework
The Armenian National Qualifications Framework (ANQF) was established in 2011 by Government Decree as a comprehensive system to describe national higher education system and for classifying qualifications based on learning outcomes. The framework covering general education, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education, and consists of eight qualification levels defined through descriptors of knowledge, skills, and competences. It supports progression pathways, permeability between education sectors, and lifelong learning opportunities. The ANQF was revised in 2016 to enhance compatibility with the European Qualifications Framework. Alignment with EQF principles promotes transparency and comparability of qualifications, facilitates international recognition, supports labour mobility, and strengthens Armenia’s integration into the European education and qualifications area.

Link(s): Armenian(2011), Armenian(2016 revised version)

Self-Certification

Self-certifications of ANQF
In 2025 the MoESCS initiated the  self certification of the ANQF. A working group was established  in order to to further the process. 

National Center for Professional Education Quality Assurance (ANQA)

Policies and Procedures for the Recognition of Qualifications
Recognition of the foreign qualifications in Armenia is governed by the principles of the LRC, which was ratified in 2005. The process is coordinated by the ArmENIC, the national body responsible for academic recognition and a member of the ENIC-NARIC networks. ArmENIC evaluates foreign qualifications, issues comparability statements, and provides advisory services to facilitate access to further studies and promote student mobility.  Also, advisory statements are issued for the employment purposes Higher education institutions are tasked with making recognition decisions concerning admission and the continuation of studies, following procedures based on learning outcomes, qualification levels, and access rights. Recognition is granted unless substantial differences are identified, and alternative assessment procedures are available for refugees’ lacking documentation.

Link(s): Armenian and English

Responsible organisation

National Information Center for Academic Recognition and Mobility
Ակադեմիական փոխճանաչման և շարժունության ազգային տեղեկատվական կենտրոն
27 Amiryan Street
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Phone: (+374 10) 53 09 04
Fax: (+374 10) 53 09 04
E-mail: info@armenic.am
Link(s): Armenian, English

Information on DS (legislation, template, chart, etc)

Access to higher education
Access to higher education in Armenia is based on a diversified set of upper secondary and vocational qualifications aligned with the ANQF. The system combines a nationally standardised school-leaving qualification with several internationally oriented pathways, reflecting ongoing internationalisation of secondary education while maintaining centralized admission procedures.
The Secondary (Full) Education Atestat remains the principal national qualification granting access to higher education and corresponds to NQF/EQF Level 4. Alongside it, academically oriented alternative pathways — the Araratian Baccalaureate and the French Baccalaureate — are fully recognised for admission to Armenian higher education institutions (HEIs). The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is also accepted; however, operational recognition challenges persist, leading IB schools in Armenia to issue the national Atestat in parallel to ensure eligibility within the national admission framework.
Vocational education pathways provide additional progression opportunities. The Junior Specialist (NQF Level 4) and Specialist (NQF Level 5) qualifications grant access to higher education when programmes integrate secondary education components, supporting permeability between vocational and academic tracks in line with European lifelong learning principles.
All access qualifications provide formal eligibility for Bachelor’s and integrated (long-cycle) programmes. Admission is primarily determined through Unified (Joint) State Examinations administered by the national Assessment and Testing Center, which functions as the central selection mechanism regardless of the qualification pathway.
Assessment approaches differ across qualifications. National education applies a dual grading model combining a 10-point scale for continuous assessment and a 20-point scale for state examinations. Alternative qualifications rely on internationally benchmarked assessment systems: the Araratian Baccalaureate integrates portfolio assessment and externally moderated examinations aligned with Cambridge International A-Level standards; the French Baccalaureate combines continuous and final examinations administered under the authority of the French Ministry of Education; and the IB Diploma Programme relies predominantly on externally assessed examinations ensuring international comparability.
While Armenia has achieved diversification of access routes and alignment with ANQF/EQF structures, differences in assessment methodologies and recognition procedures create practical challenges for automatic recognition and equal treatment of qualifications. Strengthening transparency, comparability, and recognition mechanisms remains a key policy priority within ongoing higher education and qualifications framework reforms.

Link(s): Armenian and English

Post secondary non-university education
Post-secondary non-university education in Armenia is delivered mainly through the vocational education and training (VET) sector and serves as an intermediate level between upper secondary and higher education. Programmes are offered by colleges and specialised vocational institutions and lead primarily to Junior Specialist (NQF/EQF Level 4) and Specialist (NQF/EQF Level 5) qualifications. These programmes combine theoretical instruction with practical and work-based learning, aiming to support both labour market integration and further educational progression.
A distinctive feature of the Armenian system is the permeability between vocational and academic pathways: VET graduates whose programmes include secondary education components are formally eligible to access higher education. However, admission remains dependent on Unified State Examinations, which function as a common selection mechanism across qualification types. While the framework enables progression opportunities, differences in learning outcomes, assessment models, and societal perceptions continue to influence transition rates, highlighting the need for stronger alignment with qualifications frameworks and improved recognition practices in line with European lifelong learning policies.

Link(s): Armenian, Russian, English, Armenian, Russian, English

Recognition of qualifications held by refugees
Recognition of refugees’ qualifications has become an increasingly important policy issue in Armenia due to recurring refugee inflows linked to regional conflicts. In line with Article VII of the Lisbon Recognition Convention and the 2017 Recommendation on the Recognition of Refugees’ Qualifications, Armenia has taken steps to ensure fair and flexible assessment procedures, including in cases where educational documentation is incomplete or unavailable.
Refugees in Armenia often face difficulties proving their educational background because documents may have been lost, destroyed, or impossible to verify due to security or institutional constraints in countries of origin. To address these challenges, Armenian recognition practices, coordinated by the National Information Centre for Academic Recognition and Mobility (ArmENIC), apply methodologies based on learning outcomes and qualification comparability rather than solely on documentary evidence.
Assessment may include structured interviews and the preparation of a “background paper” describing the applicant’s educational history, qualification level, programme content, and relevant professional experience. Evaluation focuses on key qualification elements such as level, profile, workload, quality, and learning outcomes, using information from international databases and ENIC-NARIC cooperation networks.
Armenia also participates in the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR) initiative, which provides advisory documentation summarising an applicant’s education, skills, and experience. While not constituting formal recognition, the Passport supports access to higher education and employment opportunities and strengthens inclusive recognition practices, contributing to refugees’ educational progression and socio-economic integration in Armenia.
 

Link(s): Armenian, English

There is no a unified  data base for verification of educational documents.

School leaving qualifications starting from 2022 are available in the unified system for checking their validity: https://verify.e-gov.am
It is possible to verify and download the document by submitting the number of the document and issue date.

Requests on HE  documents and  other type of qualifications can be  send to ArmENIC  to verify the documents issued  by the  HEIs (with few exceptions).