The Education Development State Program has set an ambitious target: by 2030, at least four Armenian universities are to be ranked among the top 500 in major international university rankings. This was stated by Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan at the event marking the launch of cooperation with QS Quacquarelli Symonds, a leading world university rankings organization.
The ESCS Ministry, the Higher Education and Science Committee, and the “Academic City” Foundation are launching cooperation with QS Quacquarelli Symonds with the objective to improve the standing of Armenian higher education institutions in international rankings.
Sargis Hayotsyan, Chairman of the Higher Education and Science Committee of the ESCS Ministry, Jacques de Champchesnel, Head of Consulting and Analytics at QS Quacquarelli Symonds; as well as rectors of Armenian universities, academic staff, and representatives of the education sector attended the launch event.
As stated by the Minister, improving the international standing of Armenian universities requires consistent and long-term effort, and the launch of cooperation with QS is an important step in this direction. At this stage, the consultancy work under the cooperation framework with QS will involve Yerevan State University, Yerevan State Medical University, and the National Polytechnic University of Armenia. The selection of these universities is closely linked to the systemic reforms driving from the new Law on Higher Education and Science and is consistent with the rationale of the Academic City program.
“It is obvious that raising the competitiveness of the higher education system must be the outcome of a comprehensive policy,” Zhanna Andreasyan said, noting that, within the framework of the Academic City program, the National Polytechnic University of Armenia is envisioned as the foundation of the technological cluster, Yerevan State University as the foundation of the classical cluster, and Yerevan State Medical University as the foundation of the medical cluster, through their integration with relevant universities and research organizations.
“We expect that, with the support of our QS partners, our universities will be able to implement the necessary changes and make progress in international rankings. International consultancy support does not mean mechanically applying ready-made solutions. International experience should be studied and adapted to the specific characteristics and needs of Armenia’s higher education system. There are no ready-made formulas or one-size-fits-all solutions to every challenge. Solutions must be developed through the study of experience, joint discussions, and responsible decision-making. All decisions must be well-considered, discussed, clearly understood, participatory, and transparent. This means that the entire reform process must, from the outset, be carried out with the involvement of all stakeholders,” Zhanna Andreasyan said, adding that the change cannot be achieved overnight or in a single phase; it requires continuous and consistent work.
According to the Minister, progress should be reflected in improved quality of education, greater satisfaction among employers and labour-market stakeholders, increased attractiveness of higher education for students and, ultimately, enhanced international competitiveness of Armenia’s higher education system. An important indicator of this progress is also an increase in the number of international students enrolled in Armenian universities.
During the event, Jacques de Champchesnel, Head of Consulting and Analytics at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, presented the organization’s activities, the strategic scope of cooperation with Armenia’s higher education system, international university rankings methodology, and approaches aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of higher education institutions. Jacques de Champchesnel noted that an open-minded approach on the part of the Armenian side, readiness for change, and constructive cooperation are crucial to achieving progress and tangible results.
QS Quacquarelli Symonds is an international organization specializing in higher education and is widely known for its QS World University Rankings. Its assessment of universities takes into account a range of indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, graduate employment outcomes, international engagement, and other factors. The organization also provides universities and higher education systems with consultancy and analytical support aimed at enhancing their international visibility and competitiveness.