Five Armenian universities to have international accreditation

Five higher educational institutions in Armenia will be required to meet international accreditation standards in the nearest future.

So far only two institutions – the American University of Armenia and the French University – have been internationally accredited.

Three more universities are expected to bring their education criteria in conformity with international standards, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan told today a group of future leaders from the Diaspora who are visiting Armenia to participate in the School for Young Leaders' summer program.

Sargsyan characterized universities are the groundwork of innovative economy, which help unite a nation's scientific potential.

"We cannot have an innovative society without innovative universities," he added.

The premier told the young leaders that government's ideology relies on the concept of a knowledge-based state because Armenia, unlike many other countries, has no other alternative for building a statehood.

"Moreover, we should build economy, considering not only our intellectual potential and knowledge, but also our society," he said.

"Education is a priority in the 21st century and it should conform to international standards. Universities should have a central role in the education [system], as the member states of the European Union have stated in the Lisbon Convention."