72 PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN ARMENIA

Lragir.am
03 April 06

Such a figure exceeding far beyond the number of state universities
suggests that quantity is not necessarily quality. Five out of these
72 are branches of foreign universities, 28 have state accreditation.

Only 7 out of the 72 have state-accredited specialties. According to
Mher Makichyan, the head of the Agency for Licensing of the Service
of Accreditation of the Ministry of Education and Science, there are
over ten universities, which got state accreditation via courts. The
head of the agency declined to say how the courts reached such a
deal. Maybe the answer is apparent.

The accreditation of private universities by the Ministry of Education
and Science began in 2001. From February 7 to March 14 of 2006 the
Ministry started qualification of 20 private educational institutions
with 24 higher educational and 19 vocational specialties. In the final
stage of qualification tests in 70 subjects were held, 6 educational
institutions and 11 specialties failed.

These educational institutions were rejected the right to participate
in the next stage of qualification.

The Ministry of Education and Culture is going to extend the improved
plan of accreditation to the government of Armenia. The unlimited
accreditation will be replaced by a 5-8 year accreditation.