RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan received today the delegation headed by Deputy Secretary General of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Michael Harms.

ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan, Chairman of the ESCS Higher Education and Science Committee Sargis Hayotsyan, Head of the DAAD Regional Office in Tbilisi Reul Gebhard, other representatives of the regional office, as well as heads of 19 universities of Applied Sciences in Germany attended the meeting.

Welcoming the guests, Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized the significance of implementing joint programs and advancing bilateral cooperation in the field of education with the Federal Republic of Germany. The Minister pointed out that Armenia is at the stage of active reforms of the higher education system, and discussions and experience exchange with international partners are of great importance.

Introducing the new draft law on “Higher Education and Science” currently under development, the Minister emphasized that it aims to boost the competitiveness and efficiency of RA universities.

“The direction of applied sciences is of particular relevance to us from the perspective of public and economic development. From this perspective, it is important to study your experience and find avenues for collaboration,” said Zhanna Andreasyan.

The ESCS Minister also introduced the “Academic City” program, the execution of which will establish a new educational and scientific environment in Armenia, setting high international standards for higher education and research. It was mentioned that within the framework of the program, the Armenian side collaborates with the Technical University of Munich and other German organizations in developing the master plan and various other activities.

“We envision the Academic City as a high-quality educational and research hub for universities and scientific organizations. Collaboration with international universities is crucial for us: international universities may also be represented in the academic city,” said Zhanna Andreasyan.

The ESCS Minister also emphasized the role of the German Academic Exchange Service in the context of bilateral cooperation. Zhanna Andreasyan expressed gratitude for the productive cooperation, noting that thanks to DAAD, the German higher education sector has also become accessible to Armenian students and lecturers.

The chairman of the Higher Education and Science Committee, Sargis Hayotsyan, also greeted the guests and gave a more detailed explanation of the reforms implemented in the higher education system. He specifically addressed the process of university expansion and integration with scientific organizations, the significance of partnership with international universities in the context of the enlargement and revision of university educational curriculum, and the institutionalization of the development of joint educational programs.

Michael Harms, Deputy Secretary General of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), also delivered a welcoming speech, presenting the German higher education system, as well as the work being carried out in Germany towards the internationalization of universities of applied sciences. The sides underlined the significance of cooperation between Armenia and Germany and the implementation of joint programs with Armenian universities.

The German Academic Exchange Service is one of the leading scholarship and academic exchange organizations in the world. DAAD programs support students, scientists, and researchers by providing them with the opportunity to study, conduct research, or teach in Germany.