Representatives of the Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU) led by Acting Rector Lilit Mkrtchyan, participated in a two-day workshop marking the launch of cooperation with QS Quacquarelli Symonds, a global higher education organization providing trusted university rankings, research, analytics and guidance. The event brought together education officials, university leaders, and representatives of the academic community.

The collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia, the Higher Education and Science Committee, the “Academic City” Foundation, and QS aims to develop the research capabilities of universities, enhance international visibility, and improve the quality of education.

The event marking the launch of the partnership was attended by Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport and Chair of the ASPU Board of Trustees; Sargis Sargis Hayotsyan, Chairman of the Higher Education and Science Committee, Jacques de Champchesnel, Head of Consulting and Insights at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, as well as rectors of Armenian universities, academic staff, and representatives of the education sector. ASPU representatives led by acting rector Lilit Mkrtchyan also participated in the workshop.

As stated by Minister Zhanna Andreasyan, improvement of the international standing of Armenian universities requires consistent and long-term effort, and the launch of cooperation with QS is an important step in that direction.

“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.

The minister says 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 Insights 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

QS Quacquarelli Symonds is a leading provider of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education sector best known for publishing the annual 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.