Article

TAM Report / Armenia - Equity and inclusion in HE

Default profile image
Petya Mitova • 16 December 2025
0 comments

GENERAL INFORMATION

TAM title: Towards Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education: Identifying Key Challenges and Policy Responses in Armenia

Type of Event: Workshop

Modality: Presential

Location: State Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia, Yerevan

Country: Armenia

Dates: 5–6 November 2024

Participants: The workshop targeted representatives of higher education institutions, policy makers, student representatives, faculty members, psychologists, and staff involved in student support services, particularly those working with students with fewer opportunities. The exact number of participants is not specified in the reports.

              

THEMES COVERED

  • Equity, inclusion, diversity, and the social dimension of higher education
  • EHEA policies, frameworks, and best practices on equity and inclusion
  • Structural and institutional challenges leading to inequality in higher education
  • Policy responses to equity and inclusion at national and institutional levels
  • Impact of forced displacement on access, participation, and well-being
  • Student well-being and psychosocial support in higher education
  • Community engagement and collaboration to address equity challenges
  • Planning future actions and roadmaps for systemic reform

 

KEY OUTCOMES

During the workshop, participants:

  • Increased their awareness of equity and inclusion as a strategic priority in higher education reform;
  • Gained a clearer understanding of EHEA policies, frameworks, and good practices supporting the social dimension of higher education;
  • Identified key national and institutional challenges affecting equity and inclusion in Armenia;
  • Recognised the need for a systemic and coordinated approach to equity and inclusion at both national and institutional levels;
  • Contributed to the initial groundwork for a future roadmap addressing inclusion, student well-being, and support for forcibly displaced learners.

OVERVIEW

The workshop aimed to raise awareness of equity and inclusion as a core priority of higher education reform in Armenia, particularly in light of recent legislative developments and the country’s continued alignment with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Through a combination of expert-led presentations, panel discussions, and structured group work, participants explored European policy frameworks alongside national realities, examining how principles of equity, inclusion, and the social dimension can be translated into concrete policies and institutional practices.

Discussions addressed both structural and institutional challenges affecting access, participation, and student well-being, while highlighting practical approaches to supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable learner groups. A strong emphasis was placed on fostering a shared understanding among stakeholders of the social dimension of higher education, encouraging coordinated action across policy and institutional levels, and laying the groundwork for future policy development and institutional roadmaps aimed at more inclusive and resilient higher education systems.

 

ENHANCING IMPACT: PROPOSED NEXT STEPS

  • Establish a systemic national approach to equity and inclusion, supported by clear policies and institutional frameworks.
  • Strengthen support mechanisms for forcibly displaced students, including academic, psychosocial, and student services.
  • Develop national and institutional guidelines to ensure equal access and participation for disadvantaged learners.
  • Utilise Erasmus+ funding opportunities to support capacity-building projects focused on equity and inclusion.
  • Enhance coordination between policy makers and HEIs to ensure coherent implementation of social dimension reforms.

 

RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL

Be the first one to comment

Please log in or sign up to comment.