Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի կրթության և գիտության նախարարություն

Overview

The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Artsakh Republic (Armenian: Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի կրթության և գիտության նախարարություն) is the central governmental body responsible for policy development, implementation, and evaluation in the fields of education, science, culture and sports for the self‑proclaimed Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno‑Karabakh). According to uniRank, the ministry was established in 1995 as a public, non‑profit entity and exercises nationwide authority over all education levels, including higher education.

Historical and Legal Framework

The ministry was founded in 1995 following the declaration of independence of the Artsakh Republic. It inherited responsibilities for schools and institutions from Soviet‑era education structures. Its legal foundation is grounded in Artsakh’s national legislation, assigning it authority over early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary education, as well as science, culture, and sport sectors.

Mission, Vision and Objectives role in higher education

The ministry’s mission is to ensure access to quality education for all residents, from early years through tertiary/higher education, and to promote scientific and cultural development. Among its core objectives are:

• Developing and implementing educational curricula and frameworks for pre‑school to university level
• Providing teacher training and professional development
• Ensuring higher education institutions meet academic standards and serve the population effectively
• Fostering science, innovation, culture, and sports as drivers of social progress

In higher education specifically, the ministry recognises and accredits institutions and oversees their academic continuity.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The ministry operates under the authority of the Artsakh government. It is headed by a minister appointed by the President, with deputies supporting specialized domains. For example, Lusine Gharakhanyan served as minister from May 2020 to February 2022, followed by Anahit Hakobyan. Administratively it is organised into departments for education, science, culture, sport and youth policy. The ministry is public and non‑profit, as per uniRank classification.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation role in higher education

According to uniRank, the ministry is officially responsible for legal recognition of higher education institutions in Artsakh. It grants accreditation and monitors quality assurance. For example, Artsakh State University—founded in 1992—is officially recognised and accredited by the ministry to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. uniRank records this recognition explicitly in its institutional profile.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While no detailed memberships are publicly documented, the ministry has engaged in international educational and cultural outreach. In 2021 the minister met with the Artsakh permanent representative in France to discuss educational rebuilding and cooperation, including activities of a Francophone Centre as an educational platform.

Current or Future Impact on higher education

The ministry regulates and supports higher education institutions such as Artsakh State University. Until 2023 the University operated in Stepanakert and produced over 20,000 graduates across 60 fields of study. Following the 2023 Azerbaijani offensive and resultant displacement, the university’s building was appropriated and repurposed as a new Karabakh University from November 2023. Former students and authorities continue to advocate for resumption of higher education operations in exile in Armenia.

Thus the ministry’s future impact will likely focus on rebuilding higher education structures, supporting displaced students, and ensuring academic continuity under challenging political conditions.

Summary

The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Artsakh Republic is the principal authority overseeing education, science, culture and sports in Artsakh. Established in 1995, it functions as a public, non‑profit ministry with legal authority over recognition, accreditation and governance of education systems including higher education. It has guided Artsakh State University and strives to ensure access to quality tertiary education amid political upheaval. Moving forward, the ministry faces the task of maintaining higher education continuity for displaced communities.

FAQs

1. What is the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Artsakh?
   It is the Artsakh government ministry responsible for all education levels, science, cultural heritage and sport policy, including oversight of higher education.
2. When was it established?
   The ministry was established in 1995 as the main state authority in its fields.
3. Which higher education institutions does it oversee?
   It officially recognises and accredits institutions such as Artsakh State University; uniRank lists it as the licensing authority.
4. What happened to Artsakh State University?
   Founded in 1992 and accredited by the ministry, it operated in Stepanakert until November 2023, when the building was taken over by the Azerbaijani government and reopened as a different Karabakh University. Former students have advocated to re-establish the institution in exile.
5. How does the ministry support international cooperation?
   It has engaged in bilateral educational dialogue—for example, in cooperation with the Francophone Centre—to promote language, culture and educational ties abroad.

Organization Name

Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի կրթության և գիտության նախարարություն

Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Artsakh Republic

Acronym

Year of Establishment

1995

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Tumanyan Street. 48
Stepanakert
Republic of Artsakh Armenia

Phone

+374 047-94-19-35

Fax

+374 047-97-15-37

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Artsakh Republic's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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