Մասնագիտական կրթության որակի ապահովման ազգային կենտրոն հիմնադրամ

Overview

The National Center for Professional Education Quality Assurance Foundation (ANQA) is the independent, state-authorised agency in Armenia responsible for external quality assurance in higher and vocational education. It was established to ensure academic standards, foster public trust, and support institutional development. ANQA plays a vital role in evaluating and accrediting institutions and academic programmes in the country’s tertiary education system. Based on uniRank research, it is a recognized national body listed among over 1,000 higher education-related organizations.

Historical and Legal Framework

ANQA was founded in November 2008 through a government decree as a non-commercial, independent foundation. Its creation was aligned with the broader reform of Armenia’s education system and supported the establishment of a national quality assurance framework. The agency operates under the provisions of the Law on Education, the Law on Higher and Postgraduate Professional Education, and the Law on Vocational Education, along with specific governmental decrees regulating accreditation procedures and institutional autonomy.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

ANQA’s mission is to contribute to the advancement of education quality and promote public trust in the tertiary education system. Its vision includes the establishment of a dynamic higher education sector based on the principles of autonomy, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. The agency aims to support institutions in building internal quality assurance systems that align with both national priorities and international standards.

Strategic objectives include:

• Ensuring compliance with quality standards
• Supporting continuous improvement and innovation in education
• Strengthening institutional autonomy and responsibility
• Applying internationally accepted quality assurance practices

Governance, Structure and Independence

ANQA is governed by a Board of Trustees, which provides strategic oversight and ensures operational independence from government ministries and higher education institutions. The foundation is led by a Director and supported by specialized departments handling accreditation, research, methodology, and development. It maintains operational independence and transparency through structured procedures, expert involvement, and stakeholder engagement.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

ANQA is the sole agency in Armenia authorized to conduct external quality assurance for tertiary education. Its core functions include:

• Institutional Accreditation: A mandatory process for all public and private higher education and vocational institutions. It evaluates governance, academic quality, infrastructure, and internal quality assurance systems. Accreditation can be granted for four or six years, or conditionally for two years.
• Programme Accreditation: An optional process for most fields, but mandatory for medical and health-related programmes. It focuses on learning outcomes, curriculum relevance, and academic support services. Valid for five years.

The accreditation process includes a self-evaluation by the institution, an external expert review involving site visits, and a decision made by ANQA’s Accreditation Committee. Institutions may apply online throughout the year. Accreditation outcomes are published and followed by monitoring and improvement reviews.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ANQA is an active member of major international quality assurance networks. It is a full member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) and is listed in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR). These memberships confirm ANQA's compliance with the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG). The agency has also established partnerships with peer organizations and participates in international projects focused on quality improvement and academic mobility.

In recent years, ANQA has signed cooperation agreements with several international QA bodies, participated in joint reviews, and engaged in peer learning and policy dialogues. Its participation in regional and European working groups highlights its role as a reform-oriented institution in the European Higher Education Area.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

ANQA has significantly contributed to the modernization and internationalization of Armenia’s higher education system. Through its quality assurance framework, universities and colleges have improved governance, academic standards, and student services. More than 25 public universities and numerous private and vocational institutions have undergone institutional accreditation.

Looking ahead, ANQA is expected to play a central role in the evaluation of new education formats such as micro-credentials, joint degrees, and transnational education. Its continued emphasis on transparency, digitalization, and stakeholder engagement positions it as a key player in shaping Armenia’s higher education landscape.

Summary

The National Center for Professional Education Quality Assurance Foundation (ANQA) serves as Armenia’s national body for external quality assurance in higher and vocational education. Established in 2008, it operates as an independent foundation guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. ANQA’s comprehensive accreditation processes and international affiliations contribute to the credibility and global recognition of Armenia’s higher education institutions. According to uniRank, it holds a key position among recognized higher education-related agencies worldwide.

FAQs

1. What is ANQA?
   ANQA is the National Center for Professional Education Quality Assurance Foundation, Armenia’s official body for accrediting higher and vocational education institutions.
2. When was ANQA established?
   ANQA was established in November 2008 as an independent foundation by a government decree.
3. What types of accreditation does ANQA offer?
   ANQA offers institutional accreditation (mandatory) and programme accreditation (voluntary, except for medical fields).
4. How long does accreditation last?
   Institutional accreditation can last four, six, or two years (conditional). Programme accreditation typically lasts five years.
5. Is ANQA part of international networks?
   Yes. ANQA is a member of ENQA and registered with EQAR, confirming its alignment with European quality standards.

Based on uniRank research, ANQA is included among reputable global agencies committed to higher education quality and institutional development.

Organization Name

Մասնագիտական կրթության որակի ապահովման ազգային կենտրոն հիմնադրամ

National Center for Professional Education Quality Assurance

Acronym

ANQA

Year of Establishment

2008

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE); European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA)

Affiliations or Memberships

European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

22, Orbeli Str.
Yerevan
0028 Yerevan Armenia

Phone

+374 10 229 145

Fax

+374 10 229 148

List of universities in Armenia recognized by the Armenian National Center for Professional Education Quality Assurance (ANQA):

Armenian State Pedagogical University after Khachatur Abovyan
Brusov State University
Eurasia International University
European University
Gavar State University
Goris State University
Gyumri State Pedagogical Institute
International Scientific Educational Center of NAS RA
Military Aviation University after M. Khanperyants
Military University after V. Sargsyan
Mkhitar Gosh Armenian-Russian International University
National Polytechnic University of Armenia
National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia
Northern University
RA Police Educational Complex
State Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia
State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport of Armenia
Yerevan Haybusak University
Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinametography
Yerevan State University

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Wikipedia Article

National Center for Professional Education Quality Assurance's Wikipedia page

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