Frequently Asked Questions

Updated: October 23, 2019. The information on this page is general and may be subject to change. We strongly encourage you to check the website of your preferred field of study as well as American University of Armenia’s Graduate Admissions Policies for detailed information regarding the programs, admissions process and more.  If your question is not answered in these FAQs, please email the Office of Admissions at [email protected].

Academics

1. What graduate degrees does AUA offer?

AUA offers the following graduate degrees:

  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Science in Management
  • Master of Science in Economics
  • Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering and Systems Management
  • Master of Science in Computer and Information Science
  • Master of Public Health
  • Master of Laws
  • Master of Political Science and International Affairs
  • Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language

You can find additional information regarding each program here.

2. What certificate programs does AUA offer?

AUA currently offers graduate certificate programs in

  • Teaching English as a Foreign Language
  • Translation 
  • Finance
  • Data Analytics

You can find additional information regarding AUA’s certificate programs here.

3. Does AUA offer courses to individuals who are not seeking a degree at AUA but are interested in taking select courses at the graduate level?
Yes, AUA invites students who are interested in AUA to sample our courses on an individual basis prior to applying or enrolling in our graduate programs. Such individuals are defined as non-degree students. For more information regarding non-degree status, please visit http://policies.aua.am/policy/80.
4. What is the language of instruction at AUA?
The language of instruction at AUA is English.
5. Does AUA offer evening classes?
Yes. Currently, the Master of Business Administration, Master of Laws, and Master of Science in Economics programs offer evening classes that typically start at 6:30pm. Classes within the Master of Public Health typically commence at 3:30pm.
6. How long does it take to earn a graduate degree?
Most graduate programs at AUA require two academic years of full-time study to complete. The only exceptions include MSM which is a 15-month program and MBA which typically takes 2.5 years to complete.
7. Can I pursue my graduate studies as a part-time student?
If you would like to pursue a graduate degree as a part-time student, you should speak to both the Graduate Program Chair and Office of the Registrar to see what options may be available. However, AUA does not encourage part-time studies as some mandatory courses require prerequisites which may not be offered again during the coming academic year/s.
8. Does AUA offer any online courses?
No, AUA does not offer online courses.
9. Can I see what classes are like at AUA?

Yes, AUA offers Open Classes. These are actual classes that prospective students can attend one time, at no cost. You can find information on class schedule, registration process, a list of courses available, and more here. 

Tuition

10. What can I expect to pay for tuition as a graduate student?

For more information, applicants are encouraged to review here.

11. Does AUA offer financial aid?
Yes.  AUA is committed to providing the best possible education to its students. As such, AUA’s admissions process is need-blind.  AUA policy is that no Armenian citizen admitted to AUA will be denied study because of demonstrated financial need, as determined by the AUA Financial Aid Committee based on a number of factors. AUA offers a number of financial aid opportunities for both Armenian citizens and international students. For more information, applicants are encouraged to review http://finaid.aua.am/financial-aid-definition/.
12. I plan on applying for Armenia’s 10 year Special Residency Status. Can I apply to AUA now or should I wait until I have received the special residency?

Yes, you may apply to AUA even if you do not yet have your 10 year special residency status. Please note that you will be charged the international application fee.
If you are accepted to AUA, your tuition will be reassessed during the execution of your education contract as long as you have already obtained the 10 year residency status. As soon as you receive your special residency status, make sure to email its scan to the Office of Admissions at [email protected]. If for some reason there is a delay in receiving your 10 year residency status, please contact the Office of the Registrar to inquire about the possibility of reassessing your tuition.

Admissions

13. Who can apply for a graduate program at AUA?
Anyone who meets both the graduate general and program-specific admissions requirements may apply for graduate programs at AUA. You may also refer to questions 14 and 15 below.
14. What are the Graduate General Admissions requirements?
The Graduate General Admissions require applicants to: 
  • Hold an undergraduate degree from, or be currently enrolled in the final year of studies at an accredited or licensed institution of higher education. Applicants holding a Bachelor’s degree from a 3-year program will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement.
  • Submit a complete AUA Application for Admission to Graduate Study.
15. What are the Program-Specific Admissions requirements?
In addition to General Admission requirements, applicants must meet Program-Specific Admissions requirements listed on our Application Requirements web page.
16. Is there an English language proficiency requirement?

Yes. Applicants should submit official exam results confirming English Language Proficiency either through TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic exams. Some applicants may be eligible to receive a waiver of the English Language Proficiency Requirement. For more information, please read the English Language Proficiency waiver policy and application form here. 

17. Who is eligible to apply for an English Language Proficiency Waiver?

You may receive a waiver to the English Language Proficiency requirement if you studied at least two consecutive of the previous five years of full-time study at a recognized high school, college, or university where the primary language of instruction is English. Applicants may receive a waiver if they have completed at least two years of full-time study at a recognized high school, college, or university where the primary language of instruction was English. For more information, please refer to the English Language proficiency waiver policy at policies.aua.am/policy/154. To apply for the waiver, applicants should create a profile at im.aua.am and submit an English Language Proficiency Test Waiver form.

18. Is there a minimum score for the TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic exams?

The TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic target score requirements for admission at AUA are as follows.

  • TOEFL iBT – 79 or higher
  • IELTS Academic – 6.5 or higher


Applicants should note, however, that meeting the scores listed above is not a guarantee of admission. On the other hand, having scores lower does not result in automatic denial. Only those applicants with a 67 or lower on the TOEFL iBT or 5.5 or lower on the IELTS Academic will be automatically denied admission.

19. How should I report my TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic official test scores to AUA?

For AUA to receive your official TOEFL iBT test scores, you must indicate AUA’s institution code (4151) either at the time of registration or during the exam while for the IELTS Academic exam results you must indicate AUA’s institution code (40 Baghramyan Ave, Yerevan).

20. Is there any test requirement other than the proof of English Language Proficiency?

The table below outlines which graduate program standardized test (GRE, GMAT, LSAT) are required for each program.

Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Economics, Master of Science in Computer and Information Science, Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering and Systems Management, Master of Political Science and International Affairs, and Master of Public Health GRE or GMAT
Master of Laws LSAT (for non-LL.B. graduates only)
21. Is there a minimum score for the program-specific standardized test?

The table below outlines the program-specific standardized test target score requirements for admission at AUA:

The LSAT is waived for applicants who hold a degree in law

Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in  Management, and Master of Science in Economics 60th percentile on the GRE or GMAT (MSE applicants with scores less than the 50th percentile will not be considered. MBA applicants with scores less than the 40th percentile will not be considered)
Master of Science in Computer and Information Science, Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering and Systems Management, and Master of Public Health 50th percentile on the GRE or GMAT
Master of Political Science and International Affairs 25th percentile on the GRE or GMAT
Master of Laws 145 on LSAT (The LSAT is waived for applicants who hold a degree in law)
22. How should I report my program-specific test official score report to AUA?

Applicants must ensure that valid test scores are reported electronically to AUA directly by the testing service on or by the published deadline date to which they are applying. To do so, please make sure to include AUA’s institution codes as follows:

  • GRE code 0676
  • LSAT code 0868
  • GMAT code 0284 
23. I forgot to list AUA as a score report recipient. What can I do?

You may request an additional score report through your test account and indicate AUA as a score report recipient by putting our institution code.

Application Process

24. How should I apply to a graduate program at AUA?

To apply, please complete and submit a complete Application for Admission to Graduate Study online at im.aua.am.

25. Can I apply to more than one program?
Yes. In your application, you can mention a first and second choice program of interest. While you will only need to submit one application, please note that you must write a separate Statement of Purpose for each program.
26. Is there a specific date when I must submit my application?

Yes. Please refer to our Deadline Dates for detailed information.

27. What if I forgot to attach a required document to my application or did not report my official test score to AUA?

It is your responsibility to submit a complete application. If you forget to send a required document or do not report an official score to AUA, please immediately contact the Office of Admissions and make sure to send those missing documents by email to [email protected].

The Office of Admissions screens all submitted applications for technical eligibility. If your application is incomplete, please note that it will not be considered for further review by the Admissions Committee. Incomplete applications as of one deadline date will be moved to the following deadline date. If you fail to complete your application by the rolling admissions deadline date, the Office of Admissions will update your application status to ineligible.

28. If I retake an exam after the deadline date, will my new score be considered?

Any change and/or additional information presented after the admissions deadline must be presented using a Petition to Submit New Information form. If you plan on submitting new information after the deadline, please email [email protected] to request a copy of this form. However, please note that if you would like your new test score considered, it will shift your application to the following deadline date. No new information may be submitted after the Rolling Admissions deadline date.

29. How do I pay my application fee?

Your application fee may be paid online, via the Easy Pay Cash Machine located in AUA's  Main Building, or bank transfer We strongly encourage applicants to make payments online as it may take up to 10 business days for your account to reflect Easy Pay or Bank Transfer payments. Detailed instructions are available on the payment page in im.aua.am once you have submitted your application.

Recommendation Letters

30. How many recommendation letters should I submit?
Your application for admission must include two recommendation letters. Your application will not be considered complete without the submission of both recommendation letters. Additional recommendation letters will not be considered. If you are applying to more than one program, you should still only submit a total of two recommendation letters.
31. Am I required to use AUA’s recommendation letter template?
Yes. You may download the form directly from your online application.
32. Who should write my recommendation letters?
The best recommenders are those that know you well and can fully assess your ability to perform and succeed in your graduate level studies. Recommendations typically come from current or former professors and/or supervisors from a job or internship.  The recommender cannot be a friend or family member.
33. Will AUA accept a recommendation letter in a language other than English?
While AUA prefers recommendation letters in English, we also accept them in Armenian and in rare cases, Russian. However, please note that your recommender must complete your recommendation using the AUA template, which is only available in English.
34. Should the recommendation letter be typed?
If you choose the email or hard-copy options, please note AUA prefers typed recommendation letters. However, we will also accept letters that are handwritten.
35. How can I submit a recommendation letter?
Recommendation letters should be submitted online or sent via email directly by your recommender. In rare cases, you may bring a recommendation letter in hard copy enclosed in a sealed envelope, to the Office of Admissions on behalf of your recommender.
36. How do I submit a recommendation letter online?
We strongly encourage applicants to ask recommenders to submit recommendation letters online. To do so, select the “My recommender will complete the recommendation letter online” option from the recommendation letter section of the online application for admission. You will then be asked to fill out contact information related to your recommender. Once you have done so, an email will be sent to your recommender. Please ensure your recommender checks his/her email frequently and submits the form by the deadline date to which you plan to apply. Letters received after the deadline date will mark your application as incomplete and your application will be moved to the next available deadline date or marked ineligible for rolling applicants. Recommendation letters submitted online do not require a signature or a seal.
37. How can I submit my recommendation letter via email?
If your recommender prefers to submit the recommendation letter via email, then select the “My recommender will send a complete and signed recommendation letter as an attachment to [email protected]” option from the recommendation letter section of your application for admission. Once you select this option, download the form directly from the online application and send it to your recommender to complete. Recommenders must then complete the form and email it to [email protected]. The letters must also include the recommender’s signature as well as the seal/stamp of the organization. In rare cases, we will accept letters without the seal/stamp if the organization simply does not have one.
38. How can I submit a hard copy of the recommendation letter?
The Office of Admissions strongly discourages recommendation letters to be submitted in hard copy; however, we will accept them in rare cases. If this is the only option for your recommender, then select “I will bring a hard copy of the signed recommendation letter to the Office of Admissions in a sealed envelope” in the recommendation letters section of the online application. Afterwards, download the form directly from the application. To submit a hardcopy recommendation letter to the Office of Admissions, please make sure your recommender encloses it in a signed and if available sealed or stamped envelope. Enclosed hardcopy recommendation letters must be delivered to the Office of Admissions located in Room 108M on 40 Baghramyan Avenue.
39. Who should complete the Applicant’s Information on the First Page of the recommendation letter?
If you choose the online application, there is no need for you to enter this information. If you choose the email or hardcopy versions we recommend you complete this information. After completion, you should send the blank form to your recommender.
40. Does AUA require a seal or stamp on the recommendation letter?
If you choose to submit your recommendation letters online, then there is no need for either a seal or stamp. However, should you prefer your recommender to submit the letter via email or in hard-copy, then the letter must be sealed or stamped by the organization. In rare cases, we will accept a recommendation letter submitted via email or in hard-copy without a seal or stamp if the organization simply does not have one.
41. Should I attach the recommendation letters to my application?
No. AUA will not consider any recommendation letter attached to your online application. Since recommendation letters are confidential, they must be submitted by your recommenders either online or via email. If they choose to submit a hardcopy recommendation letter, then the letter must be enclosed in an envelope.
42. What happens if my recommender submits my letter after the deadline date?
In order for your application to be considered complete, you must ensure that you meet all requirements by the deadline date to which you plan on applying, including the submission of your recommendation letters. If your recommender delays the submission of your letter, then please note that your application will be marked incomplete and your application will be moved to the next available deadline date or marked ineligible for rolling applicants. An important note if you choose the online recommendation letter option – you cannot submit your application until your recommender has submitted your recommendation letter.
43. Can I use a recommendation letter I have submitted previously?

Yes, you may use a recommendation letter previously submitted with your AUA application as long as it is valid. Recommendation letters are only valid for one year. If you plan to use a valid recommendation letter(s) from a previous AUA application, send an email to [email protected] detailing which recommendation letter you would like to be considered by the application submission deadline.

Since recommendation letters must be submitted on the AUA template, you cannot use recommendations provided to you for other purposes.

44. Will I receive confirmation once my recommender submits my recommendation letter?
If you choose the online option, you will receive an email from [email protected] once your recommender submits your letter. Should you choose the email or hard-copy options, you will not receive any confirmation related to the submission of your letter(s). However, you can check your online application checklist where we will note the recommendation letter section is complete once they have been processed.

Decisions

45. When and how will I be notified of my admission decision?
Applicants who submit complete applications by the published deadline date will receive notification of their admission status by email, up to twelve weeks after the respective deadline.
46. Can I appeal the decision?
No. Decisions made by the Graduate Admissions Committee cannot be appealed.
47. Can I change my degree program after being admitted?
Once admitted to an AUA graduate program, you may not change to another degree program. If you are certain that you want to change your degree program, you must first withdraw from the graduate program to which you have been admitted.  Once you have done so, you will need to reapply to your desired program through im.aua.am. If application deadlines have passed, you must wait for the next round of admissions. Please visit our Program and Major Change policy for more information.
48. Am I guaranteed admission if I meet both the Graduate General as well as the Program-Specific Admissions requirements?
No. While applicants must meet the Graduate Admissions General Admissions requirements as well as the Program-Specific Admissions requirements, meeting both does not in itself guarantee admission. Factors such as program capacity and the competitiveness of an individual’s application within the applicant pool are also taken into consideration.

Visa and Housing

49. As an international student, do I need a visa to study in Armenia?

Yes. Foreign nationals need valid travel documents to enter Armenia. Individuals must ensure that they apply for and obtain a passport in time to obtain the necessary visas for Armenia. Some countries require that passports have a minimum of six months validity for travel purposes. 

Most foreign nationals will be able to obtain a visa at the airport in Yerevan upon arrival for a cost of 15,000 AMD. This single-entry visa is valid for 120 days from your date of entry. You may also obtain a visa from your local Armenian embassy or consulate or via Armenia’s e-visa system (evisa.mfa.am).

Notes:

  • AUA issues a letter of invitation for admitted nationals of certain countries to apply for and receive an entry visa to Armenia from Armenia’s diplomatic posts abroad.  A list of these countries is posted here.
  • Nationals of some countries are exempt from the requirement of obtaining an entry visa to Armenia. A list of these countries is posted here. 
  • Once you are in Armenia, AUA will assist you in renewing your visa.

For more information about the requirements for your country of citizenship please visit Armenia’s Foreign Ministry website at mfa.am/en/visa.

50. Does AUA offer student housing?

Yes. AUA offers limited affordable student housing in a secure, gated area a very short distance away from the University. Located at Sose 36, the dormitory has two floors for male and female students. Each floor is newly renovated offering furnished double rooms ranging from 12 to 16 square meters and shared bathrooms and showers. The dorms come equipped with a small kitchenette on each floor and laundry service is available on site for a small fee. The dormitory also offers high speed WiFi access. Priority consideration is given to international and non-Yerevan based students.

Starting Summer 2020, AUA will offer a newly built student residence in Dzoragyugh, a short 20 minute walk from the University. The five story building will house up to 61 students in double and triple occupancy rooms, each furnished with beds, side tables, desks, wardrobes, and a bathroom. The first floor will house a hall for communal activities, a shared kitchen, and a study area. The Dzoragyugh residence will be fully accessible for disabled students.

For more information, please visit our Housing page.