Tuition fee ramble out of contact with economic reality

Plans to raise tuition fees in Armenia to 30% can have devastating consequences for the Armenian community, as it will severely limit the chances of students to gain access to higher education.

Tuition fees have been increased by 15% on average in May of many public and private universities. This is disproportionate to the socio-economic development of the country, provided that the students have to pay US $ 1,048 in tuition per year, when nominal wages are only about $ 260 per month.

Armenian graduates are already severely affected by the economic crisis and high unemployment, with students facing a grim picture of their future.

European students are very concerned about recent events in Armenia and supported the struggle of the Armenian National Student Association, or ANSA against this policy. On 21 June, the European Students' Union sent a letter to support the ANSA all key stakeholders in the field of higher education in Armenia.

The union believes that education is a prerequisite for building a society based on knowledge, where the role of higher education is essential in the development of an active civil society and a stronger economy and providing equal opportunities for all.

The high level of education results in lower levels of unemployment, better quality of health, lower crime rates, more public participation and higher tax returns.

"Increasing tuition prevents individuals from access to higher education, thereby education a privilege of the elite and those who can afford to pay fees. In the economic situation of Armenia, where the amount of the fees exceeds the average salary further, the consequences of rising fees are dangerous both for the individual and society as a whole, "the letter said.

More than 10,000 National Unions of Students in Europe have also sent their letters of support to ANSA show their solidarity against increased tuition fees in Armenia. In recent weeks, the Armenian Students Association is also actively organizing public hearings and meetings with more than 10 local student unions, and these meetings have attracted more than 1,000 students.

ANSA has made an official statement on this issue and distribute it to the main stakeholders in Armenia, the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe office in Yerevan office of the European Union and Armenia, and the ombudsman in Armenia, this statement He was sent and rectors of Armenian universities who have taken the decision to raise tuition fees, as well as rectors of other universities in the country.