Study in Yerevan, Armenia

About Yerevan

Yerevan is the capital of Armenia and by far its largest city. According to the city's official website, it covers 233 square kilometres and has a population of about 1,075,100. The city lies in the northeastern part of the Ararat valley, on both banks of the Hrazdan river, at 900 to 1,200 metres above sea level. Its history goes back to the fortress of Erebuni, founded in 783 BC.

For international students, Yerevan is a compact capital where most of the country's universities are concentrated. Programmes are taught in Armenian, but several institutions teach in English, Russian or French, and the city also attracts students of Armenian language and culture from the diaspora.

Studying in Yerevan

Our directory lists 7 schools in Yerevan: 6 universities and 1 distance-learning college. Yerevan State University (YSU) was founded in 1919; it reports 14,333 students and 312 educational programmes. Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi (YSMU) states that it has more than 8,000 students, 24% of them international students from 33 countries. Foreign applicants to YSMU take entrance exams in chemistry, biology and physics, which are offered in English.

Several universities teach in a foreign language. The American University of Armenia (AUA) opened on 21 September 1991, is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States and teaches in English. The Russian-Armenian University (RAU) has 8 institutes and 6,039 students, and also runs a programme in Russian as a foreign language. The French University in Armenia (UFAR), with more than 2,500 students, teaches in French: according to the university, more than 90% of its 2025 entrants did not speak French, and they are expected to reach level B2 after four years. Eurasia International University completes the list of universities. The AGBU Armenian Virtual College, founded in 2004, teaches Armenian language and culture online and has served more than 47,548 students from 140 countries.

Admission for international students

Foreign applicants to bachelor's, master's and PhD programmes at YSU apply through fs.emis.am, the online platform of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports; YSMU uses the same platform. YSU admits foreign students to its bachelor's programmes if they are fluent in Armenian and pass the entrance exams. Students who do not yet speak enough Armenian can first join the university's preparatory department, where they study Armenian alongside general subjects.

Cost of living for students

Costs differ between institutions, so check each university's own fee pages. At AUA, the monthly fee in the student residence ranges from 85,000 AMD for a double room to 170,000 AMD for a single room with a balcony (rates effective from 1 July 2025), including internet, utilities and taxes. AUA estimates off-campus housing at 350,000 to 450,000 AMD a month. A full-time study abroad semester at AUA costs 2,700,000 AMD in tuition for 2027, and international degree students can receive merit-based scholarships of up to 50% of tuition. YSU has a student dormitory with 125 rooms, renovated in 2019.

Visa and entry

Nationals of countries with a visa-free regime can stay in Armenia for up to 180 days in a year; holders of other passports need an entry visa, which can be requested online as an e-visa. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Armenian visas are issued for a maximum of 120 days and can be extended by another 60 days. Students who will stay for a full degree should ask their university's international office about longer-term residence.

Getting around and daily life

The Yerevan Metro opened on 7 March 1981. Today it has one line and a branch with a total length of 13.4 kilometres and ten stations; buses cover the rest of the city. Yerevan has a continental climate, with hot, dry summers and relatively cold winters.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English in Yerevan?

Yes. The American University of Armenia teaches in English, and Yerevan State Medical University holds its entrance exams for foreign applicants in English. Other universities teach in Armenian, Russian or French.

Do I need to speak Armenian to study at Yerevan State University?

For bachelor's programmes, yes: foreign students must be fluent in Armenian and pass the entrance exams. Students without enough Armenian can first attend the university's preparatory department.

How much does student housing cost in Yerevan?

At the American University of Armenia, a room in the student residence costs 85,000 to 170,000 AMD a month, including utilities and internet. The university estimates off-campus housing at 350,000 to 450,000 AMD a month.

Do I need a visa to study in Yerevan?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of visa-free countries can stay up to 180 days a year; others need an entry visa, which can be requested online through the e-visa system.