Academics
1. What undergraduate degrees does AUA offer?
2. How long does it take to earn an undergraduate degree?
3. What is the language of instruction?
5. Will I apply for a major?
6. Can I change my major after starting?
7. How many courses are required for graduation?
8. Can I pursue my undergraduate studies as a part-time student?
9. Is it possible to obtain credit for prior learning for certain courses I have already completed?
Application Preparation and Deadlines
10. What is the application deadline?
11. Is there an application fee for undergraduate admission?
12. What are the Admission Requirements?
14. Are applicants guaranteed a space?
15. How soon will I receive notification of my application status?
16. How late can I apply for admissions to AUA’s undergraduate program?
17. Is AUA going to offer spring admissions?
Submitting Your Application
18. When will applications be available?
19. How can I get assistance in completing my application?
20. How do I know if my application is complete?
Finances
22. What is the tuition for AUA’s undergraduate programs?
23. Does AUA offer financial aid?
Accreditation
24. Is an AUA degree recognized outside of Armenia?
25. Will this degree improve a graduate’s chances of continuing studies at AUA or abroad?
26. Can students transfer from AUA to another university?
Testing
27. What tests are required for admission to AUA?
28. How can I ensure AUA receives my official test scores?
29. What if my English is not good enough?
30. What if my Math is not good enough?
31. How can I improve my English proficiency?
32. Is there a minimum score for English?
33. I have taken the TOEFL iBT and received a 75. Should I retake the exam?
35. How high of a score do I need for the AUA Math Test? How do I know if I need to retake it?
36. Which score will be used if I take a test more than once?
38. How many times can I take the AUA Math Test?
39. Where can I find more information on the AUA Math Test?
Other
40. Does AUA offer student housing?
41. Where is the faculty from?
42. Do individuals need a Visa to study in Armenia?
43. What if I am admitted and then called to serve in the military? What options do I have?
44. Can I receive military deferment from AUA?
45. When will I find out if I have received military deferment?
1. What undergraduate degrees does AUA offer?
Each is offered as part of a liberal arts education. We recommend you review these programs in detail at http://admissions.aua.am/undergraduate-academic-programs/.
2. How long does it take to earn an undergraduate degree?
AUA’s undergraduate degrees typically take four years to complete, assuming the typical course load of 5 courses (15 credits) per semester for two semesters per year.
3. What is the language of instruction?
At AUA, the language of instruction is English. Some courses, such as Armenian Language and Literature as well as Armenian History will be offered in Armenian. If you are not proficient in Armenian, you will have the option to take these courses in English accompanied by Armenian as a second language course.
4. Will international students who are not proficient in the Armenian language be required to take any courses in Armenian?
The language of instruction at AUA is English. In accordance with Armenian law, AUA’s undergraduate programs will offer two courses in Armenian – they include Armenian Language & Literature and Armenian History. International students not proficient in Armenian and therefore unable to take these courses will take them in English, accompanied by an Armenian as a second language course.
5. Will I apply for a major?
6. Can I change my major after starting?
Yes. Undergraduate students may petition to change their major during their first two years of study. A change of major is not automatic and depends upon, among other factors, available space in the program applied for and the student’s qualifications and preparedness for the program. Changing majors may require additional course work and tuition payments and may cause delays in graduation. Please visit http://aua.am/policies/#?id=412 to review the complete Program and Major Change policy.
7. How many courses are required for graduation?
Forty (40) courses are required for graduation. Approximately half of these courses will be in your chosen major while the other half will be General Education or elective courses.
8. Can I pursue my undergraduate studies as a part-time student?
No. At this time, AUA’s Bachelor’s Degrees are designed for full-time students. Students are expected to take 5 classes each semester, most of which will be offered during the day and which will require approximately 45-60 hours of class time and study per week.
9. Is it possible to obtain credit for prior learning for certain courses I have already completed?
Applicants interested in transferring credits to AUA should visit the Transfer Credit policy for detailed information, including general approval guidelines.
Application Preparation and Deadlines
10. What is the application deadline?
You can apply to AUA’s undergraduate programs by the Early Admissions, Regular Admissions, or Rolling Admissions deadline dates. Because admission to AUA is competitive, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible and well before the published deadline dates. Priority is given to applications received by the early and regular admissions deadline date. Male applicants who request military deferment in their application forms must submit complete applications by the early or regular admissions deadline date.
The deadlines for undergraduate admissions are as follows:
- Early Admissions: January 15
- Regular Admissions: March 15
- Rolling Admissions: June 1 (pending space availability)
If any of the above dates fall on a non-working day, then the deadline will be extended to the following Monday.
11. Is there an application fee for undergraduate admission?
Yes. If you are a citizen of Armenia , you should submit a non-refundable application fee along with your application for Fall 2016 in the following amount:
- 6,000 AMD for complete applications submitted by the early admissions deadline; or
- 12,000 AMD for complete applications submitted by the regular admissions deadline; or
- 20,000 AMD for complete applications submitted by the rolling admissions deadline
If you are an international applicant, you should submit a non-refundable application fee of 28,000 AMD.
The fee should be paid via im.aua.am, bank transfer, or the Electronic Easy Pay Cash Machine located on the ground floor of the Paramaz Avedisian Building.
12. What are the Admissions Requirements?
To be considered for admission, you should:
- Submit a complete AUA Application for Admission to Undergraduate Study, all required supplements, and the application fee as outlined in the application instructions. The application is available at http://im.aua.am.
- Present official, valid results confirming English language proficiency typically through the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic exams. Native and near native English speakers are eligible to apply for a waiver.
- Present official, valid results confirming Math Proficiency typically from the AUA Math Test or the SAT. For more information on the AUA Math Test, please visit www.aua.am/math-test/.
- And submit proof of high school graduation. If you are in your final year of high school, you should submit your official diploma and final transcript (attestat) after high school graduation to complete the admissions process.
13. Can I apply for admission to AUA’s undergraduate programs even if I am in my final year of high school?
Yes. Just remember that if you are in your final year of high school, you should submit your official diploma and final transcript (attestat) after high school graduation to complete the admissions process.
14. Are applicants guaranteed a space?
No.
15. How soon will I receive notification of my application status?
Applicants who submit complete application packages by AUA admission deadline dates will receive notification of their admission status by email, up to twelve weeks after each admission deadline date.
16. How late can I apply for admissions to AUA’s undergraduate program?
Pending space availability, AUA will offer rolling admissions through June 1. However, we strongly encourage you to apply early. Complete applications received before the Early Admissions (January 15) or Regular Admissions (March 15) deadline dates will be given priority for admissions.
17. Is AUA going to offer spring admissions?
No. At this time, AUA does not offer spring admissions.
18. When will applications be available?
The application is currently available at http://im.aua.am.
19. How can I get assistance in completing my application?
The Office of Admissions holds periodic Application Help Days to assist you in ensuring you are prepared to accurately complete the Application for Admission to Undergraduate Study. You may also call the Office of Admissions to set up a date and time for an individual consultation. While individuals and companies may offer you assistance in completing your application for a small fee, we highly recommend you work on completing the application yourself and seek guidance only from our office. Regional and international applicants who are unable to visit the AUA campus can send inquiries to [email protected]. For a detailed list of events, including Application Help Days, please check our Admissions Calendar at www.aua.am/AdmissionsCalendar.
20. How do I know if my application is complete?
Your application is complete if you meet the following requirements:
- Submit a complete Application for Admission to Undergraduate Study including all required supplements as outlined in the application instructions.
- Present valid and official results confirming English language proficiency typically through the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic exams. Native and near native speakers are eligible for a waiver. For more information, please read the English proficiency waiver policy (clause 1.3) here. Applications for the waiver can be submitted via our online application system. You must ensure that official test scores are sent to AUA directly from the testing service, using AUA’s institution code as noted below:
- TOEFL iBT code 4151
- Present official, valid results confirming Math Proficiency, typically through the AUA Math Test, the SAT, or ACT. If you plan on taking either the SAT or ACT, you must indicate AUA’s institution codes as follows to ensure proper receipt of score report:
- SAT code 7257
- ACT code 6982
- A scan of the photo and registration pages of your passport or your National ID (Armenian citizens only)
- A photo meeting the online application requirements
- A non-refundable Application Fee
- Proof of High School Graduation. Applicants in their final year of high school should submit their official diploma and final transcript (attestat) after high school graduation to complete the admissions process.
21. Should I provide any kind of proof for my extracurricular activities? And what if I don’t have any proof?
In the extracurricular and volunteer activities section, you should indicate all activities you have participated in the past four years. You are also asked to list awards, fellowships, and/or prizes received and/or leadership positions held within the past four years. If you have any documentation that proves your participation, involvement, or awards received, we advise that you attach them to your online application. However, if you do not have any supporting documents, we still ask that you include these entries in this section.
22. What is the tuition for AUA’s undergraduate programs?
Tuition rates for AUA’s undergraduate programs are listed at http://admissions.aua.am/tuition/
23. 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://registrar.aua.am/financial-aid-definition/.
24. Is an AUA degree recognized outside of Armenia?
Yes. The American University of Armenia is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, 985 Atlantic Avenue, #100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9001. AUA degrees are recognized in Armenia, the United States and worldwide like any other U.S. degree.
25. Will this degree improve a graduate’s chances of continuing studies at AUA or abroad?
A U.S. accredited undergraduate degree may improve a graduate’s chances of acceptance to an AUA graduate program or a graduate program abroad.
26. Can students transfer from AUA to another university?
Transferring credits from AUA to another university is no different than transferring credits from any American-accredited university to another university. Students will need to check the other university’s transfer policy.
27. What tests are required for admission to AUA?
Applicants must submit proof of English proficiency and math proficiency. For English proficiency, this is typically through the TOEFL iBT or IELTS exams. Native and near native speakers are eligible for a waiver. For math proficiency, applicants should present official results typically from the AUA Math Test, the SAT, or ACT exams.
28. How can I ensure AUA receives my official test scores?
For AUA to receive your official test scores, you must ensure you indicate AUA’s institution code either at the time of registration or during the exam. These codes are as follows:
- TOEFL iBT – 4151
- SAT – 7257
- ACT – 6982
IELTS Academic exam results must be sent to AUA directly from the British Council or by uploading your IELTS Test Report Form to your online application while the AUA Math Test score is automatically transferred to the Office of Admissions.
29. What if my English is not good enough?
You should confer with the Office of Admissions, and/or AUA Extension to get advice on the amount of time typically required to improve your English language skills depending on your level of proficiency. If you are interested in taking courses to improve your English, AUA Extension offers such courses and can be reached at +37460 61-27-06, +37460 61-27-07, or +37460 61-27-03 or via email at [email protected].
30. What if my Math is not good enough?
You should confer with the Office of Admissions and/or AUA Extension to get advice on the amount of time typically required to improve your math skills depending on your level of proficiency. If you are interested in taking courses to improve your math skills, AUA Extension may offer such courses and can be reached at +37460 61-27-06, +37460 61-27-07, or +37460 61-27-03 or via email at [email protected].
31. How can I improve my English proficiency?
You can work on improving your English skills independently or through AUA Extension which has courses designed to help applicants prepare for the English exams. For more information about AUA Extension, please visit www.aua.am/extension/. The internet also offers various online preparation materials such as www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare.
32. Is there a minimum score for English?
No. However, English language proficiency is an important factor for succeeding in your studies at AUA. Applicants with TOEFL iBT scores below the target of 79 or IELTS Academic scores below the target of 6.5 may be offered conditional admission. Prior to enrollment, such applicants will need to take and successfully complete AUA Extension’s English Enhancement Course or study the English language independently and retake the TOEFL iBT (or IELTS Academic) exams by August 1, 2016 and score at least 79 (or 6.5 on the IELTS Academic).
33. I have taken the TOEFL iBT and received a 75. Should I retake the exam?
AUA practices holistic admissions and as such, all decisions are based on a number of factors. If you have the time and inclination to improve your score, it is up to you. Note, however, that the test scores are not the only decisive factors for admission to AUA. You should not decide against applying simply because of a score. However, if you do receive a score of 78 or lower, you may be offered conditional admission and must meet the conditions stipulated in your Admission Status Letter prior to enrollment. Conditions may include successfully completing AUA Extension’s English Enhancement Course or studying the English language independently and retaking the TOEFL iBT (or IELTS Academic) exams by August 1, 2016 and scoring at least 79 (or 6.5 on the IELTS Academic).
34. If I have already taken the TOEFL iBT and am scheduled to take the SAT, may I skip the English portion of the exam and only do the math?
Yes. You can choose to skip the English portion of the SAT exam if you already have a TOEFL iBT score and do not intend to use your SAT score for any other university. AUA requires applicants to demonstrate English and Math proficiency. This is normally done through the TOEFL for English and AUA Math Exam for Math. Applicants who choose to take both the TOEFL iBT and SAT may skip the English portion of the SAT exam – however, this is not recommended. Please also note that by skipping the English portion of the SAT exam, applicants will not be able to use their scores for applications to other universities.
35. How high of a score do I need for the AUA Math Test? How do I know if I need to retake it?
Admission to AUA is competitive and based on a number of factors. There is no minimum for test scores. Instead we encourage all applicants to do their best.
36. Which score will be used if I take a test more than once?
AUA will use the highest valid and official test scores.
37. Does the AUA Math Test include questions from the recently added Republic of Armenia math curriculum for high schools?
Yes. The test will contain questions on topics that are covered during the last three years of high school, based on Armenia’s mathematics curriculum. These topics fall into the following seven categories: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Functions, Vectors, and Sets.
38. How many times can I take the AUA Math Test?
The AUA Math Test is offered on various dates throughout the year. The number of times you can take the test is unlimited.
39. Where can I find more information on the AUA Math Test?
You can find detailed information about the AUA Math test at www.aua.am/math-test/.
40. Does AUA offer student housing?
Yes. AUA currently offers a residence hall within the AGBU Vahe Karapetyan Center. Fore more information, please visit here.
If you prefer to live closer to the University campus, then the Office of Admissions can support your search for the perfect housing. Yerevan offers an affordable lifestyle and a developed living infrastructure for university students. The average monthly living costs for foreign students in Yerevan can range from of $600-$1,000 per month (in addition to tuition fees). Interested in learning more about our dorms or apartments in the city? Email us at with a description of your housing preferences (dorms or apartment) to [email protected].
41. Where is the faculty from?
AUA’s faculty brings world-class education, teaching, and professional experience to the classrooms and students of the University. They hold advanced degrees from renowned universities including Cambridge, Columbia, Harvard, McGill, MIT, Moscow State, Stanford, Yerevan State, and others. They represent a range of professional experiences including CEOs of leading local companies, entrepreneurs, technology consultants, IT visionaries, media professionals, published authors, government advisors, partners at major global accounting firms, bankers, and more.
42. Do individuals 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 (http://www.mfa.am/eVisa/).
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 at http://mfa.am/u_files/file/consulate/Visa/invitation_only_eng.pdf
- Nationals of some countries are exempt from the requirement of obtaining an entry visa to Armenia. A list of these counties is posted at http://mfa.am/u_files/file/consulate/Visa/visafreelisteng2.pdf
- Once you are in Armenia, AUA will assist you in renewing your visas in Armenia.
For more information about the requirements for your country of citizenship please visit Armenia’s Foreign Ministry website at http://mfa.am/en/visa/.
43. What if I am admitted to AUA and then called to serve in the military? What options do I have?
AUA will offer deferred admissions for length of service to male students who have been admitted to AUA and are then called to serve in the military. Admitted male students who sign a contract with AUA at the time of admissions can ensure that their annual tuition is fixed at the contract rate. This ensures that tuition does not increase during their studies.
44. Can I receive military deferment from AUA?
AUA has a limited number of military deferment spots available for male Armenian applicants. Please review the Military Deferment for Undergraduate Programs policy for detailed information.
45. When will I find out if I have received military deferment?
The Office of Admissions will contact those male Armenian applicants who requested military deferment in their application form by mid-June to notify them of their military deferment status.