TRANSFER OF STUDENTS (LEARNERS) FROM ONE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION TO ANOTHER.
I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
This document defines the procedure for transferring students from one educational institution (hereinafter referred to as the educational institution) to another educational institution that implements educational programs at the corresponding level, in the Republic of Armenia. These programs may be either primary vocational (craft) or secondary vocational educational programs.
This procedure applies to both state and accredited non-state educational institutions, regardless of the form of education.
A student's transfer from one educational institution to another (hereinafter referred to as transfer) is carried out with the agreement of the directors of the two educational institutions.
Transfers are not allowed during the first semester.
A student's transfer from the distance learning department of a secondary vocational educational institution to the full-time department, or from the full-time department to the distance learning department, is allowed only after completing the fourth semester, provided the implementation deadlines of the respective educational program are met.
During the transfer, a change of specialization is permitted only if the differences in the subjects (modules) provided for in the chosen specialization’s study plan do not exceed 8.
In the case of transferring a student from a foreign educational institution, Armenian studies subjects are not included in the list of subjects and exams to be completed.
Subjects that the student has not studied, or has not passed final examinations for, or that constitute 30% or more of the difference in the total study hours of the subjects/modules, are considered academic differences.
The list of academic differences and the individual schedule for their completion are drawn up by the receiving educational institution based on the study plan. The maximum time for the completion of academic differences is one month.
A transfer can only take place if the number of places allocated for the respective specialty, according to the professional license (permit), does not exceed the available places.
In the case of reorganization or liquidation of an educational institution, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter referred to as the Ministry) organizes the placement of the student in another institution.
The transfer of a student from an accredited non-state educational institution to a state educational institution may be carried out with the Ministry’s approval, based on a request from the receiving institution’s director.
After the student is transferred, the educational institution must enter information about the transfer into the education management information system within 3 working days. Additionally, the institution must submit a report on the student's transfer to the Ministry within 10 days after the end of each academic semester, including the names of the educational institutions, educational bases, programs, specialties, qualifications, semesters, and forms of education.
II. TRANSFER PROCEDURE
The student submits an application to the director of their educational institution to obtain written consent for the transfer.
The student’s application for transfer is accepted within two weeks before the beginning of the academic semester. Transfer applications outside this period are possible only with the presentation of the educational institution’s request and the consent of the authorized body of state educational management, while complying with the requirements of this procedure.
The director responds to the student’s application in writing within three working days, attaching the academic transcript or providing a reasoned refusal.
The student submits an application to the institution to which they wish to transfer within two weeks after the beginning of the semester, providing:
- The application for transfer, indicating the director’s consent.
- The academic transcript.
- Relevant documents or certificates confirming eligibility for any educational exemptions, if applicable.
In the case of a transfer from a free education system, the student will continue their studies on a paid basis, unless exempted under Armenian legislation. Transferred students may receive compensation for tuition fees in subsequent years.
Exceptions can be made when no paid places are available for the same specialty for that year. In such cases, the transfer may occur under the free education system, but only within the same specialty.
If the total number of applicants exceeds the number of places allotted by the license for the specialty, the educational institution will hold a competition, prioritizing applicants according to the following order:
- Those returning from academic leave, or from mandatory military service.
- Persons applying according to Order No. 1278-N of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia, dated December 5, 2011.
- Applicants under this procedure.
- Persons applying according to Order No. 194-N of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia, dated March 12, 2011.
- Applicants with fewer academic differences.
- Applicants with the most professional experience.
The director issues a provisional order for eligible applicants, attaching a list of academic differences and an individual timeline for their completion.
If there are no academic differences, or if they are successfully completed with positive grades, the receiving institution’s director issues the student an academic certificate within three working days.
The documents required for transfer are submitted to the student’s institution director, who issues an order confirming the transfer within three working days.
In case of transfer from a foreign institution, the Ministry’s approval is required, and the transfer is conducted only within the paid education system.
The receiving institution creates a new personal file for the student, which includes the student’s educational documents, academic transcript, transfer order, and the contract with the student. The student will receive a new student ID card and a second copy of the contract.
