YSU hosts delegation from North-Caucasus Federal University

YSU Vice-Rector Elina Asriyan highlighted that the university currently has around 15,000 students and offers 54 bachelor's and over 200 master's programs. 
"In recent years, all our academic programs have undergone European accreditation to ensure that student credits are recognized by European universities. Programs from the Faculty of Biology and the Institute of Pharmacy have already been accredited, and six bachelor's and master’s programs from the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics are currently undergoing the accreditation process," she noted, adding that YSU is also a research institution actively involved in interdisciplinary research. 

In this context, she also referred to YSU’s presence and strong standing in global university rankings, such as Times Higher Education and Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

Presenting potential areas for cooperation, the vice-rector pointed to the activities of YSU Business Incubator, which is aimed at fostering the development and commercialization of innovative ideas.

Rector Dmitry Bespalov noted that a memorandum of cooperation had been signed with YSU back in 2023, under which YSU students participated in youth events organized by North-Caucasus Federal University.
"Maintaining and expanding cooperation with YSU remains one of our key priorities. Our university currently enrolls over 25,000 students, including about 2,000 international students from 60 countries. I believe our academic programs have considerable similarities, and we can initiate mutually beneficial projects in fields such as international relations, psychology, and pedagogy," Bespalov said.

In response, Elina Asriyan noted that YSU houses two psychology centers, one of which provides commercial services and generates significant funding, while the other offers free services exclusively to students.
"This format was developed by us: our master’s students, after completing a two-month training course, independently consult with student clients. This model has attracted interest from many European universities, considering its implementation. We also receive numerous research project orders in the field of psychology from both the United States and Europe," she stated and emphasized that the Faculty of International Relations maintains extensive partnerships with European universities, through which students can participate in double-degree programs.

Alexander Markarov noted that, under the initiative of the Faculty of International Relations, an international conference will be held this October. Like in previous years, the event has already attracted significant interest from foreign researchers.

Speaking on expanding cooperation, Markarov suggested organizing joint online lectures on topics of mutual interest for students of the Faculty of International Relations. He also expressed readiness to host lecturers who can present their topics in hybrid or in-person formats. 

Touching upon collaborative research between YSU and international scholars, Alexander Markarov emphasized that these are largely implemented through grants provided by the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, and YSU’s internal grants.
"These internal grants support both scientific research and the revision and enhancement of academic programs," he explained. 

The meeting also included discussions on potential collaborations with other faculties. Following the official session, a roundtable was organized with representatives from various faculties and the Pedagogy and Education Development Center.