Undergraduate Program: Frequently Asked Questions

AUA offers undergraduate degrees:

» Business (BA) » Computer Science (BS) » English and Communications (BA) » Engineering Sciences (BS) » Data Science (DS)

Each is offered as part of a liberal arts education. We recommend you review these programs in detail at our Academic programs page.

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.

The language of instruction at AUA is English. However, some courses are delivered in Armenian or a foreign language and are noted as such in the course catalog.

No. International students who are not proficient in the Armenian language will not be required to take any courses in Armenian.

Yes. In the Application for Admission to Undergraduate Study, you should indicate your first and second choice of majors under the Academic Plans section. You should not rank any majors you are not interested in pursuing.

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://policies.aua.am/policy/6 to review the complete Program and Major Change policy.

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.

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.

Yes, it is possible. Applicants interested in transferring credits to AUA should visit the Transfer Credit policy for detailed information, including general approval guidelines.

Please visit our Deadline Dates page for a listing of our early, regular, and rolling admissions deadline dates.

Yes. All applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee which can be paid online via im.aua.am, bank transfer, or the Electronic Easy Pay Cash Machine located on the ground floor of the Paramaz Avedisian Building. The fees are as followings:

For Armenian citizens and Armenian Special Passport Holders – 15,000AMD

For International Applicants – 30,000AMD

» 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. For a full list of all application requirements, visit Application Requirements page.

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.

Yes. The American University of Armenia considers the following as proof of high school graduation:

 - Completion of 8 GCSEs passed with grades C or higher - Passing of a minimum of 3 A level exams with a C result or better

No.

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.

The Fall 2018 application deadline has passed. For more information about anticipated Fall 2019 admission cycle, please refer to our Deadline Dates page for more information.

No. At this time, AUA does not offer spring admission at the undergraduate level.

The application for admission to Fall 2019 Undergraduate programs will be available in September 2018.

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. For a detailed list of events, including Application Help Days, please check out our list of Admission Events. 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] or request a phone consultation.

Your application is complete if you meet the following requirements:

1. Submit a complete Application for Admission to Undergraduate Study including all required supplements as outlined in the application instructions.

2. 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 1.4) 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 IELTS Academic – 40 Baghramyan Ave, Yerevan

3. 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

4. A scan of the photo and registration pages of your passport or your National ID (Armenian citizens only).

5. A photo meeting the online application requirements.

6. Proof of High School Graduation. At the time of application, if you are in your final year of high school, please provide a transcript for each year of your high school education which outlines all courses taken and grades received. If you are admitted, you will need to submit your official diploma and final transcript (attestat) after high school graduation to complete the admissions process.

7. A non-refundable Application Fee

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.

Tuition rates for AUA’s undergraduate programs are listed here.

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/.

Yes, you may apply to AUA even if you do not yet have your 10 year special residency status. Please note that you will be charged the international application fee. If you are accepted to AUA, your tuition will be reassessed during the execution of your education contract as long as you have already obtained the 10 year residency status. Please make sure to contact the Office of Admissions with a scan of your special residency status as soon as you receive it. If for some reason there is a delay in receiving your 10 year residency status, please contact the Office of the Registrar to inquire about the possibility of reassessing your tuition.

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.

A U.S. accredited undergraduate degree may improve a graduate’s chances of acceptance to an AUA graduate program or a graduate program abroad.

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.

Applicants must submit proof of English proficiency and math proficiency. For English proficiency, this is typically through the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic 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.

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.

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].

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].

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 page of AUA Extension. The internet also offers various online preparation materials such as www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare.

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. Applicants with a TOEFL iBT score of 67 or lower or an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 and lower will not be considered for 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 and score at least 79 (or 6.5 on the IELTS Academic).

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 and scoring at least 79 (or 6.5 on the IELTS Academic).

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.

Admission to AUA is competitive and based on a number of factors. While AUA does have target scores, scoring above them does not guarantee your admission to AUA. On the other hand, you may be considered for conditional admission even if you score less than the targets. For a list of target scores by program, please visit here.

AUA will use the highest valid and official test scores.

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.

The AUA Math Test is offered on various dates throughout the year. The number of times you can take the test is unlimited.

You can find detailed information about the AUA Math test here.

Yes. AUA offers limited affordable student housing in a secure, gated area a very short distance away from the University. Located at Sose 36, the dormitory has two floors for male and female students. Each floor is newly renovated offering furnished double rooms ranging from 12 to 16 square meters and shared bathrooms and showers. The dorms come equipped with a small kitchenette on each floor and laundry service is available on site for a small fee. The dormitory also offers high speed WiFi access. Priority consideration is given to international and non-Yerevan based students.

Starting Spring 2020, AUA will offer a newly built student residence in Dzoragyugh, a short 20 minute walk from the University. The five story building will house up to 61 students in double and triple occupancy rooms, each furnished with beds, side tables, desks, wardrobes, and a bathroom. The first floor will house a hall for communal activities, a shared kitchen, and a study area. The Dzoragyugh residence will be fully accessible for disabled students.

For more information, please visit our Housing page.

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.

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. 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 here.  Nationals of some countries are exempt from the requirement of obtaining an entry visa to Armenia. A list of these counties is posted here. Once you are in Armenia, AUA will assist you in renewing your visa. For more information about the requirements for your country of citizenship please visit Armenia’s Foreign Ministry website at http://mfa.am/en/visa/

AUA will offer deferred admissions for the 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.

With the recent updates in the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Military Service and the Status of Military Serviceman, universities no longer provide military deferment to admitted students. If you are interested in obtaining military deferment, please check with the Ministry of Education and Science for spots allocated to students who have considerable achievements in the fields of education, science, arts, sports, and/or culture and the Ministry of Defense for more information about “Es em” and “Pativ Unem” programs.