A Chance to Keep Dreaming: New Students Receive FAR Scholarships

“Since childhood, I have dreamed of becoming an architect.”

For Katrin Sarukhanyan from Stepanavan, becoming a university student mark the beginning of a long-held dream. After working hard to pursue her goal, she was accepted to the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia. But with tuition fees posing a significant financial challenge, a scholarship became an important opportunity to make her dream of higher education possible.

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Katrin is one of 85 new students from Yerevan and Armenia’s regions who will receive support through FAR’s educational scholarship programs this year. For many of these students, the scholarship is more than financial assistance. It is an opportunity to continue their education despite difficult circumstances and to focus on building their future.

Now, as a scholarship recipient, Katrin says she feels happy to be able to continue her studies and even more motivated to learn. She plans to work hard throughout the year and hopes to qualify for the tuition-free program.

The selection process goes beyond academic achievement. During home visits, FAR’s team assesses each applicant’s family’s social and financial circumstances, academic performance, and university entrance exam results. This information helps the scholarship committee identify students who are both academically motivated and genuinely in need of support.

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“This year’s scholarship competition was particularly challenging,” says Eduard Karapetyan, Head of FAR’s Education and Science Programs. “We had many students who had been admitted to universities with high scores, as well as young people and families facing difficult social conditions. The home visits helped bring greater clarity to the selection process and allowed us to identify and support the students with the greatest need. I am happy that, with FAR’s support, new students facing difficult circumstances now have the opportunity to pursue higher education. I wish them all success.”

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For some students, the scholarship also means easing the financial burden on their families.

“My sister is studying at college, and I have just been accepted to university. With this scholarship I will be able to ease my mother’s burden, at least a little. She is the only person working in our household,” says Anahit Stepanyan from Gegharkunik village, who has been admitted to the Economics Department of Gavar State University.

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For the newly selected students, receiving the scholarship is also the beginning of a new chapter. Following the selection process, the first-year scholarship recipients gathered at FAR’s office, where they had the opportunity to meet the team supporting their educational journey, learn more about the scholarship programs, and take the next steps toward formalizing their support.

This year, around 85 talented students from Yerevan and various regions of Armenia joined FAR’s “Anush Mathevosian,” “Jerar Nishanian,” “Gulameryan,” “Mardigian,” and “HoVeKim Fund” scholarship programs, becoming part of FAR’s growing community of students pursuing higher education with the support of scholarships.  In the coming weeks, they will be joined by additional students selected for the Armine and Garapet Zambak Scholarship Program.

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During the gathering, students learned more about the scholarship requirements and procedures and signed their scholarship agreements. Eduard Karapetyan, FAR’s Head of Educational and Scientific Programs, warmly welcomed and congratulated the students, encouraging them to strive for excellence in their studies, believe in themselves, and pursue their goals.

For Katrin, Anahit, and dozens of other students across Armenia, educational support can open a door that might otherwise remain closed. Their stories are a reminder that when talented and determined young people are given the right opportunity, they can keep moving toward the future they envision.

This year, around 380 students are supported through FAR’s 10 educational scholarship programs—an investment not only in their education, but also in the people who will help shape Armenia’s future.