Corruption in Armenian higher education: state and university policies vs. student perceptions

Abstract

The aim of the study is to provide an understanding of the nature of corruption as a whole, and corruption in higher education in particular, to emphasize its impact on the society and social life, to analyze the possible mechanisms used to fight corruption in Armenia, to see the role of the international actors and civil society in the process, to evaluate the perceptions of the students studying at different state universities of the RA, and to provide recommendations in the final stage of the study based on the analysis. For the purpose of the study three focus group discussions were conducted to understand perceptions of the students on the issue of corruption in education and evaluate their awareness of available mechanisms. Two short interviews were conducted with the activists and leaders of social movements: activists of “Future is Yours” social and charitable NGO and the director of the “United Youth League”, to understand their initiatives and roles in fighting corruption in education. As a result of the analysis of the students’ perceptions on the issue of corruption, it became clear that although de jure there are solid frameworks to combat corruption in higher education in Armenia, de facto corruption still exists and is of systemic nature.