The Higher Education Review

Set up with a mission to provide high-quality education in various fields, the French University in Armenia (UFAR) was established in 2003 through a collaboration between the governments of France and Armenia. Following the French model of ‘Grandes Ecoles’, UFAR aims to meet international and European standards, functioning as a regional educational center.

Initially offering programs in Law, Management, Finance, and Marketing with double degrees (Armenian/French), UFAR expanded its academic offer in 2018 to include Computer Science (CS) in alignment with Armenia's new economic development strategy focused on Information Technologies.

Today, the Informatics and Applied Mathematics (IAM) faculty at UFAR provides bachelor's and master's degrees in Computer Science with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence: Foundations and Applications. This program is conducted entirely in English and grants double degrees in collaboration with the University of Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier. UFAR's commitment to supporting Armenia's strategic goals is evident through its responsiveness to the country's economic priorities.

Furthermore, UFAR's master's degree in Artificial Intelligence is open to international students, emphasizing a particular focus on Indian students due to the collaborative relationship between Armenia and India in higher education, especially in sciences and health. In summary, UFAR remains dedicated to its mission of delivering top-notch education and contributing to the workforce by preparing specialists equipped for immediate entry into the job market.

The uniqueness of this master's program lies in the dual diplomas that students receive upon completing the two-year training. Attaining a French degree from the University of Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier not only adds distinction but also opens up extensive opportunities for exceptional students to pursue a Ph.D. program in one of Europe's most esteemed laboratories, IRIT Toulouse.

“At UFAR, our academic offerings stand out for their tailored possibilities, industry-aligned curriculum, and global perspective. We prioritize hands-on learning, mentor guidance, and networking to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. Language and cultural competencies are emphasized, complemented by the integration of technology. Ongoing feedback from stakeholders ensures constant improvement. Our unique partnership with Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University and

the Armenian Institute of Informatics and Automation Problems provides unparalleled expertise from Armenian and French sources. Collaborating with IIAP, a renowned research institution founded back in 1957, adds distinction. Additionally, our AI Master's program mandates proficiency in both English and French, reflecting our commitment to linguistic diversity”, shares Salwa Nacouzi, the Rector of UFAR.

“At UFAR, we understand the significance of modern-day infrastructural amenities in enhancing the educational
experience, particularly in a program as dynamic as the new Master in Artificial Intelligence. UFAR provides access to computing laboratories outfitted with hardware and software necessary for AI research and development. These laboratories offer students the opportunity to engage in hands-on experimentation and project work, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios”, adds Kristina Sargsyan, the Dean of the Faculty.

Industry Ready Approach
UFAR adopts a comprehensive approach to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of its educational programs. One key aspect is the commitment to maintaining an industry-relevant curriculum by regularly updating and aligning it with industry needs. Real-world projects, suggested by external stakeholders, provide practical experiences for students, bridging the gap between theory and industry demands. The Development Councils at UFAR actively involve key external stakeholders in curriculum development, fostering constructive debates.

UFAR places a strong emphasis on industry collaboration and partnerships, cultivating strong ties with businesses, professionals, and industry partners. This collaboration extends to internships, joint research projects, guest lectures, and industry-related events, exposing students to real-world scenarios. The institution continuously expands internship and co-op programs, providing hands-on experiences for students in a professional environment.

Professional development workshops, conducted through Accelerator 28, focus on essential skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and 21st-century skills. Mentorship programs, on the other hand, connect students with experienced professionals, fostering a direct link between academia and industry, offering valuable insights and advice.

Technological integration facilitated by collaborations with organizations like Synopsys, ensures the seamless incorporation of industry-relevant technology into educational programs. Project-Based Learning (PBL) with a focus on industry-driven topics is prioritized, particularly in the Master's program in Artificial Intelligence.

UFAR's commitment to continuous feedback and Improvement involves ongoing connections with the industry, alumni, employers, and the public. Soliciting input from stakeholders enables UFAR to gain a deeper understanding of evolving business demands, allowing constant enhancement and enrichment of academic programs.

Fostering Industry Engagement & International Exposure
The students actively participate in a variety of events and forums, including the 'Yerevan Engineering Week' Forum, the annual Global Innovation Forum titled 'Transforming Intelligence,' and the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT-19 and upcoming WCIT-24). They also engage in the annual Chain Point International Conference, the 12th to 14th International Conference on Computer Science and Information Technologies, the Science and Technology Convergence Conference (STCC), and the Silicon Mountains Forum.

These events offer students invaluable opportunities to enhance their understanding of Artificial Intelligence, covering areas such as data representation, processing, access to structured data, text-based information, data management, digital imaging, 3D graphics, audio-visual content, and AI integration in robotic systems. Participation in these workshops, seminars, and conferences provides practical insights and exposure to the latest advancements and industry trends, preparing students for successful careers in the rapidly evolving field.

The Master's in AI curriculum adheres to international standards outlined in the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)'s Curriculum of Computer Science. This commitment ensures the enduring relevance and global recognition of students' acquired skills, empowering them to excel in the ever-changing AI landscape. Recognizing the significance of practical learning in Computer Science education, the program emphasizes hands-on practice, comprising about one-third of the teaching time. Special emphasis is placed on industrial and research and development (R&D) projects, conducted in collaboration with research labs and industry partners, providing students with a comprehensive and applied understanding of the subject matter.

“UFAR fosters collaboration with industry partners and research institutions, providing students with access to industry-standard tools, datasets, and platforms. This collaboration enables students to gain valuable insights into the application of AI technologies in various sectors and industries, enhancing their understanding and practical skills. UFAR also offers robust online resources and virtual learning environments, including access to electronic library of University Toulouse III, to support remote and blended learning initiatives, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for students from diverse backgrounds and locations”, concludes the Rector.