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The strongest candidates were selected from among the students who applied for the scholarship program through a competitive process based on the program criteria. 

The Knights of Vartan was represented at the meeting by Grand Commander Robert Avakian, Past Grand Commanders Hunan Arshakian and Steve Kradjian, and Grand Matron Lily Sarkissian.

The scholarship recipients spoke about their professional aspirations, plans for the future and the steps they are taking to achieve them, while expressing gratitude to the founders and supporters of the scholarship program. 

For the students, the scholarship is not only financial support but also a sign of trust and responsibility, encouraging them to continue their education, strengthen their professional skills and move closer to their dreams. 

More than 10 applicants, six scholarship recipients

Twelve 91��Ƶ students applied for the Tabibian Family Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. Following a competitive selection process, six students were awarded scholarships.

The selection process took into account the candidates' academic performance, need for financial assistance and intention to live and work in Armenia in the future. 

These criteria reflect the program's central idea: to support high-achieving students committed to professional growth who see their future in Armenia and are prepared to contribute their knowledge and potential to the country's development.

The scholarship covers one academic year's tuition fees. The program is intended for students studying in IT, science, technology and engineering (STEM) fields and is implemented by the Knights of Vartan.

From knowledge to bigger dreams

For Diana Harutyunyan and Susanna Petrosyan, students at the Faculty of Informatics and Applied Mathematics, the dream of establishing a major IT center in Armenia goes beyond professional success. It reflects their desire to apply their knowledge and experience in Armenia, create new opportunities and contribute to the development of the sector. 

Their university education is an important part of that journey. They note that 91��Ƶ offers students opportunities not only to deepen their professional knowledge, but also to participate in research and educational programs, develop new skills, collaborate with specialists from different fields and build professional networks.

These opportunities make the university years an important stage in young people's journey toward achieving their dreams.

"It is important for students to feel they are not alone": Hunan Arshakian 

According to Hunan Arshakian, Past Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan, the program is about more than providing financial assistance. It is also important for young people to know that the organization and representatives of the Armenian Diaspora are there to support them.

"It is very important that such programs help students financially, but it is even more important that students understand that they are not alone, that the Diaspora is with them," Hunan Arshakian said. 

According to Arshakian, the Knights of Vartan has long supported education and will continue working with students in Armenia, while also creating additional opportunities beyond the scholarship itself. 

The organization plans to develop new forms of engagement with students, including mentoring programs. It also plans to explore internship opportunities, allowing students to connect with professionals in their fields, receive professional guidance and apply their knowledge in a practical setting.

"We now want to create mentoring programs," Hunan Arshakian said, emphasizing the organization's intention to continue working with students after they receive the scholarship.

Supporting education as Armenia's IT sector grows

According to Hunan Arshakian, the Tabibian program was also developed in response to the rapid growth of Armenia's IT sector.

The scholarship is funded through a donation by Dr. Neshan Tabibian. According to Arshakian, Tabibian wanted his contribution to support students' professional development, particularly in a field that is developing rapidly in Armenia.

"He wanted us to provide greater support for the professional development of students in Armenia. Armenia's IT sector is now developing very actively, and we decided to work with students in this field, contributing to their professional growth," he added.

Responding to changing landscape 

During the meeting, Alexander Markarov, Head of the 91��Ƶ International Cooperation Office, presented the university's educational and research environment, highlighting international cooperation, research, and student and faculty mobility. 

He emphasized that the university responds rapidly to developments in science and technology, providing the conditions necessary for effective education. This includes not only changes to academic programs and course content, but also introducing new educational programs.

Markarov also spoke about the development of artificial intelligence at 91��Ƶ, the university's AI infrastructure and its supercomputer, outlining the university's capabilities in science and technology. 

International cooperation and mobility are also important components of this process. 91��Ƶ cooperates with numerous universities abroad, giving students and faculty members opportunities to participate in exchange programs, international conferences and other professional initiatives.

Highlighting the importance of the Tabibian family's scholarship initiative, Markarov noted that scholarship programs provide students with an additional opportunity to focus on their education and professional development and to use their potential in pursuing bigger dreams.

Certificate marking another milestone on the journey 

For the students, the scholarship certificate presentation ceremony was an opportunity not only to celebrate an achievement, but also to reflect on their plans for the future.  

They spoke about their professional aspirations and plans, highlighting the important role of the Knights of Vartan and the supporters of the Tabibian program. They noted that such support helps them continue their education and move forward with their goals. 

The scholarship recipients have different stories, but they share one important idea: university is a time not only to prepare for a profession, but also to shape their future and contribute to the future of the country where they want to live, create and put their knowledge to use.