Aurora Gratitude Scholarship Expands to Iran, Georgia, and Russia

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YEREVAN, Armenia ‒ The American University of Armenia (AUA) is delighted to announce that the Aurora Gratitude Scholarship is broadening its geographic scope and will now include students from Iran, Georgia, and Russia. Starting from the 2018-2019 academic year, citizens at birth of these countries will be eligible to apply for the scholarship, in addition to citizens of Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt.

“AUA is proud to offer Aurora Gratitude Scholarships as a gesture of gratitude to the citizens of countries that sheltered Armenians during the 1915 Genocide. We are very pleased to add Georgia, Iran and Russia to our existing list of qualified countries. These scholarships provide opportunities to students from these countries to study at AUA. The presence of these students on our campus adds to the diversity of the student population, hence enriching the learning experience of all students,” said AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian.

Based on the agreement signed between AUA, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, and Scholae Mundi Armenia in 2017, the scholarship fund of $1 million was established to cover tuition, housing, and travel expenses of students from the above-mentioned countries admitted to AUA. The merit-based scholarship will be granted to these students as long as they maintain full-time enrollment and good academic standing.

Earlier in March, Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend, co-founders of the IDeA, RVVZ, and Scholae Mundi Armenia Foundations, visited AUA and met current Aurora Gratitude scholars. During the event, Zonabend, who is also a member of AUA’s Board of Trustees, envisioned the expansion of the scope of the Aurora Gratitude Scholarship program.

Applicants interested in the Aurora Gratitude Scholarship program should simultaneously apply for admission to the American University of Armenia and the Aurora Gratitude Scholarship. You can find more information about the admissions process here. For inquiries, please email [email protected].

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values.