November 17, 2009 - 19:29 AMT
Armenia to abolish student scholarships
"The 2010 State Budget does not envisage reduction of expenses in the sphere of science, but budgetary allocations will be reduced considering certain demographic issues. This, however, will not affect educational system at all," said Minister of Education Armen Ashotyan.

At that he noted that Ministry plans to abolish monthly student scholarships.

"Since the 1990s, scholarships, even those paid to excellent students, have comprised AMD 5 thousand. This is a very small sum not enough for meeting even minimal needs. Hence, under the joint program implemented with World Bank the sum will be directed at forming a student credit fund. Such credits will be accessible to a large group of students," Ashotyan explained.

Minister also promised to discuss elaborated project with students.