ABSTRACT VIEW
TRANSFORMING GRADUATE EDUCATION IN ARMENIA: THE T-GREEN PROJECT FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
L. Oliveira1, E.L. Cardoso2
1 CBIOS - Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies (PORTUGAL)
2 Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina – Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia (PORTUGAL)
Higher education is crucial for preparing professionals to address global environmental and social challenges. With growing environmental awareness and the need for a green economy, countries are rethinking their education systems to meet these demands. Armenia, as a developing nation, faces the challenge of modernizing its educational system to align with international sustainability goals, such as the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The “Transforming Graduate Education for Green and Sustainable Future” project (T-GREEN: ERASMUS-EDU-2022-CBHE; reference 101083014) aims to support this transformation by reforming graduate education in Armenia. The project integrates sustainability and interdisciplinary approaches into curricula, promotes student mobility, and fosters international collaboration to prepare students for a sustainable future.

Launched on March 1, 2023, and concluding on February 28, 2025, T-GREEN focuses on transforming traditional curricula into green, interdisciplinary programs that support Armenia’s transition to a sustainable economy. A key component is developing a National Roadmap for Education for Sustainable Development, which will guide the transition to curricula that integrate sustainability across disciplines.

T-GREEN also aims to revise Armenia’s national list of professions to introduce new interdisciplinary graduate programs. It will develop three green master’s programs and update nine existing ones to include sustainability, green technologies, and innovation. These programs will be offered in collaboration with international institutions, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

The project also focuses on student mobility, creating frameworks for joint, double, and multiple degree programs that ensure credit recognition and transfer in line with the Bologna Process. Additionally, T-GREEN will support national stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and researchers, through training, seminars, and workshops to integrate the Green Deal and SDGs into education policies and curriculum development.

Furthermore, T-GREEN will create a platform for knowledge exchange between Armenian institutions and their European and global counterparts. This network will facilitate the sharing of best practices in sustainable education, fostering long-term partnerships and ensuring that Armenia remains at the forefront of global sustainability efforts in higher education. A notable milestone is the project's dedicated website, (https://www.t-green.am/), which has been established to enhance accessibility and dissemination of project resources and updates.

As a result of these efforts, Armenia’s graduate education will become more internationally competitive and aligned with global sustainability trends. T-GREEN will not only equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the green economy but will also contribute to creating a more sustainable and resilient workforce. This transformative approach will help Armenia strengthen its educational system and its position on the global stage.

In conclusion, T-GREEN is a transformative initiative aimed at reshaping graduate education in Armenia, promoting sustainability, innovation, and international cooperation for a sustainable future.

Keywords: Graduate Education, Sustainability, T-GREEN Project, Interdisciplinary, Curriculum, Student Mobility.

Event: INTED2025
Track: Quality & Impact of Education
Session: Experiences and Challenges in Curriculum Design
Session type: VIRTUAL