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The 2026 European Quality Assurance Forum, will combine sessions about European policies and trends, research, and practical case examples on the theme of ‘Quality assurance for skills, entrepreneurship and innovation: Partnering with the world of work’ at the National Polytechnic University of Armenia on 18-20 November.
Quality assurance plays a crucial role in supporting higher education institutions in responding to evolving labour markets and strengthening their contribution to innovation and societal development. In a context marked by technological transformation, demographic change and the green and digital transitions, employment patterns are shifting rapidly.
QA systems can enhance institutional adaptability, foster meaningful stakeholder engagement and act as catalysts for innovation. By shaping frameworks and processes that promote employability, entrepreneurship, lifelong learning and research-based innovation, quality assurance helps institutions to integrate these priorities into their core missions.
Therefore, EQAF 2026 will:
Organised since 2026 by the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA), the European Students’ Union (ESU), the European University Association (EUA) and the European Association for the Applied Sciences in Higher Education (EURASHE), EQAF provides an annual platform for discussion, professional development and exchange of experiences among the main stakeholders in quality assurance. The Forum will be of interest to rectors and vice-rectors responsible for QA, QA officers in higher education institutions, students, QA agency staff and researchers working in higher education or the QA field.
Kindly note that the 2026 European Quality Assurance Forum will be held from Wednesday to Friday, following the format established by EQAF 2025.
Dear guests, interested parties, and colleagues,
Over the past nine decades, the National Polytechnic University of Armenia has stood as a pillar of technological education, scientific advancement and innovation in Armenia and the wider region.
Our university has continuously evolved in response to the changing demands of society, industry and the global educational landscape. Today, NPUA represents a unique technological educational complex, ensuring a learner-centered, inclusive and high-quality continuous cycle of education driven by innovation and modern technologies.
It is therefore both an honour and a responsibility for our university to host the 2026 European Quality Assurance Forum in Yerevan. We strongly believe that quality assurance is no longer solely a mechanism for compliance or evaluation. In contemporary higher education, it has become a strategic instrument for institutional transformation, resilience, international trust and sustainable development.
Discussions surrounding quality assurance have become increasingly important throughout the European Higher Education Area during the last two decades. Armenia, as part of this academic community, has actively embraced these developments through reforms, accreditation processes, international rankings and institutional partnerships. At NPUA, quality assurance is deeply integrated into our strategic vision and governance culture. We view continuous improvement not as a one-time process, but as an ongoing institutional commitment requiring evidence-based management, stakeholder engagement, innovation and adaptability.
At the same time, higher education today faces new realities that challenge traditional quality assurance approaches. Rapid digitalization, artificial intelligence, changing labor market expectations, demographic shifts, sustainability imperatives and geopolitical uncertainties require universities to rethink how quality is understood, measured and enhanced. Education is a dynamically developing ecosystem and it increasingly requires smart, flexible and collaborative solutions capable of responding to these transformations.
As the southeastern part of the European Higher Education Area, Armenia and the broader Eurasian region bring valuable perspectives to these discussions. Hosting EQAF 2026 in Yerevan provides an important opportunity to strengthen dialogue between different educational cultures, institutional experiences and quality assurance traditions. We hope that this Forum will contribute to building stable, long-term cooperation among universities, quality assurance agencies and policy makers, researchers, and students across Europe and beyond.
Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, has always served as a crossroads of civilizations, cultures, and ideas. We are confident that EQAF 2026 will not only provide a platform for meaningful professional exchange, but will also foster new partnerships, collaborative initiatives, and shared visions for the future of quality in higher education.
On behalf of the entire academic community of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, I warmly welcome all participants to Yerevan and to our university. We look forward to engaging discussions, new perspectives, and productive cooperation that will continue far beyond the Forum itself.
Gor Vardanyan
Rector
National Polytechnic University of Armenia
©National Polytechnic University of Armenia (NPUA)
Founded in 1933, the National Polytechnic University of Armenia (NPUA) has been one of the leading institutions shaping technological education, engineering excellence, scientific research, and innovation in Armenia and the region for more than nine decades. As the legal successor of the Yerevan Karl Marx Polytechnic Institute, NPUA has preserved its strong engineering traditions while continuously transforming to respond to emerging global challenges and technological developments.
Today, NPUA represents a unique technological educational ecosystem that provides a continuous cycle of education, connecting STEM-oriented early education, secondary and vocational education, higher education, research, innovation, and lifelong learning. With its central campus located in the heart of Yerevan and regional branches across Armenia, the University serves as a national hub for technological advancement, knowledge creation, and industry collaboration.
The University offers a broad portfolio of educational programs in engineering, information and communication technologies, energy, electronics, automation, applied sciences, and other technology-driven fields. Through close cooperation with industry partners and international academic institutions, NPUA prepares highly qualified specialists equipped with the competencies required for a rapidly changing global environment.
Internationalization, research excellence, sustainability, and digital transformation are among the strategic priorities of the University. NPUA actively participates in international educational and research initiatives, European cooperation programs, institutional networks, and global university ranking processes, strengthening its role within the European Higher Education Area.
Quality assurance has become a core element of NPUA’s institutional culture and strategic development. The University continuously improves its governance, educational programs, research environment, and student experience through evidence-based decision-making, stakeholder engagement, digital transformation, and alignment with international quality standards.
By hosting the European Quality Assurance Forum (EQAF) 2026, NPUA aims to contribute to strengthening dialogue between European and international higher education communities, bringing together diverse perspectives, experiences, and innovative approaches to shaping the future of quality assurance in higher education.
Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history dating back to the foundation of the Erebuni Fortress in 782 BC. Combining a rich historical heritage with a dynamic and modern urban environment, Yerevan serves as the political, economic, scientific, and cultural center of Armenia.
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the city has long been a meeting point of civilizations, ideas, and traditions. Throughout its history, Yerevan has developed a unique identity where ancient heritage, distinctive architecture, innovation, and contemporary culture coexist. Known as the “pink city” due to the characteristic volcanic tuff stone used in many of its buildings, Yerevan offers visitors a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The city is home to leading universities, research institutions, technology centers, and a rapidly growing innovation ecosystem, making it an important regional hub for education, science, and technological development. In recent years, Yerevan has strengthened its international presence through academic cooperation, digital transformation initiatives, and an expanding technology sector.
Visitors can explore the city’s historical and cultural landmarks, including Republic Square, the Cascade Complex, the Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, museums, galleries, and numerous cultural venues. From many points of the city, the symbolic view of Mount Ararat reflects Armenia’s historical and cultural heritage.
Beyond its architecture and history, Yerevan is known for its vibrant urban life, combining traditional Armenian hospitality with modern cafés, restaurants, cultural events, and creative spaces. Its compact structure allows visitors to experience the city’s main attractions within walking distance while engaging with its active academic and social environment.
Hosting the European Quality Assurance Forum 2026 in Yerevan provides an opportunity to bring together international higher education communities in a city where tradition, knowledge, innovation, and intercultural dialogue meet.
The event organisers aim to ensure that all members who desire to attend EQAF can participate. However, in order to guarantee a balance between country and institution representations, the organisers may have to restrict attendance.
We recommend registering early to secure your place, as priority is given to early registrants. Once capacity is reached, no further registrations will be accepted, even if this is before the registration deadline.
A maximum of five representatives per institution may attend. Additional registrations will be placed on a waiting list until the early-bird deadline has passed.
The early registration deadline is 30 September 2026.
The registration deadline is 23 October 2026.
To check whether your institution is a member, please consult the corresponding directories below:
EUA membersENQA members and affiliatesEURASHE membersESU members
Group registrations: Members of ENQA, ESU, EURASHE, or EUA who register five participants are eligible for a 15% discount and one free student place—provided a student is included in the group of five. The discount and free student spot will only be confirmed after submitting the completed ''EQAF Student Certificate'' back to eqaf@eua.eu
EUA reserves the right to refuse the free student's entry if the Student Certificate is not provided. This offer only applies if you bring a student.
Students: Student fee (to benefit from this fee, you must):
Payment: Payment must be made upon receipt of confirmation and prior to the Forum, either by bank transfer or credit card. The participant assumes full responsibility for paying all bank charges associated with the payment.
The registration fee includes Forum attendance, access to the event app, coffee breaks, lunches, and the networking reception. Your name badge is required for entry to all sessions, catering, and social events, and should be worn at all times.
The optional Forum Dinner on Thursday 19 November is not included in the registration fee. Attendance costs an additional €80 and can be selected during registration.
CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION:
Liability: Neither EUA nor National Polytechnic University of Armenia will be liable for any losses, accidents or damage to persons or objects, regardless of the cause. Participants and companions attend the conference and all related events at their own risk and responsibility.
CONTACT:EUA EQAF Coordination Team For enquiries regarding the programme, please contact: Cecilia Biaggi Policy and Project Officer Tel: +32 2 230 55 44Email: eqaf@eua.eu
For enquiries regarding registrations, invoices, credit card payments and general information, please contact:Gemma Fagan Events OfficerTel: +32 2 230 55 44Email: eqaf@eua.eu
For local information and enquiries about the social programme, please contact the National Polytechnic University of Armenia (NPUA):
eqaf2026@polytechnic.am
CONFERENCE VENUE:
105 Teryan StYerevanArmenia
The call for contributions for the 2026 European Quality Assurance Forum was open from 23 March 2026 to 21 June 2026.
Please note that we can no longer receive applications.
