Armenia launches partnership with OpenAI to introduce ChatGPT Edu and distribute 50,000 free subscriptions

The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, Zhanna Andreasyan, received a delegation from the international digital platform OpenAI, which arrived in Armenia to present the ChatGPT Edu tool.

At the start of the new academic year, Armenia’s educational, engineering, and research communities will receive around 50,000 free subscriptions as a result of cooperation between the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, OpenAI, and Firebird companies, the ministry said in a press release.

By September, the necessary preparatory work and training courses are expected to be carried out to ensure the launch of the process for the new academic year.

The meeting was attended by Harutyun Sargsyan, Deputy Chairman of the Higher Education and Science Committee of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Alina Leon, OpenAI’s liaison responsible for cooperation with the ministry, and other members of the delegation.

Welcoming the guests, Andreasyan noted that in recent years Armenia’s education system has been consistently expanding initiatives aimed at the application of AI and the development of AI literacy.

This partnership, she said, is of significant importance for Armenia’s education system, as a solid foundation for the development of AI education and application has already been formed in the country. In general education schools, the “Generation AI” and “STEP.ai” educational programs are being successfully implemented, contributing to students’ foundational AI knowledge, creative thinking, and technological skills, as well as the safe, responsible, and effective use of AI tools.

Minister Andreasyan emphasized that the “Generation AI” program, implemented in cooperation with the FAST Foundation, has already achieved tangible results and received international recognition. Several participants in the program have achieved success and won awards in various international competitions, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the initiative.

AI educational programs are also being introduced at the vocational and higher education levels. Starting in September 2026, a new bachelor’s program in AI will be introduced at Yerevan State University.

Referring to the development prospects of the sector, Minister Andreasyan noted that major AI initiatives in Armenia are creating new opportunities for deepening cooperation between education, science, and the economy, contributing to the country’s engagement in international technological processes. In her view, these developments significantly expand the capabilities of the education system and create favorable conditions for the development of international ties.

The minister expressed confidence that the success of any technological initiative depends on the development of human potential. In this regard, the development of the educational community’s capacities, professional training, and continuous support are particularly important, as they enable the full use of AI tools for improving the quality of education.

Alina Leon, OpenAI’s cooperation representative, emphasized the importance of partnership with Armenia, noting that the main directions of cooperation include promoting the responsible and safe use of artificial intelligence in the education system, as well as developing the capacities of teachers and students to effectively use technological tools.

Summarizing the meeting, Andreasyan noted that the ChatGPT Edu platform intended for educational institutions will become an effective tool both in higher education—for lecturers and students—and in general education—for teachers and high school students. She stressed not only the importance of introducing the technology, but also the need to form a comprehensive policy around it, including regulations, risk management mechanisms, and principles for safe use.

It was also reported that in the initial phase of the initiative, during the 2026–2027 academic year, access to the ChatGPT Edu platform will be financed by the Firebird company. After evaluating the program’s effectiveness and its impact on educational outcomes, the possibility of state funding will be considered, with the aim of integrating it into the national education system as a stable and long-term component.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting.