St. Tereza Medical University, also known as the Medical University After Saint Tereza, was a private medical institution located in Yerevan, Armenia. It was founded in 1992 by Larisa Hambartsumyan and received a blessing letter from Mother Teresa in 1996.
Programs
Before its closure, the university offered English-taught programs for international students.
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): This program consisted of five years of classroom study followed by a one-year internship.
- Focus: The curriculum was designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical training, with a special emphasis on compassionate and ethical medical practices.
Recognition
Prior to its license termination, the university claimed to be recognized by international bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medical Council of India (MCI), which was later replaced by the National Medical Commission (NMC). However, an advisory from the Indian embassy in 2022 confirmed the suspension of its license.
Admission requirements
Based on past information, typical requirements for international students included:
- A minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in the 12th grade (or equivalent).
- For Indian students, a qualifying score on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was required.
- The age of the applicant had to be at least 17 years.
- Proficiency in English was necessary, as classes for international students were held in English.
Facilities
Based on promotional materials and past descriptions, the university offered various facilities:
- Modern equipment and tools
- On-campus hostels with furnished rooms, and amenities such as air-conditioning and attached washrooms
- Libraries, computer labs, a canteen, and a dining room
- Some sources mentioned an Indian mess facility for international students
Status and warning
Following a 2021 investigation by Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (ESCS), it was determined that the university had violated licensing procedures. This resulted in a decision to terminate its license in February 2022. The Embassy of India in Yerevan publicly advised Indian students against seeking admission.
For prospective students, it is critical to confirm the operational status of any foreign university with the official licensing and accreditation bodies of the host country and the student’s home country.