The U.S. Embassy in Armenia has ceased funding for Armenian students enrolled at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) in Tbilisi, while financial support for Azerbaijani students remains uninterrupted. This development has placed Armenian students in a precarious position, facing both financial and emotional challenges, according to Epress.am.

For nearly two decades, the U.S. Embassy has facilitated a program enabling students from Armenia and Azerbaijan to pursue journalism and media management studies at GIPA. However, for the 2024–2026 academic cycle, only the tuition for the fall semester was covered for Armenian students. Starting from the spring semester, Armenian students were informed by GIPA administration—not the U.S. Embassy—that their funding had been discontinued. Conversely, Azerbaijani students continue to receive full financial support, including tuition and living expenses, AzerNews reported.

This disparity has led to significant distress among Armenian students, who had left their jobs and relocated to Georgia based on the program's assurances. The sudden withdrawal of support has left them struggling to afford tuition and living costs, jeopardizing their ability to continue their studies.

On April 23, Armenian students sent a formal letter to U.S. Ambassador Kristina Kvien, expressing their concerns and requesting clarification. As of over a month later, they have not received a response. The lack of communication from the embassy, which is responsible for student selection and program administration, has been perceived as dismissive.

The students are calling for the U.S. Embassy to provide an official explanation, reconsider the funding decision, and ensure equitable treatment for all participants in the program. They emphasize the importance of upholding the commitments made to them and maintaining trust in U.S.-Armenia educational collaborations.