Overview
Haigazian University (Armenian: Հայկազեան Համալսարան; Arabic: جامعة هايكازيان) is a private institution of higher education located in Beirut, Lebanon. Established in 1955, it was created to provide post-secondary education for the Armenian community in the country while remaining open to students of all backgrounds. Over decades the university has maintained a regional reputation for small-class teaching and a liberal-arts orientation within its degree offerings.
Academic programs
The university provides undergraduate and graduate study across a limited number of faculties, with an emphasis on humanities, sciences and professional studies. Core offerings include:
- Bachelor's degrees in Arts and Sciences, Economics and related fields
- Programs in modern languages, social sciences and natural sciences
- Business programs, including studies in Business Administration
- Master's degrees in selected Arts, Sciences and Business disciplines
History and mission
Founded after World War II by members of the Armenian community in Lebanon, Haigazian University grew from earlier educational initiatives tied to local churches and community organizations. Its mission blends academic instruction with cultural and civic engagement: to provide quality higher education, to support scholarship, and to help preserve Armenian cultural and linguistic traditions for diaspora students while serving the broader Lebanese and international student population.
Campus and community life
The campus is modest in scale compared with large national universities; this smaller size contributes to closer faculty–student interaction and a community-centered atmosphere. Student activities typically include cultural events, language courses, public lectures and volunteer initiatives. The institution works with local organizations and alumni to sustain scholarships and extracurricular programs.
Role and distinctions
Haigazian University is supported by the Armenian Evangelical Church and is often cited as an important educational and cultural hub for Armenians in the Middle East. Although not a large research university, it is recognized for its teaching focus, bilingual cultural offerings, and its long-standing contribution to higher education in Beirut and the Armenian diaspora. The university's adaptability and community ties have helped it continue operations through periods of regional change and upheaval.