Study in Azerbaijan

About Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, the nation and former Soviet republic, is bounded by the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains, which span Asia and Europe. Its capital, Baku, is famed for its medieval walled Inner City. Within the Inner City lies the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a royal retreat dating to the 15th century, and the centuries-old stone Maiden Tower, which dominates the city skyline.

AZERBAIJAN AT A GLANCE

  • Republic of Azerbaijan with its unique nature, centuries-old culture and history is located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, at the eastern side of Transcaucasia.

  • Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan.

  • The country is distinguished by its rich flora and fauna.

  • The territory of Azerbaijan has always been in the interest of archaeologists, so as a result of excavations in the Azigh cave in Karabakh were discovered traces of human civilization 2 million years ago.

  • Azerbaijan is a country with an ancient and centuries-old culture. “Kitabi-Dede Gorgud”, “Oghuzname”, “Koroglu” serve as examples which are renowned  in many countries worldwide.

  • Being bridge between Europe and Asia Azerbaijan also has an exceptional role in the expansion of political and commercial relations and creates a new economic model in the development of the region.

Vital info:

  • Population: over 10 million.
  • Time: AZT (Azerbaijan Time) UTC/GMT+4 hours.
  • International dialing code: +994.
  • Voltage: 220V 50Hz
  • Currency: Azerbaijani manat (AZN)
  • Language(s): Azerbaijani (meanwhile, people can speak Russian and English).

Each year more than 5000 international students migrate to Azerbaijan for their higher education. This makes it a multicultural country. Azerbaijan has a strong education system. It is also affordable compared to many other nations. If you are an aspiring student to study in Azerbaijan, here is the complete guide.

Why study in Azerbaijan?

SIX REASONS TO STUDY IN AZERBAIJAN

AFFORDABLE

Compared to numerous higher education institutions, not only life, but also tuition fees are quite affordable.

DIVERSE

Find out the diversity and beauty of Azerbaijan by all means, from lifestyle to nature. Tolerance and multiculturalism are not just words, but the constituent elements of a lifestyle of Azerbaijanis. Feel the real hospitality of the people of the land of fire. Experience living in multiple climate zones and discover the mystery of diversity.

MODERN

Azerbaijan always strives to acquire and adapt the latest educational trends along with other innovative tools to boost global engagement and promote an inter-cultural dialogue as the established modern country.

 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT-FRIENDLY

International orientation weeks provide new foreign students with the chance to meet other students and faculty members in their programme, get informed about tips that will help them with their studies, and learn about university services offered in a student-friendly atmosphere.

TRADITIONAL

Despite the current stage of rapid internationalization, Azerbaijan always keeps aligning its conventional values with novel trends. People share and learn new things, pass on to generations, which we call culture. Azerbaijani human capital serves as an example, since it is meant to be one of the most hospitable nations in the way of being able to combine modern and traditional culture. 

SAFE

Azerbaijan is one of the safest countries in the world. Numbeo statistical database shows that the rate of crime is low.

How to study in Azerbaijan

The procedure of studying in Azerbaijan is fairly simple and straightforward. You just need to follow a stepwise process. Here are the steps you should follow to make your dream of studying in Azerbaijan true:

  1. Select your university and course from the various options in Azerbaijan.
  2. Check the eligibility criteria and requirements for that particular course.
  3. Collect all the documents needed for the application, as demanded by the university for the particular course. Such as transcripts, C.V, Portfolio, letter of recommendation etc.
  4. Fill the application form for admission. Submit all the paperwork along with the form and wait for the decision from the university.
  5. If the institute accepts your application, they will issue an offer letter.
  6. Once you receive your acceptance letter, apply for the study visa for Azerbaijan.
  7. After obtaining your visa, move to Azerbaijan and continue your further studies.

Overview on education system

  • Establishment and operation of educational institutions, both state and private, is monitored by the Ministry of Education and competent authorities
  • There are both public and private universities in Azerbaijan
  • Every year, a number of agreements and notes are signed to cooperate between local and foreign higher education institutions

Detailed info:

1. General information

Establishment and operation of educational institutions, both state and private, is monitored by the Ministry of Education and competent authorities. There are both public and private universities in Azerbaijan. Every year, a number of agreements and notes are signed to cooperate between local and foreign higher education institutions. Any educational institution should receive a special permit (license) from the respective executive authority (Ministry of Economics) under the established legislation in order to provide educational activities. State educational institutions are issued special permanent permits (license). Private educational institutions founded by the individuals and legal entities of the Republic of Azerbaijan are issued special permits (license) for a 5-year period.

 

2.The structure of the Higher Education system

In the Republic of Azerbaijan, access to higher education is open to every person who finishes secondary education level of general school. Azerbaijan started the reform of its higher education system by joining the Bologna Process in 2005, followed by the adoption of the new Law on Education in 2009. This law formally introduced the European Credit Transfer System, three-cycle system of study and diploma supplement. As a result, from the academic year 2009/2010, all newly admitted students have studied under the reformed study programmes at all higher education institutions.
Higher education is divided into three levels: First level (Bachelor Studies), Second level (Master Studies), and the Third level (PhD Studies). Higher education in Azerbaijan is provided at universities/institutes/academies/conservatoires.
Higher education institutions organize and implement study programmes within an academic year commencing, as a rule, on 15th of September and lasting  for 12 calendar months.

 

An academic year might be divided into:

  • two semesters, each lasting 20 weeks;
  • summer semester lasting 6 weeks;

GLOBAL IMPACT AND ENGAGEMENT

  • UEFA Euro 2020 on Baku matches.  More than 30 projects Azerbaijan continues to be a host country for sport events of world importance. In 2021, four matches of the UEFA Euro 2020 cup are being held in Baku. This is a great opportunity to enjoy high-class football matches for those studying in Azerbaijan. For more information, please visit the link of were presented by the universities of our country for the program of the European Union’s “Capacity building in the field of higher education” and 11 projects were nominated as the first.
  • The names of well-known scientists and poets of Azerbaijan such as Nizami Ganjavi, Khagani Shirvani, Nasimi, Fizuli, Tusi, Shah Ismail Khatai, Molla Panah Vagif, Mirza Fatali Akhundov, Sabir, J.Mammadguluzadeh, Huseyn Javid, Jabbarli, Samad Vurgun, Aliaga Vahid, Rasul Rza, Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Gara Garayev, Fikret Amirov, Lotfi Zadeh played significant role in international development of science, education and culture of the world.
  • Azerbaijan, is also known as an oil- supply country.  Today, Azerbaijan plays a significant role in the energy security of Europe.

    Amazing Facts:
  • Get your fast VISA
    Go through easy and fast VISA processing via online portal (ASAN Visa);
  • Settle in the Land of Fire
    Azerbaijan is meant to be home to ancient man. Archaeologists found remains dating back 1.5 million years;
     
  • Attend International Sport Events
    Live through the most exciting international events such as Formula 1, 2020 UEFA European Championships;
     
  • Visit the “Yanar Dağ” – Burning Mountain
    The “Yanar Dağ” is one of the most appealing natural wonders in the Azerbaijan. There is a natural gas fire which blazes regularly on a hillside on the Absheron peninsula.

     
  • Shop in “Baku Shopping Festival”
    Feel the season of endless discounts, live shows, and fascinating campaigns.

Universities in Azerbaijan

There are around 51 universities in Azerbaijan. The government universities include 36 and private universities include 15. The more popular universities are:

  1. Baku State University
  2. Azerbaijan State Oil Academy (ASOA)
  3. Qafqaz University
  4. Khazar University
  5. Azerbaijan Technical University
  6. Mirza Fath Ali Akhundzade Pedagogical Institute for Languages
  7. Azerbaijan Medical University
  8. Uzeyir Hajibayov Baku Academy of Music
  9. Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

Intakes in Azerbaijan

The Intakes simply means that the classes at the higher education institutions will start at that particular time of the year. The intakes in Azerbaijan are as follows:

Study Program

Intake

Bachelor’s degree:

September (Duration: 4 years)

Master’s degree:

September and February (Duration: 2 years)

PhD:

September and February (Duration: 2 years)

Language courses

All year (Language course options: English, Russian, Azerbaijani, German)

 

Top courses to study in Azerbaijan for international students

You can find a wide range of courses in the universities in Azerbaijan. Each study stream, Commerce, science or arts, has various courses for international students. Some of the popular courses are:

  • Study Economics in Azerbaijan
  • Study Engineering in Azerbaijan
  • study MBBS in Azerbaijan
  • Study Architecture in Azerbaijan
  • Study Information Technology in Azerbaijan
  • Study Finance in Azerbaijan
  • Study Business Administration and Management in Azerbaijan
  • Study Computer Engineering  in Azerbaijan
  • Study Tourism and Hotel Management in Azerbaijan
  • Study Accounting and Audit in Azerbaijan

Requirements to Study in Azerbaijan

To get admission to the universities in Azerbaijan, international students need to submit some of the documents. Each university has different requirements according to the course you select. However, some of the common requirements are:

  • Completed Application form 
  • English language requirement such as IELTS, TOEFL etc
  • Certificates and diplomas of all your previous degree(s).
  • Transcripts of completed study programs including grades of each semester.
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  • A copy of the page in your passport with your data and photographs
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Portfolio(if required)
  • Work experience certificate(if any)

Tuition Fees in Azerbaijan

Tuition fees in the universities in Azerbaijan can be up to 6,500AZN ($3800) per annum for bachelor degrees. This is significantly lower than in many other nations. Postgraduate degrees, generally cost no more than about 6800AZN ($4000) per year. 

Cost of living in Azerbaijan

The cost of living in Azerbaijan is high compared to many Russian cities as well as many regions in its Middle Eastern neighbours. But the cost of living is still lower than in many other countries like Italy and Israel. The average cost of living in Azerbaijan should be around 745 AZN ($440) excluding rent. Rent is usually counted as a separate cost.

Study in Azerbaijan Scholarship

Azerbaijan offers plenty of scholarships to international students. Full Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan Non-Aligned Movement Scholarship is the main scheme for the international student offered by the government of Azerbaijan. Universities in Azerbaijan also do not stay back in providing financial help to international students. 

For example, ADA University in Azerbaijan offers a Fully Funded International Undergraduate and Graduate Fellowship.

Student visa for Azerbaijan

The visa process for Azerbaijan is relatively standard and uncomplicated which reflects the welcoming culture of the country. Students are issued with a temporary residency permit along with their study visa. This permit is valid for the duration of your study program.
 
You can apply for a student visa at your nearest Azeri embassy, consulate or visa centre. You will need to provide some of the supporting documents such as : 

  • Completed visa application form
  • Two passport photos
  • Your passport 
  • A photocopy of the identification document pages
  • Medical certificate (showing that you are fit and healthy) 
  • Health insurance (For the period of your stay in Azerbaijan)
  • A notarized tenancy agreement.
  • A copy of your ID of the landlord proving them to be a citizen of Azerbaijan.

Assembling all these documents isn’t as hard as it sounds. Your University will help you to find a place for rent and to get the Azerbaijani-language paperwork together. If you are looking for a country where you can get quality and affordable education, Azerbaijan is a good idea.

Fact & Figures

7332 international students from 102 countries

150 bachelor, master and PhD programs

50 public and private higher education institutions 

20 dual diploma programs with leading universities

4 languages of instruction: Azerbaijani, English, Russian, Turkish

4 scholarship programs available

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