Study and find schools in Azerbaijan

Studying in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, on the Caspian Sea between Europe and Asia, hosts a modest number of international students. According to Study in Azerbaijan, the official partner of the Ministry of Science and Education for international recruitment, the country has 50 public and private higher education institutions, 222,800 bachelor's and master's students and about 9,500 international students from 110 countries. Programmes are taught in four languages: Azerbaijani, English, Russian and Turkish.

Most universities are in the capital, Baku. All five institutions in our directory are there, and all of them offer International Relations, which is one of the most common subjects among the schools we list, together with Law and Economics.

The education system in Azerbaijan

Universities award bachelor's and master's degrees and doctorates (PhD). Bachelor's places are offered either on state order, paid from the state budget, or on a paid basis, under a contract between the university and the student, a parent or an employer. Azerbaijani applicants are admitted through test exams run by the State Examination Center; international students apply through a separate procedure.

Many universities teach in more than one language section. Western Caspian University, for example, has an Azerbaijani section and Russian, English and German sections, and runs a dual diploma programme with the Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences in Germany, where students spend their third year. At Khazar University, new students take an English placement test and are grouped by level.

Admission and recognition

International applicants register on the national portal portal.edu.az, upload their documents and apply to the university of their choice. At Western Caspian University, the process includes an online interview with the admissions committee, and the documents required are:

• A copy of the passport, valid for at least one year
• Two passport photographs
• The previous education document and academic transcript, legalised with an apostille
• A medical certificate, including a certificate of absence of HIV and hepatitis B and C

Holders of a foreign bachelor's degree who want to enrol in a master's programme must have the degree legalised (nostrification) according to the Ministry's requirements, published on tkta.edu.az. Tuition fees at Western Caspian University must be paid in full before arrival in Azerbaijan.

Visa and residence

The State Migration Service issues ordinary entry visas for several purposes, including science and education. According to the Service (checked October 2026):

• Citizens of eligible countries can apply online for an electronic ASAN visa, issued within 3 working days for a stay of up to 30 days, with a state fee of 20 USD; it is meant for short stays
• Foreigners staying in Azerbaijan for more than 15 days must register at their place of residence; registration is free and can be done online, by email, at a regional migration department or at an ASAN service centre
• Full-time students at higher education institutions can obtain a temporary residence permit, with a letter from the Ministry of Science and Education or from the university confirming the course, completion date and student ID number

Some nationals of neighbouring countries enter without a visa under bilateral agreements. Students should check the rules for their nationality with the Azerbaijani embassy or with their university's international office before travelling.

Costs

Fees are set by each university and depend on the programme. At Western Caspian University, fees listed for bachelor's majors range from 2,500 to 4,000 manat, with lower fees in the part-time Azerbaijani section; living and other expenses are paid by the students themselves. Study in Azerbaijan offers to prepare university applications free of charge and helps with visas and accommodation.

Where to study

All the universities in our directory are in Baku:

• Baku State University, a public university
• Khazar University, which offers bachelor's programmes in engineering, computer science, business, international relations, education, psychology and veterinary medicine
• The Azerbaijan University of Languages, which grew out of the Faculty of Foreign Languages created in 1937 and specialises in languages, translation and international relations; 94 foreign students currently study there, according to the university
• Western Caspian University, a private university with programmes in the humanities, business, sciences and engineering
• Baku Business University, a private institution founded in 1993 to train specialists in economics, business and management

Frequently asked questions

In which language can I study in Azerbaijan?

Programmes are taught in Azerbaijani, English, Russian and Turkish, according to Study in Azerbaijan. Many universities have separate language sections, so check the language of the programme before you apply.

How do I apply to a university in Azerbaijan?

International students register on portal.edu.az, upload their documents and apply to the university. Some universities, such as Western Caspian University, also hold an online interview.

Do I need to register after arriving?

Yes. Foreigners who stay more than 15 days must register at their place of residence with the State Migration Service. Full-time students can then obtain a temporary residence permit.

How much does it cost to study in Azerbaijan?

It depends on the university and programme. At Western Caspian University, fees for bachelor's majors range from 2,500 to 4,000 manat, and students pay their own living costs.