Universities in Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea, is where most of the country's universities are. 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, about 222,800 bachelor's and master's students and 9,500 international students from 110 countries. Students choose Baku for relatively low tuition fees and for programmes taught in Azerbaijani, English, Russian or Turkish.

What the universities offer

All five universities in our directory for Baku offer bachelor's and postgraduate programmes. They differ in size, subject focus and language of instruction:

• Baku State University goes back to 1 September 1919, when the parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic decided to found a university in Baku. It opened with two faculties, philology and medicine, and 1,094 students; today it covers the sciences, humanities, law, international relations and oriental studies.
• Khazar University, established in 1990-91, uses English as its main language of instruction and a credit-based model.
• Azerbaijan University of Languages offers bachelor's, doctoral and additional qualification programmes in faculties of English and German, English and French, philology, international relations and regional studies, translation and education.
• Western Caspian University, on Istiglaliyyat Street, takes part in Erasmus+ student exchanges, for example with the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland).
• Baku Business University (Bakı Biznes Universiteti) focuses on business and economics and runs its own student residence, Üfüq Tələbə Evi.

Study in Azerbaijan lists 20 dual diploma programmes with foreign universities, and international orientation weeks help new students settle in.

Admission

Each university handles its own admissions, and Study in Azerbaijan offers to complete university applications for students free of charge. At Khazar University, students apply directly from their home country; bachelor's applicants must have completed secondary school before the academic year starts, and master's and PhD programmes must be related to the applicant's previous degree (MBA programmes are an exception). Baku State University asks foreign applicants for a cover letter naming the specialty and language of instruction, school documents legalised with an apostille and a notarised translation into Azerbaijani, and a health certificate.

Costs

Fees differ between universities and programmes, so ask each one for its current figures. At Khazar University the annual tuition fee for international students is USD 5,000 for all programmes (USD 6,000 for veterinary medicine), or USD 4,500 for early applicants, and at least one year's fee must be paid before studies begin. Tuition does not include housing: a place in Khazar's dormitory costs international students USD 90 to USD 140 a month.

Visa and practical tips

• Admitted students need an education visa from an Azerbaijani diplomatic mission before their studies start
• Register with the State Migration Service within 15 days of arrival
• About a month before the visa expires, apply for a residence permit that lets you stay for a year
• Check the language of instruction of each programme: English, Russian and Turkish tracks are not available in every subject
• Public transport is simple: the Baku Metro has 3 lines and 27 stations

Frequently asked questions

Can I study at a university in Baku in English?

Yes. Khazar University uses English as its main language of instruction, and Study in Azerbaijan lists English, Russian and Turkish as languages of instruction alongside Azerbaijani.

How much does a university in Baku cost?

It depends on the university. Khazar University charges international students USD 5,000 a year for most programmes, and a dormitory place costs USD 90 to USD 140 a month.

Which documents do I need to apply?

Requirements vary. Baku State University, for example, asks for apostilled school documents with a notarised translation into Azerbaijani, a health certificate and a cover letter.

Do I need a visa to study in Baku?

Yes. Admitted students need an education visa, must register within 15 days of arrival and later apply for a one-year residence permit.