Universities in Azerbaijan

Higher education in Azerbaijan builds on full secondary education and is overseen by the Ministry of Science and Education. According to Study in Azerbaijan, the Ministry's official partner for international recruitment, the country has 50 public and private higher education institutions with 222,800 bachelor's and master's students, about 9,500 of them international students from 110 countries.

Most universities are in Baku, the capital, and all five universities in our directory are there. Programmes are taught in Azerbaijani, English, Russian and Turkish, so many international students can study without first learning Azerbaijani.

How the university system works

Universities award bachelor's, master's and doctoral (PhD) degrees. At Khazar University, for example, a bachelor's programme lasts four years, a master's usually two years and a PhD three years. Many universities are organised in language sections: Western Caspian University has an Azerbaijani section and Russian, English and German sections, and Khazar University places new students in groups after an English placement test.

Universities can also run dual diploma programmes with foreign partners; Study in Azerbaijan counts 20 of them. At Western Caspian University, students of one such programme spend their third year at the Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

Quality assurance is the job of the Education Quality Assurance Agency (TKTA), which also confirms foreign diplomas and publishes a list of foreign universities whose degrees are not recognised.

Admission for international students

Azerbaijani applicants enter bachelor's programmes through test exams run by the State Examination Center, in places funded by the state or on a paid basis. International students follow a separate route and can apply directly from their home country. At Western Caspian University, applicants register on the national portal portal.edu.az, upload their documents and then have an online interview with the admissions committee. Typical documents are:

• A passport valid for at least one year
• The secondary school or university diploma and transcript, legalised with an apostille
• A medical certificate, including tests for HIV and hepatitis B and C
• For master's applicants, a bachelor's degree recognised (nostrified) according to the TKTA rules

At Khazar University, master's and PhD programmes must be related to the applicant's previous degree, except for the MBA.

Visa and registration

The State Migration Service issues entry visas for science and education, among other purposes. Citizens of eligible countries can get an electronic ASAN visa within 3 working days for stays of up to 30 days, for a state fee of 20 USD. Foreigners who stay more than 15 days must register at their place of residence, and full-time university students can obtain a temporary residence permit with a letter from the Ministry or the university stating the course, its end date and the student ID number.

Costs and scholarships

Fees are set by each university. At Khazar University, the annual fee for international students is USD 5,000 (USD 6,000 for veterinary medicine), and at least one year's fee must be paid before studies begin. At Western Caspian University, bachelor's fees range from 2,500 manat (philosophy) to 4,000 manat (information technology). Accommodation and living costs are paid separately.

The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Education offers 100 grants a year from 2026-2027, covering tuition, flights, a monthly allowance, health insurance and visa costs. It is open to citizens of member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, small island developing states and countries with ties to Azerbaijan; applicants for English-taught bachelor's programmes need at least IELTS 5.

How to choose a university in Azerbaijan

• Language section: check that the programme you want is taught in English, Russian or Turkish if you do not speak Azerbaijani
• Specialisation: the Azerbaijan University of Languages grew out of a faculty of foreign languages created in 1937; Baku Business University, a private institution founded in 1993, teaches 21 specialties in business and economics; Baku State University is a public university
• Dual diplomas and exchange: some programmes include a year abroad
• Total cost: tuition, accommodation and living costs, and whether you qualify for a grant

Frequently asked questions

In which languages 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.

How much does a university cost in Azerbaijan?

It depends on the university. At Khazar University, international students pay USD 5,000 a year; at Western Caspian University, bachelor's fees range from 2,500 to 4,000 manat.

Are there scholarships for international students?

Yes. The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program offers 100 grants a year covering tuition, flights, a monthly allowance and insurance for students from eligible countries.

How long is a bachelor's degree in Azerbaijan?

At Khazar University, a bachelor's degree takes four years, a master's usually two and a PhD three.