Study in Baku, Azerbaijan

About Baku

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and its largest city, set on a peninsula on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. The walled old town (Icherisheher) sits next to oil-boom architecture of the early 20th century and new high-rise districts, and the city is the country's main centre for government, business and higher education.

Students come to Baku for bachelor's and master's degrees at relatively low tuition fees, for programmes taught in English, Russian or Turkish as well as Azerbaijani, and for exchange semesters. 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.

Studying in Baku

All 5 schools in our directory for Baku are universities. Baku State University dates from 1 September 1919, when the parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic decided to found a university in the city; several of today's specialised universities, among them the Azerbaijan Medical University and the Azerbaijan State University of Economics, grew out of it. Khazar University was established in 1990-91, uses English as its main language of instruction and runs schools in fields such as business, computer science, engineering and international relations.

The other universities in our list are the Azerbaijan University of Languages, which specialises in languages, translation and international relations, Baku Business University and Western Caspian University, which takes part in Erasmus+ exchanges. Admission rules differ by institution. Khazar University accepts applications directly from abroad, while Baku State University asks foreign applicants for apostilled school documents with a notarised translation into Azerbaijani.

Cost of living for students

Tuition is charged per year and differs widely between institutions. At Khazar University, for example, the annual fee for international students is USD 5,000 for all programmes (USD 6,000 for veterinary medicine), not including accommodation or living costs. Khazar's dormitory near the Neftchilar metro station charges international students USD 90 to USD 140 per person per month, in shared rooms for two to four people. Ask each university for its current fees and housing options before you apply.

Visa, registration and residence

Admitted students must obtain an education visa from an Azerbaijani diplomatic mission in their home country before they start their studies. Within 15 days of arrival they must register their place of stay with the State Migration Service, which can be done online, by e-mail or at an ASAN service centre. About a month before the visa expires, students apply for a residence permit that lets them stay for a year; university international offices help with the paperwork.

Getting around and daily life

The Baku Metro, opened in 1967, has 3 lines, 27 stations and 40.7 kilometres of track, and QR-code and contactless (NFC) payment are accepted at all stations. Buses cover the rest of the city. Azerbaijani is the everyday language, and Russian and English are widely used in universities.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English in Baku?

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 university cost in Baku?

Fees vary by university. At Khazar University the annual tuition fee for international students is USD 5,000 for all programmes (USD 6,000 for veterinary medicine), and a dormitory place costs USD 90 to USD 140 a month.

Do I need a visa to study in Baku?

Yes. Admitted students need an education visa from an Azerbaijani embassy or consulate, must register their address within 15 days of arrival and later apply for a one-year residence permit.

Which universities are in Baku?

Our directory lists Baku State University, founded in 1919, Khazar University, the Azerbaijan University of Languages, Baku Business University and Western Caspian University.