Best Universities in Azerbaijan: Top 10 for International Students

Azerbaijan is developing its higher education: English-language programs are opening, campuses are being upgraded and international cooperation is expanding. Since 2005 the country has been a full member of the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area. For international students, this means a clear bachelor's and master's system, programs in English and Russian, and tuition that is lower than in many European countries.

Universities in Azerbaijan: at a glance

Baku State University (BSU), Baku

Founded in 1919, BSU is the country's oldest university and the highest-ranked in Azerbaijan by QS: it is 565th in the QS 2027 ranking. Key fields include law, journalism, philology, physics, chemistry and earth sciences. BSU works with foreign universities and runs joint programs.

Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), Baku

Founded in 1930, UNEC specializes in economics, finance and business administration. It is 634th in the QS 2027 ranking and in the 701–800 band of the Times Higher Education 2027 ranking, the highest among Azerbaijani universities there.

ADA University, Baku

Founded in 2006 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, ADA teaches in English. Key fields include international relations, public administration, business and information technology. According to reference sites, it is one of the most expensive public universities in the country. In the QS 2027 ranking, ADA is in the 1001–1200 band.

Azerbaijan Technical University, Baku

Founded in 1950, it is one of the country's largest technical universities, with programs in engineering, information technology and instrument making. In QS 2026 it entered the world top 1,000 for the first time (851–900).

Baku Engineering University, Khirdalan

A modern technical university opened in 2016, offering programs in English, Azerbaijani and Russian. Key fields include engineering, construction and ecology. In QS 2026 it is in the 901–950 band.

Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku

The country's main medical university, founded in 1930. It trains doctors, dentists and pharmacists and offers programs in Azerbaijani and English. Students do clinical practice in the university's clinics.

Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Baku

Key fields include architecture, urban planning and construction. It entered the 1001–1200 band in QS 2026.

Baku Slavic University, Baku

Founded in 2000 on the basis of a teacher-training institute that has existed since 1946. It teaches Russian language and literature, Slavic and European languages, translation, journalism and international relations. Programs in Russian are available, which is why Russian-speaking students often choose it.

Nakhchivan State University, Nakhchivan

Founded in 1967, it is one of the largest regional universities, with faculties of engineering, agriculture and natural sciences, medicine, economics, education and foreign languages. It is located in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Karabakh University, Khankendi

The newest university on the list. It was established by presidential decree on 28 November 2023 and opened on 20 September 2024. The first academic year began on 23 September 2024 with 1,154 students across 6 faculties and 27 programs. The faculties include pedagogy, humanities, economics, social sciences, art, engineering and tourism. Instruction is in Azerbaijani and English. The university does not yet appear in international rankings.

Why study in Azerbaijan

• Bologna Process membership. Azerbaijan has been part of the European Higher Education Area since 2005. Recognition of a degree in another country depends on that country's laws and its recognition procedure, so check the requirements in your own country in advance.
• Languages of instruction. Programs are available in Azerbaijani, English and Russian. The languages depend on the university and the program, so check the university's website.
• Cost. Tuition depends on the university and the program: public universities are generally cheaper, while ADA and private universities cost more. According to reference sites, a student typically needs about USD 400–700 a month for housing, food and transport. Check exact prices on university websites.
• Scholarships. The Government of Azerbaijan offers the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant (formerly the Government of Azerbaijan Scholarship). It is open to citizens of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, small island developing states, and countries with common cultural and historical ties to Azerbaijan. You cannot apply directly: candidates are nominated by their governments. About 100 scholarships are awarded each year.
• Modern infrastructure. Many universities are upgrading campuses, laboratories and dormitories.

How to choose a university

• For economics and business: UNEC.
• For international relations and management in English: ADA.
• For engineering and IT: Azerbaijan Technical University and Baku Engineering University.
• For medicine: Azerbaijan Medical University.
• For philology and the Russian language: Baku Slavic University.
• For the widest choice of fields: Baku State University.

FAQ

Which is the best university in Azerbaijan? By international rankings, Baku State University leads (QS 2027: 565), followed by UNEC (634).

Can I study in English? Yes. ADA, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku Engineering University and Karabakh University offer programs in English.

Are there scholarships for international students? Yes, the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant, but it is open to citizens of specific countries and only through government nomination.

Are Azerbaijani degrees recognized abroad? It depends on the country where you plan to work or study: Azerbaijan is part of the Bologna Process, but recognition goes through each country's own procedure.

How much does it cost to live in Baku as a student? According to reference sites, about USD 400–700 a month.

Information current as of October 2026.