International Support Service
At Baku State University (BSU), we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our international and inbound exchange students. The International Support Centre serves as a dedicated hub to support your academic, social, and cultural integration throughout your time with us. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels empowered to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Through comprehensive services, engaging programs, and personalized guidance, we strive to help you navigate the challenges of studying abroad while making the most of your learning experience at BSU. Whether you need advice on academics, assistance with immigration, or opportunities to connect with peers, the International Support Centre is here to make your journey enriching, seamless, and memorable.
At Baku State University (BSU), we recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that international and inbound exchange students face. The International Support Centre is here to provide advice, programs, and activities that help integrate international students into our academic and social community, ensuring a successful and enriching learning experience.
Our team offers personalized guidance and resources to ensure your transition to BSU is as smooth as possible. From the moment you arrive, we are here to assist with:
Academic advice tailored to your needs.
Orientation sessions for understanding campus resources and services.
Social and cultural adaptation guidance.
The International Support Centre organizes diverse programs to ensure students feel part of the BSU family:
Freshman Day: A dynamic orientation program featuring campus tours, interactive sessions, and opportunities to connect with peers and faculty.
Buddy Program: Matches international students with local peers to foster friendships, exchange cultures, and navigate campus life together.
Workshops and Cultural Events: Regularly scheduled events that celebrate global cultures, promote skill development, and encourage networking among students.
Navigating immigration requirements can be challenging. We provide:
Assistance with visa applications and renewals.
Guidance on legal residency processes.
Up-to-date information on Azerbaijani immigration laws.
Please contact us for visa assitance with iso@bsu.edu.az.
Language Classes: Complimentary Azerbaijani and English language courses to enhance communication and academic performance.
Competency Courses: Specialized courses for academic writing, presentations, and research.
Peer Study Groups: Opportunities to collaborate and learn with fellow students.
Please contact us with iso@bsu.edu.az for language and academic support.
The International Support Centre collaborates with BSU’s financial office to offer scholarships exclusively for international students. These include:
Merit-Based Awards: For students with exceptional academic records.
Diversity Scholarships: Encouraging applications from underrepresented regions and communities.
Please contact us for checking your eligibility for scholarships or further information with iso@bsu.edu.az.
The Department for Foreign Students' Affairs at Baku State University (BSU) plays a pivotal role in fostering internationalization and strengthening the University's global presence. Established on October 20, 2019, through the restructuring of the Dean's Office for Foreign Students, the Department reflects BSU’s commitment to providing a world-class educational experience for international students.
As an integral administrative unit, the Department is dedicated to facilitating the academic journey of foreign and stateless students. Its responsibilities encompass promoting BSU's educational programs internationally, ensuring smooth admission processes, supporting legal formalities for student residency, and creating a conducive learning and living environment for international students in Azerbaijan.
The Department operates in alignment with national and international regulations, the University's Charter, and strategic policies, ensuring a robust framework for foreign student engagement. With students from over 34 countries currently enrolled, the Department contributes significantly to BSU's vision of becoming a leading global institution.
By supporting cultural diversity, academic mobility, and international collaboration, the Department for Foreign Students' Affairs not only enriches the academic and cultural fabric of the University but also strengthens Azerbaijan’s position as an emerging hub for higher education.
For more information please see: The Department for Foreign Students' Affairs
SIACAS: Study in Azerbaijan Centralized Admission Service
SIACAS is an online platform available on the portal.edu.az, designed to facilitate the admission of international students to secondary specialized and higher education institutions in Azerbaijan, such as universities, academies, colleges, conservatories, and more. Anyone interested in studying in Azerbaijan can register via SIACAS, select their desired institution and program, and submit their application free of charge. Submitted applications are directed to the relevant institution for evaluation. Once an initial decision is made, a notification is displayed on the applicant’s personal account. Depending on the institution's response to the application, the applicant may be required to provide additional documents, participate in an online or offline interview, and/or make a payment. Once all matters between the applicant and the institution are resolved, the admission process is completed, enabling the future student to proceed with arrangements related to accommodation, visa, travel, and other associated matters.
For more information please see: Video tutorial on how to apply through SIACAS
USEFUL RESOURCES
Faculties of Baku State University
Graduate Employment and Career Development Survey
How to Reach Us
📍 Location: Baku city, academician Zahid Khalilov street, 33, AZ 1148, Main academic building, room 321
📞 Phone: +99412 539 06 95
📧 Email: iso@bsu.edu.az
Frequently Asked Questions
The admission of international students to Baku State University is regulated by the “Rules for Azerbaijani Citizens Studying Abroad and Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons Studying in the Republic of Azerbaijan,” approved by Decision No. 125 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan on May 1, 2015. According to Article 3.5 of these Rules, the educational level and language proficiency of foreign applicants are assessed by the chosen educational institution, and admission is formalized if the applicant meets the institution’s requirements.
According to Article 1.2 of Decision No. 125 of the Cabinet of Ministers dated May 1, 2015, these rules do not apply to foreign citizens residing permanently in Azerbaijan. Such individuals have the same rights to education as Azerbaijani citizens.
As per Article 10 of the Law “On Citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” if an Azerbaijani citizen holds dual citizenship, the foreign citizenship is not recognized except in cases specified by international agreements or Article 109.32 of the Azerbaijani Constitution. Such individuals must apply to higher education institutions through the exams conducted by the SEC, like other Azerbaijani citizens.
Foreign nationals, stateless persons, and individuals officially recognized as refugees can be admitted as foreign students, provided they do not hold dual citizenship.
Application addressed to the head of the educational institution, specifying the desired specialty, language of instruction, and form of education (can be submitted electronically).
Notarized copies of educational documents (diplomas, transcripts) legalized or apostilled and translated into Azerbaijani.
Health certificate, including proof of not carrying HIV, Hepatitis B, or C.
Valid travel document.
Six passport-size photos (3x4 cm).
Certificate of language proficiency for the language of instruction (if available).
Copies of awards, certificates, diplomas, or similar documents (if available).
Foreign nationals applying for programs taught in English are exempt from language proficiency assessments if they meet the minimum scores: IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL 40 for undergraduate programs and IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 50 for advanced levels.
Yes, the following categories are exempt:
Foreign nationals who have studied in an Azerbaijani educational institution and are applying for the next educational level.
Graduates from institutions that meet the education standards of their respective countries.
Educational documents must be legalized or apostilled as per the applicable procedures.
Initially, applications and documents are accepted electronically, and assessments are conducted online. Original documents must be presented upon arrival at the university.
Admission is determined based on citizenship rather than ethnicity or previous school location. If the applicant does not hold Azerbaijani citizenship or dual citizenship, they can apply as a foreign student. However, applicants wishing to participate in SEC exams must provide either a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) or Permanent Residency Permit (PRP). Applicants with PRP cannot be admitted as foreign students and must apply under the same rules as Azerbaijani citizens.
As per Article 3.5 of the rules approved by Decision No. 125 of the Cabinet of Ministers on May 1, 2015, the preparatory level and language proficiency of foreign students are assessed by the educational institution. If their skills are deemed insufficient, the university may allow them to retake preparatory courses.
According to Article 27.1 of the Migration Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a science or education visa is issued for individuals coming to Azerbaijan for educational purposes based on the request of relevant state bodies, research institutions, or registered educational institutions.
For foreign students entering on a visa specifically for education or science, the Ministry of Science and Education (MoSE) can petition the State Migration Service (SMS) for a TRP. Universities must provide MoSE with students’ names, citizenship, and passport details, along with copies of the passport and visa. MoSE sends circular instructions to universities at the beginning of the academic year.
The Republic of Azerbaijan and several local universities offer scholarships and financial aid. The Azerbaijan Scholarship Program is available for citizens of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement. More information can be found at studyinazerbaijan.edu.az.
For further inquiries, please contact us at info@bsu.edu.az or iso@bsu.edu.az.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
