News and Events
Comprehensive Report (2023-2024 Academic Year)
Report Date: 15 July 2024
1. Faculty and Staff Overview
1.1. Total Faculty Staff
Total Faculty Members (FTE): 3,316
Gender Distribution:
Male Faculty: 1,492 (45%)
Female Faculty: 1,824 (55%)
The gender diversity within the faculty, with a female majority, fosters varied perspectives in teaching and leadership roles.
1.2. International Faculty
International Faculty Members: 215 (6.5%) of the total faculty.
The presence of international faculty contributes to a culturally diverse academic environment and global perspectives in course delivery.
1.3. Faculty with PhDs
PhD-Holding Faculty: 2,885 (87% of total).
This high proportion of doctorate-qualified faculty underscores the institution’s commitment to research-led teaching and academic excellence.
2. Student Demographics and Outcomes
2.1. Undergraduate Students
Total Enrolled: 17,741 students (FTE)
International Undergraduates: 774 (4.4%)
Exchange Program Participation:
Inbound Students: 16
Outbound Students: 19
2.2. Graduate/Postgraduate Students
Total Enrolled: 1,824 students (FTE)
International Postgraduates: 224 (12.2%)
Exchange Program Participation:
Inbound Students: 27
Outbound Students: 47
2.3. Overall Student Population
Total Students: 19,565 (FTE), including 998 international students (5.1%).
The data reflects moderate diversity and opportunities for global engagement via exchange programs.
3. Student Retention and Completion Rates
3.1. Retention Rates
Undergraduate Retention: 99% of first-year students return for their second year.
This indicates a robust academic support system, a well-designed curriculum, and a positive learning environment.
3.2. Completion Rates
Undergraduate Completion Rates (2019-2024): 97–98% graduate within four years.
These exceptional rates suggest an effective teaching framework and student support system with minimal dropouts.
4. Student Satisfaction
4.1. Overall Satisfaction
Overall Satisfaction: 96.6%.
This reflects success in meeting student expectations across teaching, facilities, and support services.
4.2. Teaching Satisfaction
Teaching Satisfaction: 96%.
Students rate the quality of teaching highly, indicating strong faculty engagement, relevant curriculum design, and effective delivery.
5. Graduate Outcomes
5.1. Survey Responses
Surveyed Period: Graduates from 2022 and 2023
Undergraduate Respondents: 1,385 of 6,786 graduates (20.41% response rate).
5.2. Further Study or Employment (Undergraduates)
Full-Time Study: 590 graduates
Part-Time Study: 334 graduates
Other Outcomes: 461 (employed, military service, or health-related reasons)
Trend: 67% pursue further education, highlighting the institution’s strength in preparing students for advanced studies and competitive careers.
5.3. According to the graduate survey, 90% of respondents are employed in positions requiring higher education qualifications and aligned with their field of study. This reflects the institution's effectiveness in preparing graduates for specialized roles that leverage their academic expertise. Furthermore, the survey indicates an overall employability rate of 95%, underscoring the university's success in equipping students with the skills and competencies demanded by the job market.
5.4. The institution offers comprehensive career service support to guide students in achieving their professional aspirations. A dedicated team of 10 career advisors, strategically scaled to maintain a ratio of 1 advisor per 1,000 students, ensures personalized and accessible guidance.
To enhance career readiness, the university provides a range of development services. Students benefit from customized workshops and sessions tailored to improving interview skills, CV/resume writing, and crafting compelling cover letters. These services are instrumental in preparing students for competitive job markets and career opportunities.
The institution emphasizes direct engagement with potential employers through at least one on-campus career fair annually. These events foster valuable networking opportunities and expose students to diverse employment prospects. In addition, individual career advising sessions are available to offer students tailored guidance based on their unique goals and aspirations.
To complement these services, the university operates a state-of-the-art online career portal. This platform provides seamless access to job vacancies and an easy-to-use appointment system for scheduling sessions with career advisors. Through these robust support mechanisms, the institution ensures that students are well-prepared for their professional journeys.
6. Teaching Support Infrastructure
6.1. Learning Management System (LMS)
The university leverages an advanced LMS for teaching support, with the following features:
Accessibility: Mobile and remote access.
Interactive Tools: Facilitates collaboration and communication.
Program Integration: Adopted in over 90% of programs.
Analytics: Tracks student performance for personalized learning interventions.
Staff Training: Regular faculty training ensures optimal use of LMS tools.
7. International Support and Engagement
7.1. Exchange Program Data
Short-Term Exchange Students: 45
Outbound Students: 66
Inbound Students: 43
7.2. International Support Centre
Staffing: At least one full-time equivalent (FTE) employee.
Services Provided:
Immigration/visa assistance for students from 42 nationalities.
Language competency courses.
Scholarships for international students.
Events: Freshman Day, Buddy Program.
8. Membership in International Networks
The university is a full member of 12 prestigious organizations:
EURAS (Eurasian Universities Union) – Enhancing educational standards across Eurasia.
EUA (European University Association) – Representation in the Bologna Process and EU policies.
UNICA – Collaboration among universities in European capitals.
AASHE – Advancing sustainability in higher education.
WAITRO – Facilitating global innovation collaboration.
IAF – Advocacy in space science and technology.
EIFL – Supporting access to knowledge in developing countries.
BSUN – Fostering collaboration in the Black Sea Region.
FUIW – Cooperation among Islamic universities.
STAR-NET – Preserving nuclear technology knowledge.
Association of Higher Educational Institutions of Azerbaijan and Russia – Promoting joint research initiatives.
ELFA – Improving legal education quality across Europe.
9. Strengths in Teaching and Engagement
Qualified Faculty: 87% with PhDs.
High Satisfaction Rates: Over 96% satisfaction in teaching and overall experience.
Diversity: International faculty and students enrich the learning environment.
Technological Integration: LMS supports modern pedagogical methods.
Graduate Success: A significant number pursuing further studies or employment.
10. Recommendations for Improvement
Increase Graduate Survey Responses: Improve response rates through reminders and incentives.
Expand International Recruitment: Target regions to enhance student diversity.
Invest in Advanced Teaching Tools: Incorporate AI and personalized learning methods.
Refine Data Collection: Include postgraduate metrics for comprehensive evaluation.
Monitor Trends: Align curricula with global industry demands and standards.
Programs with Guaranteed Apprenticeships and Enrolled Students
This table outlines the number of students enrolled in various academic programs that offer guaranteed apprenticeships. These apprenticeships, organized by employers and universities, are designed to help graduates acquire the skills needed by the industry. They typically last longer than internships (often spanning one or more years), are always paid, and lead to a professional credential recognized in the field.
Programs: Archaeology, Classics, English Language and Literature, History, Linguistics, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Urban Planning.
Programs: Computer Science, Data Science and AI, Energy, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, General Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mineral and Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering.
Programs: Anthropology, Area Studies, Communication and Media Studies, Community Development, Criminology, Development Studies, Education and Training, Hospitality and Leisure Management, International Relations/Studies, Journalism, Law, Library and Information Management, Logistics/Supply Chain Management, Politics, Public Policy, Real Estate, Social Policy and Administration, Social Work, Sociology, Sports-Related Subjects, Statistics and Operational Research.
Programs: Agriculture, Anatomy and Physiology, Biological Sciences, Genetics, Psychology, Zoology.
Programs: Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth and Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Food Science, Geography, Geology, Geophysics, Materials Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, Sustainable Development.
Programs: Accounting and Finance, Business and Management Studies, Economics and Econometrics.
These apprenticeships are a distinctive feature of the university programs and are aimed at ensuring graduates possess the skills that employers seek. They not only provide financial support but also guarantee that the students acquire relevant industry experience, giving them a professional credential recognized by employers in their respective fields.
Apprenticeships typically last longer than internships, often spanning multiple years, and involve a paid experience that culminates in a professional certification. This stands in contrast to internships, which are usually shorter, may or may not be paid, and may not always lead to a formal credential.
Interships:
According to Azerbaijani legislation, internships are mandatory for all students as a requirement for graduation. This regulation ensures that students gain practical experience in their respective fields of study, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the job market. By completing an internship, students not only apply theoretical learning in real-world settings but also enhance their employability, making them more competitive in their chosen professions. This legislative requirement underscores the importance of bridging academic learning with practical, hands-on experience.
