Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

Baku State University Expands Financial Aid Opportunities for Students

Baku State University (BSU) has announced an expanded range of financial aid programs designed to support academic excellence and ensure equal access to education for all students. The university will provide both merit-based and need-based scholarships, as well as other forms of financial assistance, to recognize outstanding performance and assist students facing financial or social challenges.

Under the new framework, financial aid will be available in the following cases:

• Students demonstrating high academic achievement based on national entrance exam results;

• Students whose one or both parents are employed at Baku State University;

• Families with two or more students simultaneously enrolled at BSU;

• Students from the families of national martyrs;

• Students from the families of individuals disabled during the Garabagh war;

• Students who have lost both parents;

• Students who lose one parent during their period of study;

• Graduates of the BSU Lyceum or BSU College continuing their education at the university;

• BSU alumni pursuing further studies at their alma mater.

BSU as a body, provides a comprehensive system of support for students from low-income families to help them successfully complete their education. This support framework includes financial, housing, and social assistance measures aligned with national equity policies and the university’s own Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) Action Plan.

Key support measures include:

• Financial Assistance:
  BSU offers tuition-free education under the state-funded admission scheme (state order system), which prioritizes applicants from low-income families. The university also provides monthly social stipends, hardship grants, and need-based scholarships through initiatives such as the Student Support Fund and programs supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

• Housing Support:
  Students from economically disadvantaged households, orphans, and children of martyrs are given priority access to university dormitories. BSU also subsidizes dormitory accommodation fees for students with verified financial hardship.

• Food Assistance:
  The university cafeteria offers discounted meal options for students on social stipends, ensuring access to affordable daily nutrition.

• Transportation Support:
  BSU collaborates with local authorities to ensure discounted or free public transportation passes for students with state-funded status and those facing financial challenges.

• Legal and Counseling Services:
  The Student Affairs and Legal Support Office provides free legal consultation and administrative support to students from vulnerable backgrounds. In addition, the Counseling and Psychological Support Center offers ongoing academic, emotional, and career guidance.

• Digital and Learning Support:
  BSU ensures that low-income students have free access to digital learning resources, online platforms, and library services.

Through these combined measures, BSU upholds its mission to ensure that no student is deprived of education due to financial constraints. These initiatives directly contribute to the university’s commitments under Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

This initiative reaffirms Baku State University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment, supporting talented and deserving students, and upholding its mission to contribute to the social and educational development of Azerbaijan.