Baku State University (BSU) is Azerbaijan’s oldest and largest university, holding distinguished academic standing across the entire region. In this guide, Albatoul Group presents a detailed profile of the university, drawn primarily from the university’s own official sources, to serve as a complete and accurate reference for any international student considering applying.
A Brief History
Baku State University was founded on September 1, 1919, by decision of the Parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, making it the country’s oldest higher education institution. The university began with just four faculties (History and Philology, Physics and Mathematics, Law, and Medicine), and its first rector was the renowned surgeon V. I. Razumovsky.
Notably, both Azerbaijan Medical University and Azerbaijan State University of Economics originated as departments within Baku State University before becoming independent universities — reflecting this university’s foundational role across Azerbaijan’s entire education system. The university previously carried the name “Azerbaijan State University” from 1924 to 1991.
Among the university’s most notable graduates is the late Azerbaijani president Heydar Aliyev, alongside numerous other prominent political, scientific, and literary figures in the country’s history.
Academic Structure and Scale
According to official data, the university currently comprises:
- 16 main faculties
- More than 25,000 students (including branches, affiliated colleges, and research institutes)
- More than 3,000 faculty and staff members, more than half of whom are professors and lecturers
- More than 120 partner universities worldwide, and students from more than 40 countries
The university participates in well-known international exchange programs such as Erasmus+ KA107 and the Mevlana Program, and offers more than 12 double degree programs in partnership with universities in the United States, Germany, France, Israel, Switzerland, and Kazakhstan.
⚠️ Additional international accreditation: the university received a full 5-star QS Stars rating (“Excellent”), a global rating reflecting its strong performance in teaching, employability, academic development, and international outlook.
Available Specialties for International Students: Duration and Tuition
The university offers roughly 72 bachelor’s programs across 16 faculties, in addition to Master’s, PhD, and Doctor of Science programs. Standard duration is 4 years for Bachelor’s and 2-3 years for Master’s, depending on the field.
According to the official foreign student tuition table published on the university’s website (in Azerbaijani Manat), here’s a representative sample of the main specialties:
| Specialty | Level | Approximate Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Education fields (teaching Azerbaijani, Biology, Geography, etc.) | Bachelor’s | Roughly $1,500 USD |
| Philology (Arabic, English, French, German, Turkish, Persian, Chinese) | Bachelor’s | Roughly $1,500 USD |
| International Relations | Bachelor’s | Roughly $2,500 USD |
| Business Administration | Bachelor’s | Roughly $2,500 USD |
| Economy, Finance, and Management | Bachelor’s | Roughly $2,500 USD |
| Psychology | Bachelor’s | Roughly $2,000 USD |
| Law (the highest-priced specialty) | Bachelor’s | Roughly $3,500 USD |
| Computer Science | Bachelor’s | Roughly $1,500 USD |
| Chemical and Geological Engineering | Bachelor’s | Roughly $1,500 USD |
| Humanities, Social Sciences, and International Relations | Master’s | Roughly $1,500-$2,000 USD |
| Law | Master’s | Roughly $3,500 USD |
⚠️ A note on the source: the figures above are drawn from the official table published on the university’s website (in Azerbaijani Manat, approximately converted to USD), the most recent publicly available list. Since tuition is subject to annual updates, we recommend confirming the current official figure for your specific program directly with us before applying. The complete table includes more than 70 different specialties across education, languages, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and economics.
Admission Requirements and Required Documents
According to the official foreign student admissions page, applicants must submit:
- A valid passport, with at least one year and six months of validity remaining from the application submission date.
- The educational document (high school certificate or equivalent), legalized with an apostille, including a full transcript of subjects and grades, with a notarized translation into Azerbaijani.
- A medical certificate confirming the applicant is free of HIV infection and Hepatitis B and C viruses.
- A certificate of proficiency in the language of instruction (if available).
- Copies of any honors, awards, or additional diplomas (if available).
⚠️ Important note: the university explicitly states that a foreign national holding a permanent residence permit issued by Azerbaijan’s Migration Service, as well as holders of dual Azerbaijani citizenship, cannot apply through the foreign student pathway — instead, they are subject to the standard State Examination Commission exam system, the same as local students.
University Housing: Full Details
According to the official accommodation policy published on the university’s website, Baku State University provides a modern five-story dormitory, with a total area of 5,100 square meters, designed to accommodate 220 students across 104 fully furnished bedrooms.
The dormitory building includes a range of amenities, most notably:
- Spacious guest lounges
- A reading hall with a library, and an electronically equipped meeting room
- A dining room, with kitchens on every floor
- Laundry and ironing facilities
- A fully equipped first-aid room
- A relaxation area, and a designated space for sports equipment
- A small shop for daily needs
- A specially designed mansard roof for leisure time, surrounded by green spaces and fruit trees
The dormitory is located just 300 meters from the university’s main building, making daily commuting easy for students.
⚠️ To confirm the availability of vacancies specifically for international students in the dormitory and the exact accommodation cost, we recommend contacting us directly and reserving your spot early before the registration deadline.
Why Choose Baku State University?
- Historical prestige: the country’s oldest university, having graduated heads of state and prominent scientists.
- Large academic scale: 16 faculties and more than 70 bachelor’s specialties, offering students wide-ranging options.
- Strong international accreditation: a full 5-star QS Stars rating, and partnerships with more than 120 universities worldwide.
- A genuinely international environment: students from more than 40 countries, and double degree programs with prestigious universities.
- A modern, fully equipped dormitory, close to campus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baku State University
When was Baku State University founded? It was founded on September 1, 1919, by decision of the Parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, making it the country’s oldest university.
How many specialties does the university offer? The university offers roughly 72 bachelor’s specialties across 16 faculties, in addition to Master’s and PhD programs.
How much does tuition cost at Baku State University? Tuition varies significantly by specialty, ranging roughly between $1,500 USD per year (for education and general science fields) and $3,500 USD per year (for Law, the highest-priced specialty).
Is there dormitory housing for international students? Yes, the university has a modern dormitory accommodating 220 students, just 300 meters from the main campus, equipped with comprehensive amenities.
Is Baku State University internationally accredited? Yes, the university received a full 5-star QS Stars rating, and is part of an extensive international partnership network comprising more than 120 universities worldwide.
Choosing the right specialty among more than 70 programs available at Baku State University requires a careful assessment of your needs and budget. The Albatoul Group team is ready to help you with this choice and clarify every official detail available before you make your decision.
