Nakhchivan State University (NSU) is the most affordable option among internationally recognized Azerbaijani universities for studying Medicine, making it an increasingly popular choice for international students seeking documented educational quality on a limited budget. In this guide, Albatoul Group presents a detailed profile of the university, drawn primarily from its official website (ndu.edu.az), to serve as an accurate reference for any international student considering applying.
⚠️ Important note to avoid confusion: there are two entirely separate universities in the city of Nakhchivan: Nakhchivan State University (NSU), the subject of this article, the public institution recognized by the World Health Organization and listed on WDOMS, and Nakhchivan University (NU), a completely separate private entity. Always confirm you’re dealing with the correct (public/state) institution before enrolling or paying any fees.
A Brief History
The university was founded in 1967 as a branch of the Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute, with an initial student body of just 102 students and a staff of only 3 people. In 1972, the branch became independent from its parent institute, and in 1990 it was officially transformed into the fully independent “Nakhchivan State University.”
In 2002, by decree of the late Azerbaijani president Heydar Aliyev, the university was granted self-governance and administrative independence. The university has also been awarded the title of “Millennium University” by the Club of European Rectors, in recognition of its development in international relations and scientific research.
Academic Structure and Scale
According to the university’s official website, it currently comprises:
- 10 faculties, one deanery, and one graduate studies center
- More than 80 bachelor’s specialties, and 79 master’s and doctoral specializations
- Roughly 7,000 students, including more than 1,000 international students, primarily from Turkey, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt
- Roughly 700 faculty members
The ten faculties are: History and Philology, Economics and Management, Foreign Languages, Physics and Mathematics, Architecture and Engineering, Natural Sciences and Agriculture, Medicine, Pedagogy, Art, and International Relations and Law.
⚠️ International memberships: the university is a member of the Union of Universities of the Caucasus Region, the Association of Asian Universities, the Club of European Rectors, and the Union of Universities of the Black Sea Basin Countries, and has participated in the Erasmus Mundus program since 2012.
Faculty of Medicine: Structure and Specialties
Following a restructuring carried out in 2020, the university’s Faculty of Medicine now comprises four main departments:
- Basic Medical Sciences (Human Anatomy, Normal Physiology, Cytology, Embryology, Histology, Medical Biology and Genetics, Microbiology, Pathological Anatomy, Pathological Physiology)
- General Medicine and Clinical Subjects
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy and Biochemistry
Available Specialties for International Students: Duration and Tuition
| Specialty | Duration | Approximate Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| General Medicine (MD) | 6 years (including internship) | Roughly $3,500 USD, including dormitory accommodation |
| Dentistry | Roughly 5 years | We recommend direct confirmation of the exact fee |
| Pharmacy | Roughly 5 years | We recommend direct confirmation of the exact fee |
| Other bachelor’s specialties (80+ fields) | Typically 4 years | Starting from roughly $1,000 USD per year |
⚠️ A note on the fee structure: according to sources specialized in international admissions, the published annual fee for the Medicine program (roughly 6,000 Azerbaijani Manat, or about $3,500) includes both tuition and dormitory accommodation together, making it one of the most affordable internationally recognized Medicine programs in the entire region. Additional one-time administrative fees may apply (such as registration and translation fees) depending on the application channel used, so we recommend requesting an updated, detailed breakdown from our team before payment.
Admission Requirements
According to the general official admissions page:
- For bachelor’s programs: a high school diploma.
- For master’s programs: a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- For doctoral programs: a master’s degree.
- Language proficiency: for programs taught in Azerbaijani, proof of language proficiency is required; the university offers preparatory language courses for international students who need to raise their level.
- The university’s own entrance exam: some programs (such as the documented Tourism program example) require passing an internal entrance exam with a minimum score of 200, or submitting an IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 65+ certificate as an alternative.
Scholarships
International students have multiple funding pathways available:
- The Heydar Aliyev Government Scholarship: fully covers tuition, plus accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and flight tickets, available to citizens of OIC and NAM member countries, covering bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral programs, and Medicine.
- Internal university scholarships: partial fee waivers or financial stipends for academically outstanding or financially needy students, applied for directly through the university’s International Office.
International Recognition and Accreditation
- Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), and listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
- Recognized by India’s National Medical Commission (NMC), qualifying its Indian graduates to sit the FMGE exam.
- Recognized by Pakistan’s Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC/PMC), qualifying its Pakistani graduates to sit the local licensing exam.
University Housing
According to available sources, the published annual fee for the Medicine program implicitly includes dormitory accommodation as part of the total cost (roughly $3,500). Regarding precise details on dormitory capacity and amenities (comparable to what’s available for other universities we’ve covered), we were unable to find officially published data at the same level of detail as of this writing.
⚠️ We recommend contacting us directly for the latest dormitory details (capacity, amenities, and advance booking availability) before traveling.
Why Choose Nakhchivan State University?
- The most affordable internationally recognized medical option in Azerbaijan, with a fee that includes accommodation.
- Documented international accreditation (WHO, WDOMS, NMC, PM&DC).
- Wide academic diversity: more than 80 bachelor’s specialties across 10 faculties.
- Genuine scholarship opportunities, including the comprehensive Heydar Aliyev government scholarship.
- A less crowded environment compared to Baku, with generally lower living costs in the autonomous Nakhchivan region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nakhchivan State University
When was Nakhchivan State University founded? It was founded in 1967 as a branch of the Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute, became independent in 1972, was renamed to its current name in 1990, and received administrative self-governance in 2002.
How much does studying Medicine cost at Nakhchivan State University? Roughly $3,500 USD per year, including both tuition and dormitory accommodation, making it the most affordable internationally recognized medical option in Azerbaijan.
Is Nakhchivan State University internationally accredited? Yes, it’s recognized by the World Health Organization, listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), and recognized by India’s National Medical Commission and Pakistan’s Medical and Dental Council.
Is there another university with the same name in Nakhchivan? Yes, there’s a separate private “Nakhchivan University” (NU), an entirely distinct institution. This article covers Nakhchivan State University (NSU) specifically, so make sure not to confuse the two.
Are scholarships available for studying Medicine at the university? Yes, the Heydar Aliyev government scholarship covers the Medicine program as well, covering tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and health insurance, for citizens of OIC and NAM member countries.
Choosing the right university for your budget while maintaining internationally recognized accreditation quality requires careful comparison. The Albatoul Group team is ready to help you understand Nakhchivan State University’s precise fee structure, and confirm you’re dealing with the correct institution, before you decide.
