Baku State University

Baku State University (BDU) is Azerbaijan's oldest and largest university, founded in 1919. It offers a Language Preparation Course plus Bachelor's and Master's programs across sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Language Preparation Course

• Language Preparation Course (2 semesters, 12 months) — Tuition: 1,500 $ ·

Bachelor Programs

Programs shown without a listed price are 1,500 $

• Biology — Tuition: 1,500 $

• Biotechnology — Tuition: 2,000 $

• Chemical Engineering — Tuition: 1,500 $

• Chemistry — Tuition: 1,500 $

• Computer Science — Tuition: 1,500 $

• Ecology — Tuition: 1,500 $

• Economics — Tuition: 2,500 $

• Finance — Tuition: 2,500 $

• Geology and Geophysical Engineering — Tuition: 1,500 $

• History — Tuition: 1,500 $

• International Relations — Tuition: 2,500 $

• Journalism — Tuition: 1,500 $

• Law — Tuition: 3,500 $

• Library and Information Science — Tuition: 1,500 $

• Mathematics — Tuition: 1,500 $

• Mathematics Teaching — Tuition: 1,500 $

• Physics — Tuition: 1,500 $

• Physics Teaching — Tuition: 1,500 $

• Psychology — Tuition: 2,000 $

• Regional Studies (America) — Tuition: 1,500 $

• Social Work — Tuition: 2,000 $

• Sociology — Tuition: 1,500 $

• State and Public Relations — Tuition: 2,500 $

• Tourism Management — Tuition: 1,500 $

Master Programs

• Mechanics and Mathematics

• Applied Mathematics and Cybernetics

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Ecology and Soil Science

• Geography

• Geology

• Philology

• History

• Journalism

• Oriental Studies

• Library Information

• Social Sciences and Psychology — Tuition: 2,000 $

• International Relations — Tuition: 2,000 $

• Law — Tuition: 3,500 $

Baku State University admission 2026: who can apply as an international student

Welcome to Baku State University! If you are wondering whether you are eligible to apply as an international student, the rules depend on your citizenship and residency status. Foreign citizens, stateless persons, and those with officially recognized refugee status can apply, provided they do not hold dual citizenship. Admission is determined by citizenship, not ethnicity or where you completed school.

Please note that if you hold dual citizenship (Azerbaijani and another country), your foreign citizenship is not recognized, and you must apply through the State Examination Center. Similarly, foreign citizens with a permanent residence permit in Azerbaijan take the State Examination Center exams and are not admitted under international student rules.

Required documents

When preparing your application to Baku State University, you must gather several key documents to ensure a smooth submission process. The required paperwork includes:

• An application addressed to the university administration or Rector specifying your chosen major, language of instruction, and mode of study.

• A notarized copy of your educational certificates and transcripts, including completed courses and grades, legalized or apostilled as required, with an Azerbaijani translation.

• A health certificate proving you are free from HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

• A valid border crossing document or a scanned copy of your passport photo page valid for more than one year and six months from submission.

• Six photos measuring 3x4 cm taken in the last six months.

• Proof of language proficiency and copies of any awards or diplomas, if available.

How to apply to BSU: step by step

Applying to Baku State University is designed to be straightforward through electronic channels. Follow these steps to complete your submission:

1. Check your eligibility as a foreign citizen and prepare all required educational, medical, and personal documents.

2. Submit your application electronically through the official BSU Education Portal, addressing it to the university administration or Rector with your chosen program and language.

3. Wait for the BSU International Admissions Committee to evaluate your application and assess your language skills and academic readiness.

4. Receive your notification of results from the Admissions Committee.

5. If successful, receive your official admission letter and prepare to submit your original documents upon arrival for registration.

Application dates for 2026

Planning your timeline is essential for joining Baku State University. 2026 dates are announced by BSU each spring; for reference the 2025 window was 13 May – 31 August 2025.

Applications and document evaluations are processed online during the active application window. Be sure to monitor the official BSU website or contact the BSU International Admissions Committee to confirm the exact announcement of the upcoming application period so you do not miss your chance to apply.

Language of instruction and readiness assessment

At Baku State University, your academic readiness and language skills are carefully assessed. Under the relevant regulations, the university is responsible for evaluating foreign students to ensure they meet the required standards.

If you are continuing with the same language of instruction, you may be exempt from language proficiency tests if you previously studied at an Azerbaijani educational institution or graduated from a qualifying institution in your home country. If your language or subject knowledge is deemed insufficient, the university may consider allowing you to repeat preparatory courses.

Tuition discounts and scholarships

Baku State University is committed to promoting global education and inclusivity by offering financial support mechanisms. BSU offers partial or full tuition fee waivers, scholarships, and grants based on academic merit and financial need for talented students from low and lower-middle-income countries.

Additionally, special tuition fee discounts are available for students from countries like Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who demonstrate strong academic performance. State educational grants are also available for citizens of countries in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement through the study in Azerbaijan portal. The fees on this page are a guide; confirm the current amount with BSU before paying.

After admission: originals and residence registration

Once you are accepted into Baku State University, there are important administrative steps to complete upon arrival. You must submit your original documents in person as required by law for registration.

Additionally, foreign students must submit a copy of the document confirming their residence in Azerbaijan within 90 days of the formalization of their admission. For students whose primary purpose is education, the Ministry of Science and Education assists by submitting a request to the State Migration Service to help you obtain your temporary residence permit.