Deputy Minister of Science and Education, Hasan Hasanali, revealed a significant surge in international student enrollment in Azerbaijan in 2023, reaching a commendable count of 10,000. Hasanali, speaking passionately at the ‘Opportunities of International Education in Azerbaijan’ event, not only celebrated this achievement but also set an ambitious target for the country—to further increase this number in the coming two years.
Highlighting the recent exponential growth in international student numbers, Hasanali expressed a bold aspiration to elevate Azerbaijan’s hosting capacity to an impressive 75,000 international students by 2026. He underscored the crucial need for systematic and concerted efforts to realise this ambitious target, expressing confidence in the strategic steps that would profoundly shape the future landscape of education in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan’s educational landscape has already crossed the target of 60,000 total student enrollments, with an astounding 73 percent surge in international student numbers from 2022 to 2023. This remarkable growth owes itself to various factors, including the proactive scholarship initiatives extended by private universities to attract and support international students.
Presently, Azerbaijan proudly houses 33 higher education institutions, offering a diverse array of programmes catering to international students. Notable among these institutions are Baku State University, Azerbaijan State Oil, and Azerbaijan Medical University, which stand out as popular choices among the international student community. In the hope of further strengthening educational ties globally, Elmaddin Mehdiyev, head of the international development assistance department, actively engaged in a compelling forum discussion to advocate for education. Additionally, plans were highlighted to welcome and support 100 students from prestigious organisations such as the Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement, showcasing Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening a diverse and inclusive educational environment.
