Azerbaijan (AZ)

Oil-rich Caspian nation blending ancient heritage with a modern capital, offering low living costs, a strategic Silk Road location, and a rapidly growing expat community in energy, diplomacy, and tech sectors.

Capital: Baku

Region: Europe

Language: Azerbaijani

Currency: AZN (₼)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 35)

Emergency: 112

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Azerbaijan.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Uşaq bağçası (State Kindergarten) ₼10–30/month (heavily subsidised)

Age: 2–6 years

Subsidy available

State kindergartens are heavily subsidised and nominally free or very low cost for residents. TRP holders can enrol children at state kindergartens. Quality varies significantly — most are Azerbaijani-language only.

Contact your local District Education Department (Rayon Təhsil Şöbəsi) with birth certificate (apostilled and translated), TRP, and parents' documents. Azerbaijani translation of birth certificate required.

⏱️ Demand exceeds supply in central Baku — register with the local District Education Department as early as possible. State kindergarten places are allocated by residential address.

Private Kindergarten / Preschool ₼300–800/month

Age: 1–6 years

Apply directly to the school. Bring birth certificate (apostilled and translated into Azerbaijani), passport copies, TRP. Some require a readiness assessment for children over 3.

⏱️ Apply 3–6 months in advance for the better private preschools in Baku. International-curriculum nurseries (British, American) are in high demand.

🏫 Schools

Primary Free

İbtidai məktəb

Ages: 6–10 years (grades 1–4) · Language: Azerbaijani

Apply to the local state school via the District Education Department. Required: birth certificate (apostilled and translated), passport and TRP for parents, proof of address. Schools are assigned by district.

State schooling is free and compulsory. Instruction is in Azerbaijani — children with no prior Azerbaijani may struggle initially. Most expat families opt for international schools. Russian-medium sections exist in some Baku schools.

Secondary Free

Orta məktəb

Ages: 10–17 years (grades 5–11) · Language: Azerbaijani

Continue at the assigned state school or transfer with a request to the District Education Department. Bring school reports (officially translated), birth certificate, and TRP.

State secondary schools follow the Azerbaijani national curriculum. University entrance is via the State Student Admission Commission (TQDK, tqdk.gov.az) centralised exam. Most expat teenagers attend international schools.

International Schools

Baku has several well-regarded international schools. Baku International School (BIS) and European Azerbaijan School (EAS) follow British curricula and IB programmes. The British School of Baku (BSB) offers British National Curriculum from early years to Year 13. Little Star International School serves younger children. Fees: ₼10,000–25,000/year (USD 6,000–15,000). Most international schools require application 3–6 months in advance and operate long waiting lists for popular year groups.

University

Tuition fee

State universities: ₼800–3,000/year for international students. Private universities: ₼2,000–8,000/year. Azerbaijan University (AzU), UNEC, ADA University (English medium, premium), Khazar University are the main private English-language options.

Semester fee

₼50–200/semester administrative fee, depending on institution.

Student visa

Foreign students need a student visa (student residence permit) — apply through the State Migration Service after receiving a university acceptance letter. The university typically assists with the application process.

Health insurance

Not mandatory via a state scheme. International students should carry private health insurance for Azerbaijan. University student cards do not grant public health coverage.

Application process

Apply directly to the university. Foreign students need an invitation letter from the Azerbaijani university to apply for a student visa. ADA University has its own competitive entrance process. State university admission via TQDK (tqdk.gov.az) for domestic-equivalent applicants.

🗣️ Language Courses

Azerbaijani Language Course

Provider: Baku Slavic University, private language centres, ASAN Service (basic) · Duration: 2–6 months · Levels: Beginner to intermediate

₼100–400 per course

Azerbaijani is a Turkic language closely related to Turkish. Basic Azerbaijani is very helpful for daily life outside expat circles. No state mandatory language course for expats exists.

Russian Language Course

Provider: Private language schools and tutors in Baku · Duration: 1–4 months · Levels: A1 to B2

₼80–300 per course

Russian is widely spoken in Baku among older residents and in some business contexts. Useful in markets, with certain service workers, and in interactions with Armenian, Georgian, or CIS neighbours.

English Language Course (IELTS/TOEFL Preparation)

Provider: British Council Azerbaijan, private schools (Akademiya, Azərbaycan Dillər Universiteti) · Duration: 2–6 months · Levels: B1 to C2

₼200–800 per course

IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by Azerbaijani universities and some employers. British Council Azerbaijan (britishcouncil.org.az) offers official IELTS tests in Baku.

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