Online diplomas from foreign universities will not be recognized in Azerbaijan - OFFICIAL WARNING

A number of media outlets, advertisements by companies involved in international education, as well as publications by self-proclaimed "experts" on education are actively urging citizens to obtain higher education "online" — in full-time and part-time formats — without being physically present at foreign universities. At the same time, people are promised that the diplomas they receive will be officially recognized in Azerbaijan.

As reported by BAKU.WS, the Agency for Quality Assurance in Education of Azerbaijan (TKTA) has issued an official warning, exposing these promises as false.

The agency's statement emphasizes that TKTA does not cooperate with any company or individual in the field of international education, including diploma recognition procedures, and bears no responsibility for their activities.

According to the "Rules for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications of Foreign States," approved by Decree No. 2306 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated August 18, 2023, the recognition of foreign diplomas within the country is carried out exclusively for qualifications obtained formally through full-time and part-time forms of education based on traditional teaching methods. In other words, purely distance learning without physical presence in the country of the university is not subject to recognition.

Specific requirements for the duration of stay in the country of study

In accordance with subparagraphs 4.1.4 and 4.1.5 of the said Rules, for the recognition of qualifications in secondary specialized education, bachelor's degree (including basic higher medical education), and master's degree, the applicant is required to:

- be present on the territory of the country of study for at least half of the standard duration of study for the corresponding qualification during each academic year (for medical and healthcare specialties — for the entire standard duration);

- receive formal education based on traditional teaching methods for at least two-thirds of the academic period (for medical specialties — for the entire standard duration).

For full-time study, physical presence in the country of the university is required for a minimum of 4 months per academic year and at least 21 months in total for the entire period of study. For medical and healthcare specialties, presence is required throughout the entire standard duration of study. When this condition is met, the requirements of both subparagraphs are considered fulfilled.

As for part-time study, to meet the requirements of subparagraphs 4.1.4 and 4.1.5, the applicant must be present in the country of study for at least 25 days per academic year, and the said period must fall specifically within the academic term.

The Agency recommends that citizens familiarize themselves in detail with the aforementioned rules, as well as with the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section on the official TKTA website.

"In conclusion, we urge citizens wishing to obtain higher education abroad, as well as their family members, to take into account all the above-mentioned requirements," the agency's statement reads.