Azerbaijan makes important statement on online education abroad
In a number of media outlets, in advertisements of companies engaged in education abroad, as well as in publications by individuals presenting themselves as "experts" in the field of education, citizens are being urged to obtain education at foreign universities in an online format without traveling to the country of study, in full-time and part-time forms, while promising subsequent recognition of the issued diplomas.
This is stated in a message from the press service of the Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (TKTA), which also notes the following: "TKTA does not cooperate with any companies or individuals providing services in the field of education abroad, including on issues of recognition of foreign diplomas, and is not responsible for their activities."
The agency also reported that recognition of foreign qualifications (confirmation of the validity in the territory of Azerbaijan of qualifications of higher education obtained in foreign countries) is currently carried out in accordance with the Rules for the Recognition of Qualifications of Higher Education of Foreign States, approved by Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 2306 dated August 18, 2023.
According to these rules, only qualifications obtained within the framework of formal education using traditional teaching methods in full-time or part-time form are subject to recognition.
According to subparagraph 4.1.4 of the Rules, for the recognition of qualifications corresponding to the levels of secondary specialized, bachelor's (including basic higher medical education) and master's education, the applicant must be on the territory of the country of study for at least half of the standard period of study during each academic year. For medical specialties and specialties in the field of healthcare, presence in the country of study is required throughout the entire standard period of study.
In accordance with subparagraph 4.1.5 of the Rules, at least two-thirds of the period of study in programs of secondary specialized, bachelor's (including basic higher medical education) and master's education must be devoted to formal education using traditional teaching methods. For medical and healthcare specialties, this requirement applies to the entire standard period of study.
Thus, to meet the requirements of subparagraphs 4.1.4 and 4.1.5 of the Rules, a student studying full-time must be on the territory of the country of study for at least four months in each academic year, and in total for the entire period of study - at least 21 months (for medical specialties and specialties in the field of healthcare - throughout the entire standard period of study). In this case, the requirements of both subparagraphs are considered fulfilled.
As for part-time education, to comply with the requirements of subparagraphs 4.1.4 and 4.1.5 of the Rules, the applicant must be in the country of study for at least 25 days in each academic year. Moreover, the specified period must fall directly during the educational process.
Additionally, citizens are recommended to familiarize themselves with the Rules for the Recognition of Qualifications of Higher Education of Foreign States, as well as the FAQ section on the official website, which contains answers to the most frequently asked questions.
TKTA calls on citizens planning to obtain higher education abroad, as well as their family members, to take these requirements into account when choosing an educational program and form of study.
