Education and Schools in Azerbaijan

Expat parents have several options when it comes to education and schools in Azerbaijan. While public schools offer a decent education, the language barrier makes them impractical for most foreign families. Instead, you’ll likely choose from Baku’s growing international schools, take advantage of Azerbaijan’s legal homeschooling options, or send your children to boarding school back home.

The education system in Azerbaijan has transformed over the last decades. The Ministry of Education oversees a structure featuring optional pre-primary education, nine years of compulsory basic education, and two years of upper secondary education.

Higher education comprises Bachelor’s (four years), Master’s (two years) and Doctorate (three years) degrees. Both state and private universities exist, with Baku State University and Azerbaijan State Oil Academy standing as premier institutions.

Public schools in Azerbaijan

Public schools in Azerbaijan have mandatory attendance for children between 6 and 15 years old. The education system splits into three stages: primary education (Grades 1 to 4, ages 6 to 10), general secondary education (Grades 5 to 9, ages 10 to 15), and full secondary education (Grades 10 to 11, ages 15 to 17). Students sit exams at the end of Grade 9 to receive a certificate for advancing to higher education.

The school year runs from September to June. Classes are taught primarily in Azerbaijani, but some public schools teach in Russian. The government supplies all required textbooks to public schools free of charge.

While Azerbaijan enjoys good literacy rates and decent public schools, expats typically avoid them due to the language barrier.

Language and Culture in Azerbaijan

Private schools in Azerbaijan

Private schools in Azerbaijan have expanded in both number and quality, supported by international groups and large corporations. These schools blend curricula, with some following Azerbaijan’s national programme while others employ international teaching approaches.

Fees will be much higher than public school costs, but your child will benefit from smaller classes, more after-school activities, and teaching tailored to individual needs. Most private schools operate under licences from the Ministry of Education, meeting national standards while delivering extra benefits.

International schools in Azerbaijan

International schools in Azerbaijan deliver high-quality education with various global curricula. Baku hosts several excellent options. These schools charge substantial fees, so check that your expat package covers these educational costs.

Unlike local schools, international schools typically run on different calendars, following their home country schedules rather than Azerbaijan’s September-to-June term.

Each school maintains its own entry requirements and process, so contact them directly for specifics. Spaces fill quickly, so begin your applications early – well before arriving in Azerbaijan – to secure a place for your child.

Best International Schools in Azerbaijan 

Nurseries in Azerbaijan

Nurseries in Azerbaijan cater to children from birth to age six, although pre-school isn’t mandatory. Few Azerbaijani children attend pre-school. The system includes nurseries for children under three, kindergartens for ages up to five or six, and school preparation classes.

Expats in Baku will find plenty of childcare choices. Private nurseries operate throughout the capital, many featuring English-language programmes. Several international schools also run their own daycare centres and early learning programmes, creating a smooth transition when your child reaches school age.

Homeschooling in Azerbaijan

Homeschooling in Azerbaijan is fully legal and recognised by the country’s education system. The Education Act of 2009 established both ‘home education’ and ‘individual learning’ as valid educational paths in the country.

This approach gives an alternative to traditional classrooms when they don’t suit your child’s learning style or family circumstances. With public schools’ language challenges and costly international schools, homeschooling strikes a practical balance between quality, affordability, and adaptability.

Bear in mind that for official recognition, your child must take exams supervised by Ministry of Education officials. This ensures your teaching meets national standards while allowing you freedom in your teaching methods and curriculum choices.

Special educational needs in Azerbaijan

There are some recent government programmes to support special educational needs in Azerbaijan. The government has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and launched the State Programme on Development of Inclusive Education in the Azerbaijan Republic for 2018–2024, showing a commitment to improving inclusive education.

Despite these policy advances, actual services remain thin on the ground. Many teachers lack proper training for working with children with disabilities, and schools struggle with inadequate facilities and learning resources.

Some international schools in Baku provide better support for special educational needs, with learning support services, but these programmes remain limited. To determine if schools can accommodate your child’s specific needs, contact them directly and speak with other expat parents who’ve faced similar situations.

Tutors in Azerbaijan

Hiring a tutor in Azerbaijan can help ease your transition as an expat. You can hire language tutors to learn Azerbaijani, while your children get targeted help with school subjects outside regular class hours.

Finding tutors has become straightforward with online platforms growing across the country. Sites like Preply, TeacherOn, and Tutoroo list tutors for numerous subjects and languages. Most deliver online lessons, connecting you with teachers from Azerbaijan and worldwide.

For face-to-face tutoring, networking through expat forums, school parent groups, and local contacts works best. This approach uncovers tutors with experience helping expat families and understanding their unique educational requirements in the Azerbaijani context.

Useful links

• Preply: Azerbaijani Language Tutors in Baku
• TeacherOn: Online Tutors in Azerbaijan
• Tutoroo: Find Azerbaijani Tutors in Baku