Azerbaijan Education System & Credential Evaluation

A guide to the Azerbaijan education system and how your credentials compare to US standards for immigration, university admissions, and employment.

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Overview of the Azerbaijani Education System

Azerbaijan operates an 11-year system of general education. The Ministry of Education is responsible for all levels of schooling. Following independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan has modernized its education system and joined the Bologna Process in 2005. Azerbaijani (Azeri) is the official language of instruction. The academic year runs from September to June.

Structure of the Education System

Primary Education — 4 Years (Ages 6–10, Grades 1–4)

Compulsory. Covers Azerbaijani language, Mathematics, Natural Science, Arts, and Physical Education.

Basic General Education — 5 Years (Ages 10–15, Grades 5–9)

Compulsory. Expanded curriculum. Culminates in the Certificate of Basic General Education after state examinations.

Complete Secondary Education — 2 Years (Ages 15–17, Grades 10–11)

Students prepare for university entrance. Culminates in the Certificate of Complete Secondary Education (Attestat) and the State Graduation Examination (Buraxılış İmtahanı). University admission is through the State Student Admissions Commission (TQDK).

University Education

Bachelor's degrees take 4 years. Master's degrees are 2 years. PhD programs are 3 years. Baku State University is the flagship institution. Azerbaijan has implemented Bologna Process reforms.

Grade Conversion Scale for Azerbaijan

Grade Scale	Description	US Equivalent
5 (Excellent)	Əla	A
4 (Good)	Yaxşı	B
3 (Satisfactory)	Kafi	C
2 (Unsatisfactory)	Qeyri-kafi	F

Key Credentials

Certificate of Basic General Education — Grade 9 completion
Certificate of Complete Secondary Education (Attestat) — Grade 11 completion; equivalent to a US high school diploma
Bachelor's Degree (Bakalavr) — 4 years
Master's Degree (Magistr) — 2 years

US Equivalency of Azerbaijan Credentials

The Certificate of Complete Secondary Education (Attestat) is equivalent to a US high school diploma
A 4-year Bakalavr is equivalent to a US Bachelor's degree
A Magistr is equivalent to a US Master's degree
A Soviet-era Diplom Specialista (5 years) is generally equivalent to a US Master's degree

Why You Need a Credential Evaluation

A formal credential evaluation is required for US university admissions, employment-based immigration petitions (H-1B, EB-1A, EB2-NIW, O-1, L-1), and professional licensing.

If your documents are in Azerbaijani

All Azerbaijan academic documents must be accompanied by certified English translations. Evaluation World offers Azerbaijani-to-English translation services combined with your evaluation order.