In recent years, one of the topical issues in our country is master's education. Many in our society believe that pursuing a master's degree is a waste of time because it does not differ significantly from bachelor's education. Opinions, of course, vary. Many, however, do not agree with this view.
However, in reality, a slight increase in the number of applicants for master's programs is observed every year. The first attempt examination for master's programs will be held on February 15.
Information regarding the admission plan for the master's level for the 2024-2025 academic year is included in the “Abituriyent 12” journal prepared by the State Examination Center. The journal notes that the largest number of admission plan places has been allocated to Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) - 2480 places.
Following in terms of the number of plan places are Azerbaijan Technical University (2063 places), Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (1502 places), Baku State University (1436 places), and Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (1077 places).
In total, 15,902 plan places were allocated to the master's level of higher education institutions last year. Of these places, 10,994 (69 percent) are for the Azerbaijani section. 7601 places (47.8 percent) are designated for competition.
The number of places admitted based on state order is 4065, which constitutes 40.5 percent of the total admission plan. Of the state order places, 1691 (41.6 percent) are allocated to education specialties, and 680 (16.7 percent) to healthcare specialties.
Furthermore, the proportion of plan places for the Azerbaijani section has increased from 66.39 percent to 69.05 percent compared to last year. The share of the Russian section decreased from 5.55 percent to 4.78 percent, and the share of joint competition places for both sections decreased from 28.06 percent to 26.17 percent.
It is known that master's education is available in many universities in our country. However, the quality of education is not at the same level in all of them.
AzEdu.az for this reason has interviewed experts about the higher education institutions offering the best master's education among Azerbaijani universities.
According to Dr. of Philosophy, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Society of Young Scientists, Doctoral Students, and Master's Students, Ilgar Orujov's opinion, the higher education institutions offering the best master's education by specialization are:
"When discussing the quality of education at the master's level in Azerbaijan, I believe we should focus on important indicators that differentiate educational quality. That is, evaluating higher education institutions based on both their position in international rankings and their reputation in the labor market for specific fields of study makes our approach more objective. In Azerbaijan, of course, there are universities distinguished by their quality education at the master's level:
Azerbaijan State University of Economics is the country's leading university in the field of economics and business. Admissions are conducted for 19 specialties and 56 specializations. The UNEC Business School ranks first in the country for its MBA program and is positioned 56th in international rankings. The university offers dual degree programs, and one of the most important aspects is the employment rate of graduates, which is slightly above 89 percent.
At the same time, Baku State University is one of the higher education institutions with the strongest foundation in fundamental sciences, law, and humanities. One of the main reasons for this is the university's rich history and established scientific traditions. For a long time, the concept of “university” in the country was associated specifically with Baku State University. The university's foundation and history have created conditions for the formation of a strong scientific base in fundamental sciences, law, and humanities. It can be noted that the university's indicators in these areas are high, and dual degree programs are also implemented.
I would evaluate ADA University as the next university. It offers education in accordance with international standards and an English-speaking environment. The university's international cooperation, dual degree programs, and internship opportunities created for students during their studies are extremely important. It can be considered one of the most prestigious universities, especially in terms of master's programs in public administration, diplomacy, and international relations.
As the fourth university, Baku Higher Oil School can be mentioned. As a result of close cooperation with SOCAR and international energy companies, the employment rate of graduates is quite high. It provides quality master's education in automation, oil and gas engineering, and renewable energy fields.
At the same time, Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University also offers quite good opportunities in these directions. Master's education, as we know, should not be limited to teaching alone but must also have a strong base for scientific research - laboratories, a research environment, and technical capabilities. These are extremely important factors.
Considering indicators such as connection with the labor market, research environment, quality education, dual degree programs, international cooperation, and the employment rate of graduates, I believe that the universities I have mentioned are indeed distinguished higher education institutions.
That is, when speaking of quality master's education in fundamental sciences and law, Baku State University; in diplomacy and international management, ADA University; in business and finance specializations, Azerbaijan State University of Economics; and in engineering fields, Baku Higher Oil School and Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University can be distinguished as good examples"-our interviewee noted.
English language teacher Gunay Akbarova, Secretary of the Public Council under the Ministry of Science and Education, spoke to AzEdu.az on the topic.
She noted that the concept of “best university” for master's studies is not the same for everyone:
"When answering this question, I want to particularly emphasize one point: the quality of education at the master's level depends not only on the university's name but also heavily on the program's content, academic staff, research environment, and the student's own motivation. Therefore, it would not be correct to present one higher education institution as “the best” and another as “weak.” Nevertheless, there are higher education institutions in Azerbaijan that stand out for their quality in master's education and have an established academic reputation in society.
Among the capital's universities, Baku State University, Azerbaijan State University of Economics, Azerbaijan Technical University, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, and Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University are traditionally known for their master's level programs that are both research-oriented and based on practical skills. In these universities, the scientific supervision system, international collaborations, and academic environment create real opportunities for the development of master's students".
University names open doors, but it is still the student who walks the path:
"At the same time, the role of regional universities has particularly strengthened in recent years, and this needs to be stated openly. For example, Karabakh University, despite its recent formation, attracts attention with its modern approach, updated programs, and motivated academic staff. Mingachevir State University stands out with master's programs aligned with regional development and applied research. Sumgayit State University is among the higher education institutions that are gradually strengthening their master's programs in industrial, educational, and social fields. Furthermore, Ganja State University, Lankaran State University, and Nakhchivan State University also possess significant potential in master's education within their respective fields.
Finally, let me sincerely say: the concept of “best university” for master's studies is not the same for everyone. For some, a strong scientific school is important; for others, practical knowledge; and for yet others, studying in a region and creating a real impact. The main thing is the quality of the chosen program, the level of the scientific supervisor, and how seriously the student takes this process. University names open doors, but it is still the student who walks the path".
