We recently hosted a live session as part of the Educational Bridge project, where we spoke with Dr. Aytakin Huseynova from ADA University. Based on that conversation, we’ve put together this article, highlighting key insights on academic programs, student life, scholarships, and the admissions process — everything you need to know to apply and thrive at ADA University.
Aytakin Huseynova, University Recruitment
About ADA University
Education has long been a key priority in Azerbaijan’s national development strategy. This focus led to the establishment of ADA University in 2006 in Baku. Originally founded as the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy, the university later expanded beyond diplomacy and international relations, introducing new academic programs, campuses, and international centers.
The main campus is located in the center of Baku and serves as the academic core of the university. At the same time, international expansion remains central to ADA’s strategy. On October 1 this year, the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Italy officially opened the Italian-Azerbaijani University, a new campus operating as part of ADA University. The project was developed in cooperation with five leading Italian universities and resulted in the creation of two additional faculties.
ADA University also maintains a strong presence in the United States through the ADA University Washington Center, which supports dual-degree programs and academic exchanges with George Washington University.
Today, the university employs 306 faculty members from more than 50 countries. All professors received their education abroad, and many are international or visiting faculty. ADA University hosts 288 international students and maintains partnerships with 189 universities worldwide.
Academic programs and international partnerships
ADA University operates seven schools and offers 35 academic programs. Undergraduate education is provided through six schools, while the School of Education offers master’s programs only.
At the bachelor’s level, programs include business, economics, finance, IT, engineering, international relations, public affairs, law, design, architecture, agriculture, and food sciences. A flagship initiative is the dual-degree program in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Politecnico di Torino, where students study in Italy for one semester and graduate with two diplomas.
All undergraduate programs are taught in English. Students who do not meet the required English level may enroll in a one-year Foundation Program focused on intensive language training, extending the total study period to five years.
Master’s programs are offered as either single-degree programs awarded by ADA University or dual-degree programs with international partners. Single-degree programs include diplomacy and international relations, public administration, MBA, human resource management, and education management and teaching. Dual-degree programs are offered in cooperation with universities such as the University of Bologna, LUISS Guido Carli University, MGIMO University, and George Washington University.
Student life and career development
Education at ADA University extends beyond academics. Students participate in numerous clubs, language courses, and cultural events. Over 50 active student clubs are fully student-led, reflecting interests from music and debate to law, business, and entrepreneurship. Students often spend most of their free time participating in these clubs and encouraging new students to join.
Every spring, ADA University hosts the Bahar Youth Festival, celebrating Azerbaijani culture and Nowruz. Students also organize an annual international festival, inviting participants from different countries and foreign embassies to showcase their cultures, wear traditional clothing, and share national traditions. The campus includes a large green park with a lake, accessible to students, faculty, and staff, as well as one of the largest libraries in the region in terms of electronic resources and subscriptions.
Career development is supported by the Career Services Center, which engages students from their first year through the Personal and Professional Development Program. This includes CV writing, networking, interview skills, and professional communication. Each year, around 200 local, international, and governmental organizations visit ADA University to recruit interns and graduates, providing students direct access to employment opportunities. Around 90% of students secure employment by their fourth year, thanks to mandatory summer internships.
Admissions and scholarships
The application period for scholarship candidates runs from January 15 to April 1. For self-funded applicants, deadlines extend to August 1 for bachelor’s programs and June 1 for master’s programs.
Applicants to bachelor’s programs must complete the online application form available on the ADA University website and upload the required documents: CV, photograph, passport copy, academic transcripts, and a motivation letter. Students still in their final year may submit an official school certificate confirming their status, along with grades from 9th, 10th, and the first semester of 11th grade. English certificates are optional at the application stage.
After reviewing applications, eligible candidates are invited to an interview in April. The interview is conducted in English and evaluates academic knowledge. Technical, IT, business, economics, and finance applicants are assessed in mathematics, including high school-level algebra, geometry, and physics. Humanities applicants are evaluated through history, geography, and general worldview questions.
Tuition for self-funded bachelor’s programs is $5000 per year, excluding accommodation. Dormitories are located near campus, with shared rooms for two or three students. The average cost ranges from $150 to $200 per month.
For students from Kazakhstan, an intergovernmental scholarship is available, selecting ten students annually. Candidates are reviewed by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries, and approved students are assigned to their respective faculties. This scholarship covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses and medical insurance.
International students may also apply for the Alimardan Bey Topchubashov International Scholarship, which covers full tuition and accommodation, and the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant, available to students from CIS countries. This highly competitive grant covers tuition, accommodation, stipends, medical insurance, visa costs, and airfare. Selection is conducted jointly by ADA University and the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan.
ADA University provides extensive support for international students, assisting with visas, medical insurance, cultural adaptation, and integration. Cultural programs, excursions, and orientation activities help students adjust to life in Azerbaijan, making ADA University not only a center of academic excellence but also a supportive international community.