Higher Education Transformation, Institutional Diversity and Typology of Higher Education Institutions in Azerbaijan

Abstract

The development of higher education system of Azerbaijan reflects the country’s historical transformations. The system started developing with the foundation of the first higher education institution before the establishment of the Soviet Union, expanded during the Soviets and grew into current systems of 52 institutions since independence. Institutions changed in number and nature with the entrance of private universities into the higher education market and increase in number of state universities. Three-cycle higher education was introduced and institutions utilising Western university practices of management and teaching emerged. Despite the changes, the system still reflects much of the Soviet period. The typology of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Azerbaijan was built based on their educational, research, internationalisation activities and financial capacity. Institutions were classified as leading state and private higher education institutions, which excel in research and rank high in country ranking lists. The second group of institutions are known for good quality education but do not give a heavy weight on research. The last type of higher education institutions serve the purpose of preparing teachers and other public sector employees.