Azerbaijan student visa and study residence permit

The Migration Code grants temporary residence to foreigners in full-time education at higher education institutions and technical schools, and to those studying at secondary schools. Applications from foreigners to Azerbaijani universities are handled through the national platform portal.edu.az, and tuition for foreigners at state institutions is approved by the Ministry of Science and Education.

Universities publish their own windows; one state university, for example, accepts bachelor's and master's applications from early June to 31 August, with classes from 15 September.

For admission, universities typically ask for the previous diploma and transcript, a passport valid at least one year, photos and a medical certificate on HIV and hepatitis B and C; foreign documents need an apostille and a notarised Azerbaijani translation.

For the residence permit, the key extra document is a letter from the Ministry of Science and Education, or an official letter or reference from the head of the institution stating the course, the completion date and the student ID number, signed and stamped. Secondary and vocational schools issue an official reference from the head of the school.

Students pay a reduced fee: AZN 40 for up to 1 year with a decision in 20 working days, or AZN 60 within 15 working days. An extension of up to 2 years costs AZN 80 or AZN 120.

Students from visa-required countries obtain an ordinary entry visa for science and education before travelling; students from visa-free partner countries enter without a visa. Register your address within 15 days of arrival, then apply to the SMS for the residence permit at least 30 days before your visa or visa-free stay ends.

Extend each year, or for up to 2 years, at least 30 days before the permit ends, with a fresh letter from the institution. When studies end, the ground ends: you need another ground, such as a work permit, or you must leave. Study years do not count towards permanent residence.