Baku State University

Baku State University (BSU), established in 1919, is Azerbaijan’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institution. Located in the capital city of Baku, BSU has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s academic, scientific, and intellectual landscape for over a century. As a comprehensive public university, it has nurtured generations of Azerbaijan’s most prominent leaders, scientists, and public figures, cementing its place as a cornerstone of national education and development.

Academic Excellence and Teaching Innovation

BSU comprises 16 faculties and enrolls over 25,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels including a Branch, a College, Research Institutes and a Lyceum. With more than 3,000 staff members, over half of whom are academic staff including professors and researchers, the university is committed to delivering high-quality education across a broad spectrum of disciplines. BSU’s teaching philosophy integrates traditional academic rigor with modern methodologies, ensuring students acquire critical thinking skills, practical knowledge, and global competencies.

The university offers a robust range of academic programs on three cycles, many of which are aligned with international standards and best practices. BSU is particularly renowned for its programs in natural sciences, law, international relations, philology, and engineering.

BSU has also become an active participant in global academic mobility schemes offering opportunities for student and staff exchanges with partner institutions worldwide. These initiatives not only enhance the quality of teaching and learning but also expose students to diverse academic environments and perspectives.

Research Leadership and Innovation

BSU is a hub for scientific research and intellectual advancement in Azerbaijan. It houses two research institutes and an Excellence Centre, as well as a network of research laboratories and specialized facilities. The university is at the forefront of research in disciplines such as physics, chemistry, environmental sciences, and information technology. BSU's research community actively contributes to national priorities in areas such as sustainable energy, advanced materials, and digital transformation.

One of the hallmarks of BSU's research capacity is its success in establishing UNESCO and ICESCO Chairs—an important recognition of its international standing. The UNESCO Chair on Human Rights and Information Law, established in 2015, and the ICESCO Chair on Biomedical Materials reflect the university's commitment to addressing global challenges through research and scholarship.

BSU is also a regular contributor to international scientific journals and conferences. Its scholars are increasingly involved in multidisciplinary research projects funded by international donors and collaborative networks. The university’s efforts to improve research impact and visibility are further supported by its inclusion in global ranking systems such as URAP, Scimago Institution Rankings, Webometrics, and Shanghai Rankings.

Internationalization and Global Engagement

BSU's internationalization strategy is deeply embedded in its academic mission. The university maintains active partnerships with more than 120 universities from over 40 countries, engaging in student and faculty exchange, joint research, capacity building, and academic conferences.

BSU is a member of numerous international organizations, including:

• Global University Network of Innovation (GUNI)
• International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN)
• Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
• Climate Action Network (CANIE)
• European Universities Association (EUA)
• Eurasian Universities Union (EURAS)
• Federation of Universities of the Islamic World (under ICESCO)
• European Law Faculties Association (ELFA)
• The World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organization (WAITRO)
• Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe (UNICA)

These memberships not only enhance BSU’s global visibility but also contribute to the development of joint educational standards, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainable development initiatives.

The university also hosts international centers, such as the Confucius Institute, Korean Information Technology Center, and Kazakh Centre, promoting cultural exchange and multilingual education.

Commitment to Sustainability

BSU has significantly advanced its sustainability agenda in recent years, emphasizing green campus initiatives, energy efficiency, and sustainable education. The university made its debut in the GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024, securing 607th place, a noteworthy achievement reflecting its environmental awareness and policy integration.

Sustainability is not just limited to operations at BSU—it is increasingly embedded into its curricula, research themes, and community outreach. By addressing climate change, renewable energy, and environmental justice in both teaching and research, BSU is educating future leaders capable of creating sustainable solutions.

Moreover, as a member of the CANIE and other sustainability-focused academic consortia such as AASHE, ISCN and GUNI, BSU is collaborating globally to support the UN SDGs, particularly in higher education.

Accreditation and Global Rankings

In June 2023, BSU received institutional accreditation for five years from the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, affirming its adherence to national and international academic standards. Additionally, the Independent Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (IQAA) awarded international accreditation to six graduate programs in chemistry disciplines, which are now also recognized for state accreditation.

BSU’s growing academic and research reputation is evident in its performance across multiple global university rankings:

• QS World University Rankings 2025: BSU climbed 304 positions to enter the 688th range, becoming Azerbaijan's top-ranked university.
• QS Europe 2025: Advanced by 78 places to 336th.
• QS Western Asia 2025: Rose from 19th to 15th position.
• QS Sustainability 2025: Entered the 941-950 range, as Azerbaijan’s only university in the top 1000.
• QS Subject Rankings: Ranked 151–175 in Oil and Gas Engineering and 501–600 in Mathematics—its best subject-specific results to date.
• THE World University Rankings: BSU is Azerbaijan’s sole representative in both the overall and subject-specific rankings.
  • Improved by 27 places in Physical Sciences and 55 in Engineering.
  • In THE Impact Rankings 2025, moved from 1001-1500 to 401-600.
  • Debuted in THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, placed 201–250, the highest among Azerbaijani institutions.
• RUR Rankings 2025: BSU entered the global top 850 and 1st rank in Azerbaijan, ranking 825th overall and making gains in Academic and Reputation rankings.
• QS Stars: Received a 5-star (Excellent) rating after the QS Star Audit—reflecting outstanding performance in teaching, internationalization, and facilities.