EDUCATION
& YOUTH POLICY
Education
The Education in the Republic of Azerbaijan consists of three levels – primary, general secondary and full secondary education (this roughly translates in the UK system as Junior, Secondary & Further Education, e.g. sixth form). General education is tough at ‘General’ secondary and primary schools, some special purpose schools, gymnasium schools and lyceums.
Primary education
As with European curriculum, the objective of Primary education is to develop children’s ability to read and write. In Azerbaijan, learning I.T. is also an important initiative in primary schools. Additionally, primary schools teach initial information about society, nature, the elements of logical thinking, aesthetics and other qualities. Education starts at the age of six and works through a state curriculum of learning.
General Secondary Education
General secondary education is a further 5 years after Primary school. It is compulsory and without certification, a student is unable to proceed to ‘Full secondary education’.
Secondary education further forms speech, writing, general communication skills, logical thinking, as well as more specific subject knowledge. It is also essential to move students towards an understanding of global civilisation and to provide the ability to use modern information and communication tools. This determines stage the direction of their future.
Full secondary education
Full secondary education further develops the talents of students. It aims to set a student up for a profession and how to be active in society. Importantly, they are taught respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and tolerance.
At this stage students are also taught to communicate in one or several foreign languages. Full secondary education is still set to a curriculum and covers separate paths of humanitarian, technical, natural and more. This is compatible to the european ‘gymnasium’ education.
Primary and secondary vocational education
Primary and secondary vocational education provides training as opposed to academia. Consequently, vocational education teaches students how to become a skilled workers specializing in various crafts or professionals in accordance with the demands of society and the labor market at present.
Vocational-special education, is carried out in vocational educational institutions, different organisations, enterprises, employment agencies, and structures of educational institutions the relevant fields. Finally, it finishes with the granting of professional ranks to graduates on relevant specialisations.
The primary vocational-education still maintains a curriculum. However, secondary vocational education providing teaching from specialists for manufacturing and service sectors.
The secondary vocational education is implemented mainly in relevant structures of the colleges and higher educational institutions. Instead of receiving a general certificate at the end of your training, you will receive a sub-bachelor vocational-qualification degree from a vocational school.
This vocational route is compatible to receiving a diploma rather than GCSE’s; learning subjects with specific trades or more ‘hands on’ means such as engineering or metalwork.
Higher education
Further and higher education provides the training of high qualified specialists, where students receive qualifications which are recognisable across the world.
Higher education institutions of Republic of Azerbaijan consists of three levels:
First cycle – baccalaureate;
Second cycle – Masters;
Third cycle – doctorate.
Some notable universities in Azerbaijan include, The University of Azerbaijan, The State Economic University of Azerbaijan, ADA University, The Azerbaijan University of Languages, to name just a few. It is common for students in particular parts of Azerbaijan to study at higher level dependent on the trade of the area where they live – for example, petroleum engineering is very popular in Baku – and also it is common for students to travel to study with popular options being in Turkey and the UK.
Please see the web link below for official information on education in Azerbaijan:
beic.az
Youth Policy
The Azerbaijan youth socio-economic and socio-political policies allow the development of young people as citizens in Azerbaijan. Essentially, their active participation in the public life is an important part of the development of the future of the country.
Furthermore, there is a realisation that youth development is crucial in terms of national security and for entering global markets. To ensure these goals and principles, youth policy is written into the governmental structure of Azerbaijan state government. There is a ministry of Youth in Azerbaijan which regulates this.
The Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan about “Youth policy” defines its direction as follows:
• Moral and ethical upbringing of young people and their participation in the cultural life
• State support for talented young people
• Protection of the health of young people and their physical training
• Youth employment
• State support for young families
• State support for youth organisations
To read the entire Youth Policy of Azerbaijan and learn more about events and opportunities that are provided please also see the Ministry’s official page below:
