BAKU, July 21 — Azerbaijan has introduced significant changes to tuition fees for vocational education programs for the 2025/2026 academic year, with costs now reaching as high as 5,000 manats (approximately $2,940 USD) per year in some cases.
The update was confirmed by Jeyhun Keremov, Director of the State Agency for Vocational Education, during a press briefing on student admissions.
According to Keremov, tuition rates vary depending on the region and field of study, with certain high-demand or internationally aligned programs carrying higher costs. The increase marks a departure from previous years, where vocational training was generally seen as a more affordable alternative to university education.
“Some may view these figures as inflated,” Keremov said, “but they reflect real, justified expenses—such as international certifications, specialized textbooks, hiring highly qualified instructors, and engaging industry professionals as guest lecturers.”
The reform is aimed at elevating the quality and competitiveness of Azerbaijan’s vocational education system, particularly in fields like culinary arts, fashion design, electrical installation, accounting, and cosmetology, where international standards and certifications are increasingly required.
However, the new fee structure has sparked concern among students and parents, especially in rural areas, where access to higher education is already limited. Critics argue that without expanded scholarship options, tuition assistance, or public funding, the price hike could undermine the government’s broader goals of inclusive workforce development.
“Raising the cost without a parallel expansion in financial aid could deter low-income students from pursuing vocational careers,” warned one education analyst.
As demand for skilled labor continues to grow across the country, stakeholders say the key will be balancing quality with affordability, ensuring that the modernization of vocational education does not come at the cost of accessibility.
