Baku, September 19, 2025
In Azerbaijan, the question of who should pay for a child’s university education after divorce continues to spark debate — particularly for students enrolled in fee-based programs.
The case of journalism student Aysu Mammadli illustrates the dilemma. After scoring 327 points on her entrance exams in 2021, she was admitted to a tuition-based track but now struggles to cover the costs.
“My parents divorced when I was eight. My sister and I received 50 manats in alimony between us. After I turned 18, those payments stopped. I want one of my parents to provide legally formalized support for my annual tuition,” Mammadli told İTV.
Public opinion is divided. Many citizens believe both parents should contribute, with the larger share falling on fathers.
Lawyer Alimamed Nuriyev argues that parental obligations extend beyond basic needs. “They include education and development. If a child is over 18 but still in university, tuition costs may be incorporated into alimony. In such cases, one can file a lawsuit against the parent living separately,” he said.
The State Committee on Family, Women and Children’s Affairs clarified that Article 81 of the Family Code regulates parental participation in additional expenses but does not directly stipulate alimony for university tuition. Courts decide such cases individually, and under current practice may require parents to cover education expenses until the student turns 23.
The debate underscores growing pressure on divorced families as higher education costs climb, leaving many students caught between legal ambiguity and financial hardship.
