What’s behind the increase in university student dropouts?

Experts suggest that the primary driver behind an increase in university student dropouts in Azerbaijan is the students’ inability to afford tuition fees. University tuition fees vary widely, ranging from AZN1,500 (US$882) to AZN6,500 (US$3,820) annually, depending on the institution and the programme, reports Turan.

The State Examination Centre reported that for the 2023-24 academic year, 51,941 individuals were admitted to higher education institutions. Of these, 24,594 were granted state-funded education, while 27,347 were admitted on a paid basis. Notably, the number of state-funded admissions increased by 1,550 compared to the previous year. In response to the financial challenges faced by students, Azerbaijan has established an Educational Student Loan Fund. During the spring semester of 2024, 5,571 students applied for loans, and 4,252 were approved.

Jeyhun Mammadov, a member of the Milli Majlis Committee on Science and Education, said in an interview with Turan that there was a growing emphasis on free education, noting that the state now supports a higher percentage of students financially. He argued that the primary reason for student expulsions is not solely the inability to pay fees. He pointed out that some students are unaware of the available financial aid and that more needs to be done to inform them. Additionally, he suggested that many students do not choose the right specialty, which affects their educational journey.
Full report on the Turan site