Baku: The dual-degree program carried out jointly by Baku Engineering University (BEU) and INHA University of the Republic of Korea contributes to the development of international engineering education in the country. Within the framework of the program, students gain the opportunity to obtain diplomas from both universities. In an interview with the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), BEU Vice-Rector, Professor Atraba Gul spoke about the program's admission rules, advantages, graduates' employment indicators, and future goals.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the "State Program for Increasing the International Competitiveness of the Higher Education System in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2023," approved by an Order signed by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, holds significant importance in terms of raising the quality of higher education, expanding international cooperation, and forming highly qualified human capital. Baku Engineering University is the institution carrying out one of the five international dual-degree programs implemented jointly with the world's leading universities within the framework of the State Program.
The implementation of the BEU-INHA Dual-Degree Program, carried out since 2020, has been extended until 2030 by an Order signed by President Ilham Aliyev last year. In the new stage of the program, specialists are being trained in the specialties of computer science (artificial intelligence engineering), data analytics, information technologies, and electrical and electronics engineering, in line with the demands of the labor market.
Admission to the program consists of two main stages and is carried out based on both the results of the State Examination Center and the internal competition organized by INHA University. In the first stage, candidates must be citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan, take part in the SEC's entrance examination for the 1st specialty group, and score the established minimum passing threshold. Within the program for 2026, 26 planned places have been allocated for each specialty, and the minimum passing score has been set at 400. In the next stage, candidates take part in the internal selection process organized by INHA University. Thus, admission is carried out based on a transparent, multi-stage mechanism.
The BEU-INHA dual-degree program gives students the opportunity to receive engineering education in line with international standards and, upon graduation, to obtain bachelor's diplomas from both Baku Engineering University and INHA University of the Republic of Korea. Students continue the first three years of their studies at BEU and the final year at INHA University. This model allows them to study in both the local and international academic environments, become familiar with different education systems, and gain global experience. To date, 256 students with high academic performance have successfully fulfilled the program's requirements and obtained dual degrees. Graduates' employment indicators confirm that the program trains internationally competitive specialists. Analyses show that a significant portion of graduates have found employment in their specialty within a short period.
The main goal is to further raise the quality of engineering education in line with international standards and to equip students with knowledge and skills that meet the demands of the modern labor market. In this direction, it is envisaged to continue aligning the curricula with INHA University's curriculum, update course content based on modern technologies, improve laboratory and practical sessions, expand project-based learning, and pay special attention to developing students' practical skills.