The first attempt of the admission exam for the master's level is scheduled to be held on February 15, 2026. As the exam date approaches, the main subject of discussion becomes which areas will see an increase in passing scores and where competition will be more intense. Observations show that in recent years, attempts to align labor market demands with higher education programs have further increased interest in master's studies. In this context, the opening of new specializations and the updating of existing ones also come to the fore.
In a statement to Modern.az regarding the topic, Gunay Akbarova, Secretary of the Public Council under the Ministry of Science and Education, stated that with only one month remaining until the master's exams, certain trends are already discernible.
“Looking at the experience of recent years and international practice, it can be said that an increase in scores may be observed for specializations directly related to the labor market and requiring practical skills. Particularly, information technologies, data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, finance, economics, management, as well as international relations and programs taught in foreign languages will attract more interest this year, as in previous years. As demand increases, a rise in passing scores naturally becomes inevitable.
In the field of education, an interesting paradox emerges: on one hand, interest in teaching specializations is maintained, while on the other hand, more specific and specialized areas such as educational management, education policy, curriculum and assessment, inclusive education, and educational technologies are beginning to come to the forefront. In global practice, for a long time now, not only “teacher training” but also educational leadership and innovation in education have been among the main priorities. From this perspective, it is possible for scores in these areas to remain stable or increase.”
According to our interviewee, regarding forecasts, the overall picture this year will be quite competitive:
“Especially in specializations with limited enrollment capacities but promising prospects, the choice will become more challenging. This will compel young people not just to accumulate scores, but to make a more conscious choice of specialization. This trend is a healthy process in the long term.”
G. Akbarova also added that global trends are clear regarding the opening of new specializations. In her opinion, the expansion of fields such as artificial intelligence and education, digital transformation in education, early childhood education and special pedagogy, sustainable development and climate policy, educational psychology, translation and academic writing, public policy and management at the master's level would be highly appropriate:
“In many countries, these specializations are already taught either as independent programs or as sub-directions of existing specializations and attract significant interest.
My personal position is that the master's level should not merely be a continuation of bachelor's education, but a stage of deep specialization and professional development. Therefore, the creation of new practical and research-oriented programs that respond to the real needs of the labor market is very important for both young people and the country's development.”
She also stated that her advice to young people is not to chase scores alone, but to make choices considering their skills, interests, and future plans:
“Sometimes the right specialization brings more than a high score – global experience clearly demonstrates this,” she said.
Education expert Elchin Afandi, reminding that little time remains until the master's exams, called on bachelor's degree holders to be more attentive:
“It would be advisable for candidates to participate in the mock exams organized by the State Examination Center. Because these mock exams allow bachelor's degree holders to form an initial idea of the exam's model and format.
Expectations for this year are that the number of participants in the exam may be at last year's level or slightly higher. As is known, last year a sufficient number of places were allocated for both state-funded and fee-paying bases. Nevertheless, many vacant places remained for both state-funded and general enrollment capacities. One of the main reasons for this was that some bachelor's degree holders did not participate in the competition last year.”
The expert believes that these bachelor's degree holders are also expected to join the competition this year:
“This gives reason to say that the competition will be more intense and competitive. Nevertheless, the exams will be accessible for bachelor's degree holders. Because this exam model has been applied for three years now, and candidates have sufficiently adapted to this format. Consequently, overall good exam results are predicted.
In the post-exam stage, the specialization process begins. At this stage, the large number of applicants achieving high results will further intensify the competitive environment.”
E. Afandi also clarified the opening of new specializations at the master's level:
“Regarding the opening of new specializations at the master's level, I believe that the creation of programs, especially in modern and promising fields such as artificial intelligence, information technologies, data analytics, and similar areas, is appropriate. The opening of such specializations would enable the training of qualified personnel specifically in these fields for the labor market. At the same time, a phased reduction of some specializations with low demand in the labor market would be more appropriate,” the expert noted.
It should be recalled that applications for bachelor's degree holders to participate in the exam are accepted via the internet.
It should be noted that bachelor's degree holders wishing to participate must create a “Personal Account” on the Center's website, ekabinet.dim.gov.az, between January 14 and 26, 2026 (for those without a “Personal Account”), and then add the required amount (50 AZN) to their “Personal Account” to submit an application.
