The issue of recognizing qualifications obtained by citizens studying abroad within the country has maintained its relevance in recent years. Globalization, the increase in international student mobility, and the growing interest in foreign higher education institutions have transformed the diploma recognition process into one of the key directions of education policy.
What have been the statistical indicators of applications for diploma recognition over the last five years? During this period, how many diplomas were refused recognition, and how many received a positive opinion? What are the main reasons for non-recognition of diplomas?
Modern.az reports that, in response to an inquiry from AzEdu.az, the Agency for Quality Assurance in Education stated that a total of 25,145 applications for the recognition of foreign qualifications were reviewed between 01.01.2021 and 16.02.2026:
“Thus, based on the results of the conducted expertise, a positive opinion was given for 20,855 applications, and relevant certificates for the recognition of qualifications obtained abroad were issued to the applicants. For the other 4,290 applications, a negative opinion was issued, and a decision was made not to recognize the higher education specializations of these individuals within the country.
The Agency stated that the main reasons for refusal are as follows:
"The teaching load being less than the norm established in the country of study; an unsatisfactory level of the language of instruction; both the teaching load being less than the norm and inconsistency related to the language of instruction; the existence of a significant difference in specialization; non-confirmation of the diploma's authenticity, etc.
When considering the number of applications by country, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Turkey, Ukraine, Georgia, and the United Kingdom are at the forefront. The most frequently applied specializations are law, economics, finance, medicine, and business administration”.
The disclosed statistical indicators show that while a positive decision was made for the vast majority of diplomas in the last five years, there are also a considerable number of refusal cases for a certain portion. This once again confirms the importance of the chosen higher education institution, program accreditation, and teaching load for individuals planning to study abroad. Transparency and compliance with normative requirements in the diploma recognition process serve both to protect the quality of education and to foster a fair competitive environment in the labor market.
