In recent years, certain increases have been observed in tuition fees at higher education institutions. These annual changes in prices for certain specialties become a subject of discussion among both applicants and parents. Issues such as factors influencing the formation of tuition fees, university expenses, and ensuring the quality of education are among the notable points in this topic. Against the backdrop of the current situation, the reasons behind the observed increases in tuition fees at higher education institutions and whether changes in prices are expected this year also become a subject of discussion.
In his statement to Modern.az regarding the topic, Samir Vəliyev, a member of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Odlar Yurdu University, explained the increase in tuition fees at higher education institutions with several reasons.
“First and foremost, it should be noted that as the standard of living and daily needs increase, the salary demands of university staff, especially teachers, also rise. This directly impacts the expenses of higher education institutions. On the other hand, the increase in average income and the living wage in the country also shapes higher salary expectations among teachers and other staff. Universities are thus compelled to offer more competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified personnel”.
He also noted that one of the important factors influencing the increase in tuition fees is the expectation of parents and students for higher quality education from universities:
“To meet these expectations, the creation of modern infrastructure, the construction of new academic buildings, laboratories, and other technical facilities is required in higher education institutions, which entails significant financial investments. Furthermore, in recent years, the increased influx of students into information technology, computer engineering, and other technological specialties has necessitated the creation of new, financially intensive laboratories. Providing modern equipment for such specialties also generates additional costs. At the same time, in accordance with market rules, when demand for popular specialties is high, tuition fees for those specialties can also increase. This is an economic factor shaped by the balance of supply and demand”.
The Milli Majlis deputy added that another important point is cooperation with foreign universities and the implementation of dual degree programs:
“The implementation of such programs requires universities to adapt to international standards in terms of both infrastructure and curriculum content, which is accompanied by additional financial costs.
Furthermore, digitalization is one of the main priorities facing higher education institutions today. The transition of the educational process to digital platforms, the application of new technologies, and the establishment of an e-learning environment require significant financial investment”, - S. Valiyev concluded.
Education expert Ramin Nurəliyev, however, stated that the determination and regulation of tuition fees in higher education institutions are carried out with the participation of several bodies.
"In this process, the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Science and Education, as well as the university administration play a certain role. Typically, the university administration applies to the Ministry of Science and Education regarding the opening of any specialty or the determination of tuition fees for an existing specialty. When the Ministry deems the submitted proposal appropriate, the matter is presented to the Cabinet of Ministers, and after approval, the respective tuition fee is applied by the university.
In private higher education institutions, however, this process is carried out somewhat differently. If the university is affiliated with any organization, tuition fees are determined by the board of directors of that organization. If the university operates independently, prices are determined by the administration, and the Ministry of Science and Education and relevant bodies are informed accordingly.
In general, the regulation of tuition fees in higher education institutions depends on several factors. In this matter, the university's prestige, the quality of education, its material and technical base, and its competitiveness play a key role. For example, higher education institutions with infrastructure conforming to high standards and a strong educational environment also have higher tuition fees. From this perspective, it is not possible to compare the tuition fees of ADA University with those of some universities operating in the regions at the same level”.
The expert also emphasized that the same situation is observed among state universities:
“For example, it is natural for there to be a difference in tuition fees between Baku Higher Oil School and Sumgait State University. Due to the higher level of education, material base, and competitive environment at Baku Higher Oil School, tuition fees here also differ compared to other higher education institutions.
Similar situations are encountered at the Master's level. For example, although MBA programs exist in many universities, tuition fees increase in some higher education institutions due to higher demand for these programs. Increased demand and a strong program base lead to an increase in the value of that specialty.
Furthermore, the university's position in international rankings, the high influx of students, the quality of the educational process, and the level of the teaching staff are also among the factors influencing tuition fees. For instance, if a university ranks high in international rating tables, strengthens its material and technical base, and student interest increases, this can also lead to an increase in annual tuition fees”.
R. Nurəliyev also drew attention to the fact that another important factor influencing tuition fees is the difference in specialties:
“Even within the same university, the payment amount differs for various specialties. For example, while the annual tuition fee for some specialties at Baku State University is approximately 2000-2500 manats, this amount can increase up to 4000-4500 manats for more in-demand specialties. This is related to the demand and level of competition for those specialties.
Currently, among the higher education institutions in Azerbaijan with relatively high tuition fees are ADA University, Baku Higher Oil School, Azerbaijan State University of Economics, as well as Khazar University among private higher education institutions. "Since these universities have established prestige in the country's higher education system, their tuition fees are regulated at a higher level compared to other higher education institutions," he noted.
