Information has been disseminated regarding the demand for payment from students at Western Caspian University in connection with their transfer to other higher education institutions. According to claims, students at the aforementioned university are only permitted to transfer to other higher education institutions after the full 4-year tuition fee has been paid. Indeed, the mentioned requirement is also included in the terms of the contract signed between the university and the student.
In connection with the claims, Modern.az addressed an inquiry to the State Agency for Science and Higher Education (EATDA).
In response to our inquiry, the official p stated that the requirement for a 4-year tuition fee payment in the student transfer procedure is not stipulated in the legislation.
For your information, the student transfer process is carried out based on the relevant rules approved by the decision of the Ministry of Science and Education dated February 21, 2024. According to the rules, transfers are conducted only once a year during the summer holiday period, and the credits previously accumulated by the student are taken into account. Students who have not accumulated at least half of the required credits, as well as those who have exceeded the normative period of study, are not permitted to transfer. During transfer, the student's accumulated score must be higher than the minimum passing score for the chosen specialization, and for specializations requiring specific abilities, additional examination results must also be considered. At the same time, students can only make changes within the same specialization group, and at the master's level, they can only change the educational institution. According to the rules, transferred students, with some exceptions, continue their education on a paid basis.
It should be recalled that last week, claims were also disseminated regarding a demand for payment amounting to 350-370 manats from some students studying at Western Caspian University on a state-funded basis. According to the university's statement, this payment demand is related to the return of funds allocated for education to the state budget due to the end of 2025.
EATDA, however, stated that demanding any form of payment from students studying on a state-funded basis is contrary to legislation.
"The educational expenses of such students are covered by the state budget, and no financial burden related to this can be placed on the student. In this regard, the private status of the educational institution does not alter the legal regime established by the state concerning the financing of students admitted on a state-funded basis.
It was noted that, according to Article 19.5 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On the Budget System," the return of unused funds transferred to the single treasury account at the end of the year is not possible within the powers of the Ministry of Science and Education," the information emphasized.
