At Baku State University, the optimization and improvement of management in internationalization activities, the enhancement of effectiveness in international cooperation, the promotion of foreign students' education at the University, and the organization of teaching according to international standards were achieved through the decree No. R-121 by the Rector of Baku State University on October 20, 2019. This decree led to the renaming of the Department of International Science-Education Programs, Grants, and Information Technologies to the Department of International Relations.
The main activities of the Department of International Relations at Baku State University include the development of the university's international cooperation, joining well-known university networks and organizations, establishing new academic partnerships, and addressing issues derived from Baku State University’s internationalization strategy. Additionally, special attention is given to collaboration with diplomatic missions and international and local organizations operating in the country. The history of international cooperation at Baku State University is rooted in long-standing traditions and historical experience, with the development of international relations and the establishment of new partnerships being a priority. Since the 1970s, the faculty at Baku State University has worked in educational and scientific institutions abroad, while several students and postgraduate students have studied at foreign universities. In some developing countries, it is thanks to Baku State University scientists that certain scientific schools were established and various fields of science developed. Today, Baku State University, which has a unique position in the international science and education space, implements joint projects with many renowned universities worldwide and actively develops its cooperation with partner universities.
In accordance with the internationalization strategy of Baku State University, the Department of International Relations operates to further develop international cooperation along four main directions reflected in this strategy.
Currently, Baku State University has cooperation agreements with numerous universities in various countries. These collaborations include the exchange of students and staff, joint scientific projects, the development of joint programs, courses, and curricula.
Main objectives of the Department:
- Increasing the number of international mobility programs (Erasmus+ KA 171, Mevlana, Orkhon, etc.);
- Expanding the portfolio of international joint degree and dual degree programs;
- Expanding cooperation with foreign universities and international organizations to implement modern international practices at Baku State University;
- Regular meetings with partner organizations and hosting webinars to increase the number of international educational programs and international scientific research grant projects;
- Achieving higher results in reputable international rankings for higher education institutions (THE, QS, etc.), thereby increasing Baku State University's credibility in the region;
- Expanding cooperation with leading international organizations and adapting to their development criteria to raise Baku State University's reputation in local, regional, and international arenas and achieve better results in the world university ranking systems.
Main functions of the Department:
- Establishing cooperation with foreign universities;
- Organizing international cooperation programs;
- Establishing and developing relations with foreign diplomatic missions and representations operating in the Republic of Azerbaijan;
- Involving faculty members in international cooperation;
- Ensuring the participation of students, master's degree students, Ph.D. candidates, and staff in exchange programs;
- Organizing joint scientific research, conferences, summer schools, and other events under international cooperation;
- Organizing internships for Baku State University's staff at foreign universities;
- Organizing presentations by international organizations about study, internship, and employment opportunities abroad at Baku State University;
- Involving foreign faculty members in Baku State University's teaching process;
- Holding consultations for the participation of various departments and faculties in international projects and programs;
- Coordinating the participation of Baku State University's departments and units in international cooperation activities, projects, and signed agreements.
Main tasks of the Department:
- Organizing joint scientific research, conferences, symposia, seminars, and other events within the framework of international cooperation;
- Organizing reciprocal cooperation with local and foreign educational institutions;
- Establishing relations with foreign universities in the field of science and education and overseeing the signing and implementation of cooperation agreements;
- Preparing joint educational programs with foreign partners;
- Involving faculty members in international cooperation;
- Gathering information about international projects and programs, learning the conditions for participation, and informing Baku State University's students, master's degree students, and Ph.D. candidates;
- Collecting necessary information for international cooperation from Baku State University's departments and faculties;
- Developing dual degree programs in collaboration with faculties;
- Representation in international accreditations and ranking systems;
- Organizing meetings and training sessions for the participation of various departments and faculties in foreign grants;
- Collecting information on international grants, participation conditions, and submission deadlines and sharing it with relevant departments;
- Providing support in the implementation of projects if international grants are received;
- Responding to inquiries from university staff applying for international grants;
- Searching for foreign partners for future projects, preparing and signing relevant agreements;
- Creating a database on implemented projects;
- Organizing the participation of leading international higher education specialists in the teaching process;
- Organizing student-teacher exchanges;
- Organizing work with foreign citizens coming for teaching and establishing cooperation relations;
- Organizing the reception of foreign representatives: determining the arrival and stay periods for foreign experts, delegations, students, master's degree students, Ph.D. candidates, and interns (for all types of education);
- Preparing invitation letters, assisting with the accommodation of foreign guests;
- Organizing cultural programs for foreign guests;
- Preparing quarterly and annual reports on the Department's activities.