If you’re considering studying abroad, you may already know that Azerbaijani school graduates often cannot enroll in foreign universities immediately after school. The reason? Many countries have 12-13 years of schooling, while Azerbaijan follows an 11-year system.

What Are Your Options?

To bridge this gap, Azerbaijani students typically have two pathways:

1️⃣ Study for one year at a local university and then transfer to a university abroad.
2️⃣ Enroll in a preparatory program abroad, complete the final exam, and gain direct admission to a university.

While both options are viable, the second option is preferable because:
✔ Lower academic pressure – University preparatory programs have fewer academic demands compared to full-degree programs.
✔ Easier adaptation – Students have time to adjust to a new country, education system, and culture.
✔ Better university preparation – Language skills, academic writing, and subject knowledge are improved before starting the main program.

Types of Preparatory Programs by Country

📌 United Kingdom – GCSE, A-Level, International Baccalaureate (IB)
📌 USA & Canada – University Pathway Programs
📌 Australia & New Zealand – Foundation Programs
📌 Germany – Studienkolleg
📌 Czech Republic – One-year preparatory language programs
📌 Most European Countries – Foundation Programs

Each program is designed to help students meet university entry requirements and transition smoothly into higher education abroad.

Let's look at preparatory programs using some countries as an example: