The rating of the Universities of Azerbaijan has been improved Six Universities were included into the regional rankings. It is well known that global ratings are important in recent years as an important indicator of the academic performance of universities. Employers across the globe also try to get more information about graduates of this or another university by referring to ratings. Given that the higher education market is currently considered to be one of the key sectors of the economy, it is almost certain that representation of our universities at regional level is a prestige of our universities and is a guarantee for our graduates for high quality jobs in the labour market.   Recently the UK's “Quacquarelli Symonds” agency has announced the rating of the best universities in the region by 2017-2018 of "Undeveloped countries of Europe and Central Asia" (QS EECA University Rankings 2018) and it drew attention to this theme once again. It is gratifying that there are 6 universities in Azerbaijan included in the regional ranking list, which includes 300 high schools from 24 countries. It is remarkable that the number of universities represented in the ranking is growing.  The Baku State University leads the Azerbaijani universities in the ranking. BSU (95th) and Khazar University (100th) were among the top 100 universities. Our other universities entered the rating in the following sequence: Azerbaijan State Economic University (161-170), Azerbaijan State University of Architecture and Construction (171-180), Azerbaijan University of Languages (171-180), Baku Slavic University (201-250). Looking at the ranking of our high schools, we can see that our universities have a high profile among academics and employers. The analysis of the ranking shows that BSU has 58.7 per cent of "academic reputation" category, 37.5 per cent for "employer reputation" category, 32.1 per teacher-student ratio, 20 per cent in foreign teacher category, 11.8 in foreign student's category, publishing of professor-teacher staff 12.4 for the degree of activity, 69.1 on the number of academic staff, and 17.2 according to the number of references to scientific articles. Khazar University has 43.5 per cent of the "academic reputation" category, 41.4 per cent in the category of "employer reputation" category, 35.4 per teacher-student ratio, 100 per cent of foreign students, 74 per cent of foreign students, and 1.7 per cent of academic staff publications 75.8 points on the number of employees. Last year, UNEC, which ranks 5th in the ranking of Azerbaijani universities, has grown by two places and has become the third-ranked Azerbaijani university. UNEC has scored 34.1 points on the "academic reputation" criteria. The "high profile" of the high school "rate of employers" was estimated at 39.9 points this year. The number of foreign teachers was 13.3 on the proportion of local teachers and 18.9 in the number of academic staff. Observations show that our higher education institutions should achieve the highest quality ratings in the English language and have a stronger focus on the quality and quantity of articles published in English-language scientific publications, and should focus on student mobility and extend the experience exchange with rated universities.   © Newspaper “Azərbaycan müəllimi” 2017

The 46th Moscow International Education and Career exhibition was held in Russian capital, Moscow. In the event, held at the largest exhibition center in Moscow, “Kostinniy Dvor”, beside Russia, many leading universities of Western Europe and America were represented at the event. UNEC stand, the fourth best-performing university in the “Emerging Europe and Central Asia” region of QS Rating Agency, has attracted the special attention of exhibitors. Visitors have addressed questions with admission to the MBA program, International Master and Doctorate Center, Russian Economic Center and International School of Economics. The visitors were particularly interested in educational opportunities at the Russian Economic School. Director of the School, Associate Professor Mansur Barukhudarov said that 9 specialties are being trained here. Referring to the international relations of the school, the director drew attention to the exchange of students and professors with the Russian Economic University named after Plekhanov, the Russian Academy of Economics, the Ural Federal University and the Tyumen Industrial University. He informed about Moscow State Humanitarian Economic University and UNEC bilateral agreement in getting double diploma on bachelor’s degree in inclusive higher education. He noted that the experience of Russian Economic School students was also organized in foreign countries. Associate Professor M.Barhudarov emphasized that students were given the opportunity to realize their business ideas in Innovative Business Incubator. Participants of the exhibition also got acquainted with the rules of admission to the branch of the UNEC, Derbent branch of Azerbaijan, which is the only higher education institution operating in Russia with the official license. The visitors were informed that the admission to the branch is held according to the rules of the Russian Federation. Free education and scholarships for Russian citizens studying in the branch attracted more attention of visitors. Director of the UNEC Career Center Fuad Aliyev attended master classes and seminars in Career section. He informed the participants about the UNEC Career Center and career care services provided to the students. The UNEC stand attracted the attention of other participating universities along with visitors. Several leading universities in the world, which are aiming to integrate into Azerbaijan’s educational space, have expressed their interest in cooperating with UNEC in this direction. During the activity of exhibition were held meetings with corporative structures, innovative educational services, leading corporations playing great role in the world and in the region, as well as prospective directions for further cooperation. At the three-day exhibition, UNEC was awarded the diploma “For a great contribution to the development of youth work, education activity, vocational and higher education”. © 2017 UNEC

Dr. Hassan Niknafs, Rector of Khazar University, met with international students who got admitted to the University in the current academic year of 2017-2018. Participants of the meeting included international students from 13 countries, Vice-Rector for Research Dr. Irada Khalilova, Director of International Affairs Office Ms. Turan Jafarova, Coordinator of International Affairs Office Ms. Gunay Farzaliyeva, and Rector's Assistant Ms. Sabina Alakbarli. The meeting was organized by the International Affairs Office and took place in the Neftchilar campus of the University. Dr. Hassan Niknafs welcomed the students and opened the meeting by giving important information regarding students’ academic programs, rules and regulations at Khazar University. Students shared their academic concerns with the university administration. Turan Jafarova updated them with important information regarding their academic life and migration issues. In the current academic year, Khazar University accepted international students from Afghanistan, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, and Zimbabwe. © 2017 Khazar University

On October 15, 2017, the 43rd graduation ceremony of Khazar University was held at the Opera Studio of Baku Music Academy named after Shovkat Alakbarova. The ceremony was attended by the university administration, professors, teachers, students, parents and guests. It started with the National Anthem of the Azerbaijan Republic. Dr. Hassan Niknafs, the rector of Khazar University, congratulated the graduates and wished them success in their future life and career. It was noted that for 26 years, 3271 Bachelor and 685 Master degree students, including today's graduates (233 BA and 62 MA students), graduated from Khazar University. 811 of those graduates earned Honours diploma. The education, knowledge and skills gained at Khazar University prepare them for a successful career in their selected field. Some graduates work for state organizations, private companies, manage large projects and some run their own businesses. The congratulatory videos of former graduates of Khazar University who are currently working in different countries of the world were demonstrated at the ceremony. Then, the first graduates of Khazar University were invited to congratulate the graduates. Rashad Ibadov, Associate Professor at ADA University, a Khazar University Law School graduate, delivered a speech on behalf of the previous graduates of the university. Then, the ceremony of awarding certificates started. Dr. Hassan Niknafs, the rector of the University; Professor Mahammad Nuriyev, the vice rector of Khazar University for Academic Affairs; Dr. Isakhan Isakhanli, the vice rector for Administration and Student Affairs, deans of schools, heads of departments, and instructors presented the certificates. Graduate Student Oath Ceremony was held after the presentation and memory photos were taken. Professor Hamlet Isakhanli delivered a speech at the ceremony and wished the graduates success in their new paths of life. He talked about a favourable educational environment at the university emphasising that it does not only prepare high-quality professionals but also raise a thoroughly developed younger generation. Professor also highlighted tense and efficient work of professor-teacher staff, the university’s close relationships with the world's leading universities, the constant growth of material and technical base of the university and noted that Khazar University has always been distinguished in the rankings of international organizations and holds the first place among Azerbaijani universities. The event continued with a concert program prepared by the faculty members and the girls' dance group of the university. At the end, the ceremony ended with a spectacular performance of the choir composed of teachers and students. © 2017 Khazar University - http://www.khazar.org/en/menus/1008/events