PhD Students

Graduates of the French-Azerbaijani University (UFAZ) do not limit themselves to integrating into the labor market, they also demonstrate a strong interest in research. In recent years, the number of alumni pursuing a career in academia has been steadily increasing. Many of them choose to continue their education at the doctoral level after completing their master’s studies.

Notably, UFAZ graduates pursue PhD programs both within Azerbaijan and at leading universities around the world. They benefit from various international scholarship and exchange programs in this regard. The solid foundation in knowledge and research skills acquired at UFAZ enables them to succeed in higher education institutions abroad.

Cotutelle Program

The French-Azerbaijani University (UFAZ) offers doctoral students the opportunity to participate in a joint research program (Cotutelle) in collaboration with the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU), the University of Strasbourg (UNISTRA), and other leading French higher education institutions.

The program allows students to study in two countries, gain international research experience, and engage with diverse academic environments. Typically, students spend approximately half of the three-year doctoral period in Azerbaijan and the other half in France, following a six-month alternating schedule. This educational model is designed to strengthen academic collaboration at the levels of universities, research laboratories, research teams, and individual supervisors.

The benefits of the program are multifaceted. Students have access to advanced laboratory facilities in France and engage with a broad scientific community. At the same time, returning doctoral candidates enrich the local research environment in Azerbaijan by bringing back new methodologies, standards, and research approaches.

This model promotes long-term collaboration between laboratories, facilitates joint publications and projects, and supports the development of sustainable international research networks. In addition to fostering academic growth, the Cotutelle program strengthens scientific cooperation between Azerbaijan and France, contributing to international research diplomacy.

Within the framework of the Cotutelle Program, the following alumni has successfully defended their PhD theses:

State Program

The State Program for 2022-2028 has been established to provide young Azerbaijani citizens with opportunities to study at prestigious universities abroad. Within the framework of this program, students can pursue undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies, gain international experience, and enhance their knowledge in various fields. Each year, hundreds of Azerbaijani students benefit from this program, which is funded by the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Students of the French-Azerbaijani University (UFAZ) also have access to the opportunities offered by the State Program, enabling them to pursue master’s and doctoral studies abroad. This provides UFAZ graduates with a unique chance to gain experience in international research environments, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their future academic and professional careers.

The following alumni completed their doctoral studies under the State Program Scholarship and successfully defended their PhD theses in their respective fields:

Other Programs

Currently, dozens of UFAZ graduates are pursuing their doctoral studies at prestigious higher education institutions abroad under various international and state-funded scholarship programs. They specialize in different scientific fields, further developing their knowledge and skills within advanced research environments. Through the international experience and scientific approaches they acquire, these graduates aim to contribute to the future development of science and higher education in Azerbaijan.

Among them, the following alumni have completed their studies and successfully defended their PhD theses: