State Agency for Science and Higher Education

What State Agency for Science and Higher Education does

The State Agency for Science and Higher Education (EATDA, legal name: Elm və Ali Təhsil üzrə Dövlət Agentliyi) is a government coordinating body of Azerbaijan, established by Presidential Decree No. 3627 on July 28, 2022, headquartered at Aşıq Alı küçəsi 45, Baku. The agency was created by separating science and higher education functions from the former Ministry of Education, with a statutory mandate to integrate science and higher education and improve governance across the sector. EATDA oversees 51 higher education institutions (22 under the Ministry of Education, 13 under other ministries/committees, 9 private, 7 special-purpose), 38 of 61 secondary specialized education institutions, and 18 scientific research institutes.

EATDA's operational product portfolio comprises digital education infrastructure (TMIS for electronic diploma issuance, portal.edu.az for student transfers and citizen appeals, the 146-6 call center), internationalization programs (Study in Azerbaijan initiative, Intergovernmental Scholarship Programs/HTP with nine partner countries, the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program with 100 annual scholarships, six dual diploma programs with George Washington, INHA, Ege, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and University of Warwick), and talent development programs (SABAH Groups covering 13 institutions and 2,785 students, IT SkillSprint with Ironhack across 9 universities, Code for Future with Code Academy and Algoritmika reaching over 4,000 graduates cumulatively). The agency also negotiates access to research infrastructure including Cambridge University Press Open Access publishing through 2028 and Elsevier training on Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Mendeley.

EATDA is funded through the Azerbaijani state budget and does not generate commercial revenue; tuition for state-funded programs is covered by government allocation while re-training, second degrees, and specialty changes are fee-paying. The go-to-market model is direct-to-government: services are delivered through the official eatda.edu.az portal, portal.edu.az electronic services, call center, and in-person citizen receptions, with international outreach via the QS Higher Ed Summits, Times Higher Education Eurasia summit, and the Study in Azerbaijan brand. Director Ülkər Səttarova leads a 37-person staff.

Name

State Agency for Science and Higher Education

Legal name

Elm və Ali Təhsil üzrə Dövlət Agentliyi

Website

https://eatda.edu.az

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The State Agency for Science and Higher Education (EATDA) is an Azerbaijani government agency coordinating 51 higher education institutions, 38 secondary specialized institutions, and 18 research institutes, while managing international scholarship programs, dual diploma partnerships, and electronic education platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Higher Education Coordination Services

NAICS

Administration of Education Programs (92311), Administration of Education Programs (923110), International Affairs (928120)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

TVET/Skills & Workforce Education Authorities (EDADAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Data Standards & Interoperability (CEDS, Ed-Fi, IMS) (EDADAIAK), National/State Examination Boards & Testing Agencies (EDADAFAA), Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels (BPADANAB)

Keywords

• Higher education coordination
• Government scholarship programs
• International student mobility
• Education policy administration
• Academic quality assurance

Headquarters

HQ city

Baku

HQ country

Azerbaijan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Budget Funding: EATDA is a state agency funded through government budget allocations. The agency coordinates science and higher education policy implementation without generating commercial revenue.
2. Intergovernmental Scholarship Programs: Manages scholarship programs including Morocco (2026-2027), China, Hungary (Stipendium Hungaricum - 104 Azerbaijanis), Kazakhstan, Romania, Latvia, Russia (MGIMO), Tajikistan, Turkey (doctoral/research), Slovakia - covering tuition, visas, registration, monthly allowances, medical aid, and annual travel expenses

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The State Agency for Science and Higher Education (EATDA) is a government body that coordinates Azerbaijan's science and higher education sectors, overseeing 51 higher education institutions, 38 secondary specialized education institutions under its purview, and 18 scientific research institutes. It administers intergovernmental scholarship programs (HTP) with 10+ countries, manages the Heydər Əliyev International Education Grant, runs the Study in Azerbaijan internationalization initiative, and operates digital education platforms (TMİS for electronic diplomas, portal.edu.az for student services). The agency also coordinates talent development programs (SABAH Groups, IT SkillSprint, Code for Future) and dual diploma programs with prestigious international universities.

Product overview

The State Agency for Science and Higher Education (EATDA) operates as a government body managing Azerbaijan's higher education and scientific research ecosystem. Its product portfolio spans digital education infrastructure platforms (TMİS for electronic diplomas, portal.edu.az for student applications), internationalization programs (Study in Azerbaijan, HTP intergovernmental scholarships, the Heydər Əliyev International Education Grant), and talent development initiatives (SABAH Groups, IT SkillSprint, Code for Future). These offerings work together to modernize teaching quality, attract international students, enable outbound mobility, and support the international competitiveness of Azerbaijan's higher education system.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Study in Azerbaijan: An initiative aimed at attracting international students to study in Azerbaijan's universities and providing comprehensive support throughout the application and settlement process.
• SABAH qrupları
• Code for Future

Products and services

• IT SkillSprint An intensive international IT education program that trains students in cybersecurity, data and AI, DevOps and AI, and web programming to enhance their competitiveness in the global labor market. Implemented in partnership with Ironhack across 9 Azerbaijani universities with 120 students participating.
• Code for Future A project launched in 2021 that supports students in improving their IT skills, aligning them with market economy demands and technological changes. Partner organizations Code Academy and Algoritmika deliver courses in programming, network administration, systems administration, web development, QA, and data analytics to approximately 900 students per semester at 6 universities.
• SABAH Groups (SABAH qrupları) A project aimed at improving teaching quality in higher education, creating a distinctive academic environment, training skilled and competitive students, ensuring workforce preparation aligned with labor market demands, and serving as an experimental platform for higher education quality improvement. Currently covers 13 higher education institutions, 8 subject areas, 71 specializations, and 2,785 students.
• Study in Azerbaijan An internationalization initiative aimed at attracting international students to study in Azerbaijan's universities and providing comprehensive support from application through settlement. The program maintains the official website studyinazerbaijan.edu.az and organizes information sessions internationally in multiple languages.
• Təhsil Mərkəzləşdirilmiş İnformasiya Sistemi (TMİS) - Centralized Education Information System The Centralized Education Information System used to issue electronic diplomas to graduates of higher education institutions at all levels (except doctoral studies). Diplomas are created and delivered in electronic document format and are accessible via mygov.az and edu.gov.az government platforms.
• portal.edu.az Electronic Services Platform The electronic government portal for students used for applications including student transfers (yerdəyişmə), academic leave, reinstatements, doctorate admissions, and citizen appeals. All submission deadlines and procedural information are managed through this platform.
• Heydər Əliyev International Education Grant Program A scholarship program that provides 100 scholarships annually for foreign nationals from OIC member states, Non-Aligned Movement countries, Small Island Developing States, and nations with historic cultural ties to Azerbaijan to study at Azerbaijani universities.
• Hökumətlərarası Təqaüd Proqramları (HTP) - Intergovernmental Scholarship Programs Intergovernmental scholarship programs enabling Azerbaijani citizens to study abroad at partner institutions in countries including China, Latvia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Russia (MGIMO), Tajikistan, Turkey (doctoral/research), Slovakia, and Morocco (2026-2027). Coverage includes tuition, visas, registration, monthly allowances, medical aid, and annual travel expenses. Managed through htp.edu.az portal.

Quantifiable outcome

• Baku ranked 95th globally in QS Best Student Cities 2026 (up 22 positions)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026Memorandum of Understanding signed between EATDA and QS at QS Higher Ed Summit Europe 2026 in Budapest. The partnership includes QS Future Skills project for developing individual career trajectories for Azerbaijani university students and graduates, aligning educational programs with labor market demands, and forecasting future professions and skills.
• European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2024EATDA accepted as observer member, providing access to European higher education quality assurance standards and best practices for aligning Azerbaijani higher education with Bologna Process requirements.
• George Washington University (USA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDual diploma program with Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University for Master's in Education and Human Capital Development; with ADA University for Master's in Computer Science and Data Analytics, and Electrical/Electroenergetic Engineering
• INHA University (South Korea)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDual diploma program with Baku Engineering University for Bachelor's programs in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, and Information Technology
• Ege University (Turkey)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDual diploma program with Azerbaijan State Agrarian University for Bachelor's programs in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Plant Protection, and Economics
• Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDual diploma program with Baku State University for Master's in Biotechnology
• University of Warwick (UK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDual diploma program with Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University for Master's in Renewable Energy Sources
• IronhackminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational intensive training provider for IT SkillSprint program covering cybersecurity, data and AI, DevOps and AI, and web programming across 9 Azerbaijani universities with 120 students
• Code AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Code for Future project providing programming, network administration, system administration, web development, QA, data analytics courses to approximately 900 students per semester
• AlgoritmikaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Code for Future project delivering IT training programs to students at 6 Azerbaijani universities with over 4,000 total graduates since 2021
• Cambridge University PresscoreTechnology or IntegrationAgreement providing unlimited free article publication in high-impact Open Access journals to Azerbaijani researchers until end of 2028. Includes access to hybrid and gold Open Access journals with Creative Commons licensing.
• ElseviercoreTechnology or IntegrationTraining workshops for master's and doctoral students on using Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Mendeley platforms for thesis preparation, literature search, and academic writing. Includes workshops on AI Discovery features.
• TÜRKÜNİB (Turkic Universities Union)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent and faculty exchange program under Orhun Exchange Program with Turkic Council member universities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• ENQA — European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education: European umbrella organization for HE quality assurance agencies. EATDA is an observer member, so ENQA functions as both a peer organization (other members perform similar functions) and an ecosystem participant that sets standards EATDA aligns to.
• QS Quacquarelli Symonds: Global higher education analytics and rankings provider. Functions as a strategic partner to EATDA via the 2026 MoU and the Future Skills project — not a direct competitor but an ecosystem enabler whose rankings framework materially shapes EATDA's strategic priorities.
• Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan: The sister ministry separated from the former combined Ministry of Education in 2022. Operates as a peer/ecosystem participant within the same national education governance structure, with shared jurisdiction and overlapping service touchpoints.

Direct peers

• Higher Education Authority of Egypt (HEA): National regulatory body overseeing Egypt's higher education institutions. Similar role in quality assurance, institutional licensing, and academic credentialing within a non-EU jurisdiction seeking international alignment.
• QAA — Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (UK): UK's designated quality assurance body for higher education. Performs the same institutional review and quality assurance function EATDA is building toward, and serves as a reference model for ENQA-aligned national agencies.
• Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC): Pakistan's national higher education coordinating body. Comparable in scope — governing universities, administering scholarship programs (including international outbound programs), accrediting institutions, and driving internationalization in a developing-country context.
• Council of Higher Education of Turkey (YÖK): Turkey's national higher education coordination and regulatory body. Closest functional peer to EATDA — both are government-mandated bodies overseeing universities, setting quality standards, and managing international academic mobility within their respective national systems.
• Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan's ministry responsible for science and higher education policy. Comparable post-Soviet peer with parallel mandate to coordinate universities, manage international scholarships (Bolashak program), and align with European quality frameworks.
• Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation: Russia's federal ministry for science and higher education. Comparable in scope of authority over universities and research institutes, and a partner of EATDA via the MGIMO scholarship program.

Regional players

• Ministry of National Education of Turkey (MEB): Turkey's ministry overseeing all levels of education. Comparable in mandate to EATDA in terms of education policy administration, but operates at a larger scale and includes K-12, whereas EATDA focuses specifically on higher education and science.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@eatdaeatda
• Facebookfacebook.com/eatda
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/eatdaeduaz

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about State Agency for Science and Higher Education