The Baku Engineering University (BMU) has strengthened its long-term international academic collaboration by renewing its dual diploma program with Inha University of the Republic of Korea, marking a continued commitment to advancing global higher education partnerships, engineering excellence, and student mobility between Azerbaijan and South Korea. The agreement was officially signed during a recent visit by BMU Rector Yagub Piriyev to the Republic of Korea, further reinforcing academic ties that have been steadily growing over the past several years.
During the signing ceremony, Inha University Rector Cho Myeong Woo emphasized the strategic importance of educational cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. He noted that the students participating in the BEU-INHA Dual Diploma Program (DDP) are expected to play a meaningful role in deepening future collaboration between Azerbaijan and South Korea, particularly in science, engineering, and innovation-driven sectors. He also highlighted that the existing partnership has already developed into a strong academic foundation, enabling both universities to confidently move into the second phase of their joint program.
From the Azerbaijani side, BMU Rector Yagub Piriyev underscored the importance of the State Program aimed at enhancing the international competitiveness of Azerbaijan’s higher education system. This initiative, implemented under the guidance of national leadership, has significantly supported the expansion of international dual degree programs, enabling Azerbaijani students to gain access to world-class academic training while remaining connected to their home country’s development goals. Piriyev stressed that such initiatives not only elevate academic standards but also contribute to the formation of highly skilled professionals in fields critical to national growth.
He further explained that the continuation of the BEU-INHA dual degree initiative under its second phase would help strengthen the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and South Korea. He also acknowledged the efforts made by both institutions in facilitating student mobility, particularly noting the recent organization of online entrance examinations by Azerbaijan’s State Examination Center for students studying in Korea. These efforts ensure smooth academic progression and reflect the strong administrative coordination behind the program.
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Under the renewed agreement, the second phase of the BEU-INHA Dual Diploma Program will continue offering undergraduate-level education in high-demand disciplines, including Information Technology, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence Engineering, and Data Science and Analytics. The program follows a structured 3+1 academic model, where students complete three years of study at BMU and one year at Inha University, or vice versa depending on the track, ensuring exposure to both local and international academic environments.
Currently, 329 students are enrolled across both phases of the program, reflecting strong demand for internationally recognized engineering education. To date, 143 students have successfully completed the program, demonstrating its effectiveness in producing globally competitive graduates. Additionally, 114 students in their final year at Inha University are expected to graduate this summer, further expanding the growing network of dual-degree alumni.
The BEU-INHA dual diploma collaboration, first launched in 2020 under Azerbaijan’s State Program for Enhancing the International Competitiveness of the Higher Education System (2019-2023), has become one of the country’s flagship international education initiatives. With its recent extension through a presidential order dated July 22, 2025, the program is now set to continue until 2030, ensuring long-term stability and sustained academic cooperation.
Education leaders from both institutions view the program as a model for international engineering education, highlighting its role in preparing students for global careers in rapidly evolving fields such as artificial intelligence, data-driven technologies, and advanced engineering systems. The continued partnership between BMU and Inha University stands as a strong example of how dual degree programs, cross-border academic exchange, and institutional collaboration can shape the future of higher education and technological innovation.
