About NSU
Founded
1967
Students
35,000+
Faculty
703 Members
Faculties
12
Campus
266 Acres
Recognition
WHO + ECFMG
Nakhchivan State University (NSU) β Azerbaijani: NaxΓ§Δ±van DΓΆvlΙt Universiteti β is a government university located in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. Founded in 1967 as part of the Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute, it became the independent Nakhchivan State University in 1990.
NSU is one of Azerbaijan's largest universities, enrolling 35,000 students across 12 faculties on a sprawling 266-acre campus with 703 faculty members. The university offers bachelor's, master's, PhD, and post-doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines.
The Faculty of Medicine at NSU offers a 6-year General Medicine (MD) program fully taught in English for international students, including Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi students. The program is recognized by WHO and ECFMG, and graduates are eligible to sit international licensing examinations.
NSU's location in Nakhchivan β a historically rich autonomous region bordering Turkey and Iran β offers a uniquely safe, affordable, and culturally close environment for South Asian students. The city has a strong Muslim identity with halal food widely available and a growing international student community.
Why Choose NSU?
- βGovernment university β stable, established, not a private institution
- βWHO Recognized and ECFMG Listed β international pathway options open
- βFully English-medium MD program β zero language barrier in academics
- βOne of the most affordable MBBS programs in the region β $3,500/year after Year 1
- βMuslim-majority city with halal food and culturally familiar environment
- βD-type student visa with legal stay and TRC registration
- βECFMG listing opens USMLE eligibility pathway
- βFirst semester all-in package includes airport pickup, TRC, hostel, registration β no hidden costs
- βLegal work not currently restricted for students β check latest regulations on arrival
- βVery low cost of living β students commonly live on $200β$350/month
Program Details
The General Medicine program at NSU runs for 6 years including a final-year clinical internship. The curriculum follows international medical education standards and covers pre-clinical sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry), para-clinical subjects (Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology), and clinical rotations in NSU's affiliated teaching hospital.
All lectures, exams, and assessments for international students are conducted in English. Basic Azerbaijani language classes are offered in Year 1 to help students communicate with patients during clinical years, but academic performance is evaluated entirely in English.
| Degree Awarded | MD (General Medicine) |
| Duration | 6 Years including Internship |
| Language | English Medium |
| Intake | September & March (Bi-Annual) |
| Age Limit | 17β27 Years |
| Campus | Nakhchivan City, Azerbaijan |
| University Type | Government University |
Fee Structure (USD)
NSU uses a semester-based fee structure. The first semester is a comprehensive all-in package that includes tuition, hostel, registration, TRC, medical examination, liaison management, and airport pickup. From Semester 2 onward, students pay only tuition and hostel per semester.
| Year | Tuition (USD) | Hostel (USD) | Other Fees | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (All-In Package)Sem 1: $4,500 total package + Sem 2: $1,750 | $3,500 | $1,000 | $1,750Registration, TRC, Medical Exam, Liaison & Airport | $6,250 |
| Year 2 | $2,500 | $1,000 | β | $3,500 |
| Year 3 | $2,500 | $1,000 | β | $3,500 |
| Year 4 | $2,500 | $1,000 | β | $3,500 |
| Year 5 | $2,500 | $1,000 | β | $3,500 |
| Year 6 (incl. Internship) | $2,500 | $1,000 | β | $3,500 |
| Total 6-Year Cost (Tuition + Hostel) | $23,750 | |||
- β’First semester package ($4,500) includes: Tuition, Hostel, Contract Fee, Medical Examination, TRC, Registration, Liaison & Management, Airport Pickup.
- β’Semesters 2β12: $1,750/semester (Tuition + Hostel). Two semesters per year = $3,500/year.
- β’Additional one-time payment of $160 (non-refundable) for Admission processing, Document Translation, and E-Visa β paid alongside Step 1 documents.
- β’$1,500 USD of the first semester fee is payable in Pakistan before departure. Remaining $3,000 is paid upon arrival in Azerbaijan.
- β’Annual Medical Examination: $20β$50 (mandatory, includes HIV & HBsAg tests).
- β’Annual TRC (Temporary Resident Card) renewal: $40β$60.
- β’Medical Insurance: Optional, approximately $120/year.
Additional Fees
Admission + Translation + E-Visa
One-time, non-refundable, paid with Step 1 documents
Annual Medical Exam
Mandatory each year β HIV + HBsAg reports
Annual TRC Renewal
Temporary Resident Card, renewed annually
Medical Insurance
Optional
Flight Tickets
Nakhchivan has direct flights from Istanbul and several regional hubs
Admission Requirements
- βFSc Pre-Medical (or equivalent 12th standard with PCB) with minimum 60% overall marks
- βAge limit: 17β27 years at time of admission
- βEnglish Proficiency Certificate from last attended college/school (no IELTS required)
- βIndian students: Must have passed NEET (minimum 50th percentile General / 40th percentile reserved) β NMC rule for all foreign MBBS
- βBangladeshi students: SSC + HSC with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB). No NEET equivalent required from Bangladesh.
- βValid passport (minimum 18 months validity)
- βMedical fitness β no disqualifying chronic conditions
Required Documents
- πSTEP 1 β Conditional Offer Letter: Matric results, FSc results, valid passport, white background photo
- πSTEP 2 β Confirmed Invitation Letter: Passport, FSc (10+2) result, Matric (10th) result, Blood tests (HBV/HIV), English Proficiency Certificate from college
- πSTEP 3 β Travel to Azerbaijan: Passport, Matric & FSc certificates (Board + IBCC + MOFA attested), Translation of documents into Azerbaijani, English Proficiency Certificate, Family Registration Certificate (NADRA + MOFA attested), Police Clearance Certificate (MOFA attested), Polio Vaccination Certificate, COVID-19 Vaccination Card (double dose)
- πIndian students: 10th + 12th marksheets (MEA apostille attested), NEET scorecard (original + attested copy)
- πBangladeshi students: SSC + HSC certificates (Education Board + MoE + MoFA attested)
Admission Process
Step 1 β Apply for Conditional Offer
Submit Matric results, FSc results, passport, and photo along with $160 (admission fee, document translation, and e-visa processing). This amount is non-refundable once the conditional letter is issued.
Step 2 β Confirmed Invitation Letter
Submit passport, academic results, medical blood tests (HBV/HIV), and English proficiency certificate. University issues the confirmed admission invitation letter.
Step 3 β Travel Preparation
Attest all documents (Board β IBCC β MOFA for Pakistan; MEA for India; Board β MoE β MoFA for Bangladesh). Translate documents into Azerbaijani. Apply for Azerbaijan e-Visa.
Step 4 β Depart for Nakhchivan
Fly to Nakhchivan (via Istanbul, Baku, or other hubs). University airport pickup is included in the first semester package. Pay remaining $3,000 (from $4,500 Semester 1 package) on arrival in Azerbaijan.
Step 5 β TRC Registration
Register for Temporary Resident Card (TRC) within the first month. Cost: $40β$60. University assists with the process.
City & Student Life in Nakhchivan
Religion
Muslim Majority
Climate
Warm summers, cold winters
Nearest Hub
Istanbul (~1.5h flight)
Monthly Living
~$200β$350
Halal Food
Widely Available
Safety
Very High
Nakhchivan is the capital city of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic β a geographically distinct region of Azerbaijan bordered by Turkey, Iran, and Armenia. It is a historically rich city with ancient monuments, warm summers, and a predominantly Muslim population, making it culturally familiar and comfortable for South Asian students.
The city is small (population ~100,000) and very safe β ideal for focused academic study. Cost of living is exceptionally low: local food costs $2β$5 per meal, shared accommodation outside campus can be as low as $80β$100/month from Year 2, and public transport is nearly free. Students from Pakistan often describe Nakhchivan as feeling 'closer to home' than Chinese or European destinations.
Nakhchivan has a growing international student community and is accessible via direct flights from Istanbul (Turkish Airlines, ~1.5 hours) and connections through Baku. For Pakistani students, the flight route is typically Karachi/Lahore β Istanbul β Nakhchivan.
Campus Life
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NSU Nakhchivan State University recognized by WHO?
Yes. Nakhchivan State University is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is listed with ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates), which opens the USMLE pathway for eligible graduates seeking US residency.
Is NSU approved by PMC/PMDC for Pakistani students?
NSU is WHO recognized and ECFMG listed. Pakistani graduates must verify the current PMC approved list at pmc.gov.pk before enrolling, as the PMC list is updated periodically. Contact Titans Abroad for the latest PMC status confirmation for NSU.
Can Indian students study MBBS at Nakhchivan State University? Is NEET required?
Yes β Indian students are welcome at NSU. NEET is mandatory for all Indian students studying MBBS abroad (NMC rule since 2019). You must qualify NEET with a minimum 50th percentile (General) or 40th percentile (reserved) before applying. After completing the 6-year MD program, Indian graduates must pass FMGE/NExT to practice medicine in India. Verify NMC listing status at nmc.org.in before enrolling.
Can Bangladeshi students study MBBS at Nakhchivan State University? Is the degree BMDC recognized?
Yes β Bangladeshi students can apply to NSU. The university is WHO recognized and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), making it BMDC-eligible. No national entrance exam is required from Bangladesh β SSC and HSC certificates with PCB subjects are the core requirements. After completing MBBS, Bangladeshi graduates must pass the BMDC licensing examination. Verify current BMDC status before enrolling.
What is the total cost of MBBS at NSU including hostel?
First semester all-in package: $4,500 (includes tuition, hostel, registration, TRC, medical exam, liaison management, and airport pickup). Plus $160 one-time for admission processing, document translation, and e-visa. From Semester 2 onward: $1,750/semester (tuition + hostel). Total 6-year cost: approximately $23,750 (plus $160 initial fee and annual extras of ~$100β$150 for medical exam + TRC renewal).
How much do I pay in Pakistan before travelling?
You pay $1,500 USD in Pakistan as part of the first semester fee (from the total $4,500 first semester package). The remaining $3,000 is paid upon arrival in Azerbaijan. Additionally, $160 for admission processing, document translation, and e-visa is paid at the Step 1 application stage.
Is there a hostel at NSU for international students?
Yes β NSU has an international student hostel offering 2β5 sharing rooms depending on room size and availability. The hostel fee is included in the Semester 1 package and in the per-semester fee ($1,750 covers both tuition and hostel). From Year 2 onward, students can apply for permission to live off-campus, where accommodation can be as low as $80β$100/month.
Is halal food available in Nakhchivan?
Yes β Nakhchivan is a Muslim-majority autonomous republic. Halal food is widely and easily available throughout the city, in restaurants, markets, and supermarkets. Students from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh consistently report that food and cultural comfort is one of NSU's biggest advantages.
What is the intake for MBBS at NSU?
NSU offers two intakes per year β September and March β giving students flexible options to start their MBBS at any time of year.
Is IELTS required for MBBS at NSU?
No IELTS or TOEFL is required. An English Proficiency Certificate from your last attended college or school is sufficient. The program is fully taught in English.
Apply to NSU
September & March intakes available. Get your conditional offer letter and start your Azerbaijan MBBS journey with Titans Abroad.