Comparison of higher education systems of Azerbaijan and Türkiye

This study examines the higher education systems of Azerbaijan and Turkey from a comparative perspective, aiming to reveal their similarities and differences in fundamental structural and operational dimensions. The study examined key themes such as the legal foundations of higher education (constitutional regulations, the objectives of higher education, its structural and operational characteristics, and the admission system), general administrative structure, financial management principles, quality assurance and accreditation processes, and university autonomy. The research was conducted using a qualitative design and document analysis method, systematically analyzing the constitutional provisions and laws of both countries. The comparative analysis utilized a combination of horizontal and descriptive approaches. The horizontal approach allowed for a simultaneous comparison of the higher education systems of Azerbaijan and Turkey based on the same themes, while the descriptive approach facilitated an in-depth analysis of relevant regulations. The data obtained were analyzed using content analysis and classified under the identified themes, allowing for a comparison of the two countries' higher education systems in terms of structural, administrative, and political aspects. The results reveal that while the two countries' higher education systems share commonalities stemming from their historical development, there are also significant differences in their functioning and institutional structures. At the end of the study, recommendations for the development of higher education policies for both countries were presented.