Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Science and Education is responsible for setting a unified educational policy, guiding the development of the education system, and ensuring effective implementation of programmes. The state retains the primary role in delivering public education services, as it possesses the established structures and financial resources necessary for this function. The government also develops organisational and economic models to meet educational needs and align training with labour market demands. Efforts are made to strengthen scientific support for education and to promote international cooperation across all education levels.
Local authorities share responsibility with the central government in overseeing pre-schools, primary, and secondary schools, operating under a framework of shared competencies.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
By Decree No. 664 of 2014, 12 Regional Education Departments were established. Municipalities manage their own budgets independently from the state budget, with state intervention permitted only in specific legal cases. As such, the state is not responsible for local budget obligations. Nevertheless, under Article 6 of the Law on Municipal Finance, the state supports local financial autonomy by providing additional funds to cover budget deficits when possible and allocating grants for local development programmes if local resources are insufficient.
The Law on the Status of Municipalities allows for the distribution of subsidies, credits, and grants. If the central government increases municipal expenditures or reduces revenues, it must compensate municipalities with allocated funds. When adopting the state budget, expected local budget revenues must be considered, and any shortfalls are addressed through state transfers.
Current budget legislation, specifically Article 34.4 of the Law on Budget System, sets out criteria for calculating municipal donations. These calculations take into account population size, the municipality’s financial contribution, income and expenditure levels, geographic location (such as proximity to occupied territories or mountainous areas), local living standards, and planned socio-economic projects.
2. Education resources to schools
Teachers in remote areas receive legal privileges. To attract young specialists (under 35) to rural schools, those working for at least three years are granted 90 AZN monthly for utilities and rent, plus an additional 100 AZN if the school is over 20 km from a district center (20.3).
Education Development Fund
The Education Development Fund, established by Decree No. 1399 on 14 July 2021, is a public legal entity that finances programs and projects aimed at the development of the education system and supports adaptation to the material and technical base of state educational institutions to modern requirements in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The capital of the Fund is formed by deductions from extra-budgetary funds of educational institutions under the Ministry (except vocational education institutions), the income obtained from the provision of paid educational services and the activities of the Fund, donations, grants, investments, and other sources not prohibited by law.
The current management of the activities of the Fund is carried out by the Management Board consisting of the chairman, his deputy, and one other member.
3. Education resources to students and families
No initiative that transfers resources to disadvantaged students or households in basic education has been identified.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Targeted State Social Assistance (TSSA)
The Targeted State Social Assistance (TSSA) programme, established in 2006, provides financial aid to low-income families. Families qualify if their average monthly income per member falls below the total need criterion due to circumstances beyond their control, such as unemployment, disability, large family size, or other social and economic hardships. The programme aims to ensure basic living standards and support vulnerable households in meeting essential needs.
5. School meal programmes
While Azerbaijan does not have a national school meal programme, free meals are provided in pre-primary schools, boarding schools, and other specialised educational institutions. These provisions aim to support students’ nutrition and well-being in targeted educational settings.
This profile was reviewed by Ulviyya Mikailova and by the Permanent Delegation of Azerbaijan to UNESCO.
