91¾«Æ·

The PhD in Public Administration at 91¾«Æ· University’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) is a research-intensive doctoral program designed to prepare scholars, researchers, and policy professionals capable of advancing the theory and practice of governance, public administration, and public policy.

Delivered fully in English and in a face-to-face format, the program combines rigorous methodological training with applied research on governance challenges in Azerbaijan and comparable developing and transitional states. Students develop expertise in public policy analysis, organizational governance, public finance, administrative reform, and evidence-based policymaking.

The program is designed for candidates who aspire to academic careers, leadership roles in government institutions, international organizations, policy research centers, and non-governmental organizations.

The PhD in Public Administration extends 91¾«Æ· University’s existing Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs (BAPA) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) pathway to the doctoral level, completing the BA–MA–PhD structure common at leading international schools of public administration.

SPIA offers two full-time and one part-time PhD seats for Fall 2026.

The program aims to:

• Produce original research that advances scholarship in public administration, governance, and public policy;
• Prepare researchers with strong quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research skills;
• Develop scholars and professionals capable of addressing complex public sector challenges through evidence-based analysis;
• Support Azerbaijan’s ongoing public sector reforms and institutional modernization;
• Prepare graduates for academic careers and senior analytical positions in public institutions and international organizations;
• Strengthen 91¾«Æ· University’s research capacity and international academic profile.

The PhD in Public Administration is designed as a four-year full-time doctoral program.

The first two years focus primarily on coursework, research training, qualifying examinations, and dissertation proposal development. The third and fourth years are dedicated to independent dissertation research, writing, and defense.

The program includes:

• 30 ECTS of structured coursework;
• Research colloquia and seminars;
• Comprehensive qualifying examinations;
• Dissertation proposal defense;
• Doctoral dissertation research and final defense.

Students are expected to engage continuously in research and teaching activities throughout the program.

Core Courses

• Foundations of Public Administration Theory
• Public Policy Analysis
• Advanced Research Methods: Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative and Mixed Methods in Political Science
• Research Design and Proposal Development

Research and Dissertation Components

• Research Colloquium
• Initial Dissertation Research
• Dissertation Proposal
• Dissertation Research
• Dissertation and Defense

Areas of Research and Specialization

Students may pursue specialized research in areas including:

• Public Finance and Budgeting
• E-Governance and Digital Transformation
• Organization Theory and Public Management
• Comparative Public Administration
• Local Governance and Decentralization
• Non-Profit Management and Civil Society
• Regulatory Policy and Governance
• Administrative Reform in Transitional States
• Computational Methods for Policy Analysis
• Ethics, Accountability, and Anti-Corruption

Research Environment

The program emphasizes original, policy-relevant research and active engagement with contemporary governance challenges.

Doctoral students participate in SPIA research colloquia, present research-in-progress annually, and collaborate with faculty on research initiatives. Students are also encouraged to submit scholarly work to peer-reviewed journals and present at international academic conferences.

91¾«Æ· University provides:

• Access to international academic databases and library resources;
• Statistical and analytical software support;
• Research collaboration opportunities;
• Conference participation and research travel support (subject to approval);
• Teaching and research assistantship opportunities.

Under current university policy, all admitted students receive full scholarship support for the duration of their studies.

Students may also benefit from:

• Research assistantships;
• Teaching opportunities and pedagogical training;
• Reduced teaching load for 91¾«Æ· faculty members admitted to the program;
• Funding opportunities for fieldwork, conferences, and research activities;
• Mentorship from internationally trained faculty.

Applicants must:

• Hold a master’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Management, or a closely related field;
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
• Submit a research proposal (3,000–5,000 words);
• Submit an academic writing sample;
• Provide a statement of research interests and goals;
• Submit two to three academic recommendation letters;
• Provide official transcripts and CV;
• Demonstrate English language proficiency:
  • IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in each component), or IBT 5 (100 for tests taken before January, 2026) or 45 in English exam by State Examination Center.
• Successfully complete required entrance examinations in Public Administration and Philosophy in accordance with national regulations.

Step 1: Submit online application at portal.edu.az (deadline: June 8, 2026)

Click here to view instructions for portal application

Step 2: Submit online 91¾«Æ· University PhD application at 

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit this application.

Step 3: Submit required English language scores 

Step 4: Attend an interview

Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. The Admission Committee evaluates academic records, research and teaching experience, communication skills, career focus, and potential for success at 91¾«Æ· University.

Step 5: Take admission exams (Philosophy & Specialization) (September 2026)

Candidates must pass all stages in order to successfully complete the admission process. 

Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in:

• Universities and academic institutions;
• Government ministries and public agencies;
• International organizations;
• Policy think tanks and research centers;
• Non-governmental organizations;

Public sector leadership and policy advisory roles.

• Duration: 4 years (full-time)
• Language of Instruction: English
• Delivery Mode: Face-to-face