Before the commencement of educational period at an Azerbaijani higher education institution, applicants who do not meet the language requirements should have training in the chosen language of instruction. The duration of such training is defined during the admission process and may last for a year or several months. After having completed that preparation course, students receive certificates proving their knowledge of the respective language of instruction. 

Here are the universities where one may have preparation courses:
 

• Azerbaijan State Oil and Industrial University;
• Azerbaijan Medical University;
• Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University;
• Nakhchivan State University;
• Baku State University;
• Azerbaijan Technical University;
• Baku Slavic University;
• Azerbaijan University of Languages;
• Azerbaijan State Culture and Art University;
• Baku Music Academy;
• Baku Engineering University;
• Azerbaijan State Economic University;
• Sumgait State University;
• Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University;
• Azerbaijan National Conservatory;
• Odlar Yurdu University;
• Baku Choreography Academy;
• Azerbaijan State Agricultural University;
• Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Education and Sport.