1. NATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN AZERBAIJAN Prof. Dr. Natig YUSIFOV Azerbaijan University of Languages Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Member of the expert group on the reforms in HE in Azerbaijan under the Ministry of Education.

2. 1. Higher education system in Azerbaijan 1.1. Types of HE Institutions: Universities, Academies, Institutes, colleges, conservatoires. 1.2. Multi-Level system of HE. 1.3. New Law on education adopted in 2009. 1.4. Autonomy of HE Institutions. 1.5. Admission to HE Institutions.

3. 2.1. HE in Azerbaijan and the Bologna process. 2.2. Participation of HE Institutions in International projects. 2.3. National Identity in HE. 2.4. Equality of access to HE. 2. Globalization of HE

4. 3. Quality, Assurance System in Azerbaijan 3.1. Legal basis for Quality Assurance in HE 3.2. Who is responsible for Quality Assurance in HE? Academic Standards and quality. 3.3. Internal assessment and self-evaluation at HE institutions. 3.4. Attestation and Accreditation of HE institutions

5. 4. The main challenges ahead for Azerbaijan 4.1.Reforms in HE: “State program on Reforms in Higher Education System in 2009-2013” 4.2.Necessary activities for the Integration of HE system of Azerbaijan into the global systems (Common European HE area, Asian HE zones).

6. 4.3. Improvement of the existing three level (bachelor, master, doctor) HE system. 4.4. Improvement of students knowledge evaluation system, implementation of credit system with a focus on ECTS 4.5. Supporting and developing students’ and staff mobility.

7. 4.6. Developing independent internal and external accreditation systems. 4.7. Implementing concept of Life-long education. 4.8. Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan is an obstacle for the improvement of a quality of education the republic.