ADA University

Mission Statement

ADA University

Our mission is to cultivate highly intellectual solution providers who are closely collaborating, efficiently communicating members of the global community, possessing ethics and a sense of citizenship.

International Role

ADA University was established in 2014. ADA stands for Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA). Thanks to the diplomatic network and competence of ADA University, the institution has a very international DNA.

ADA University has an international network with almost 150 exchange programs over the past years in 47 countries worldwide. Other areas of ADA University's international facts: 

• Dual degree programs.
• Executive education programs.
• Research projects with international partners.
• Academic and Policy Conferences and workshops.
• International recruitment and faculty (25%)

ADA University was established in 2014. ADA stands for Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA). The University has international DNA from the start. Is has an international network with almost 150 exchange programs over the past years in 47 countries worldwide.

The newly funded School of Design and Architecture wishes to enrich such network by being part of Cumulus and promote collaboration in research and education at global level.

areas of ADA University's international activities:

1.            Almost 150 exchange programs over the past years in 47 countries worldwide.

Dual degree programs with Georgetown University (USA), CEFAM (France), and MGIMO (Russia).

Executive education programs.

Research projects with international partners.

Academic and Policy Conferences and workshops.

International recruitment and faculty (25%)

In 2022, ADA University further expanded its operations through Italy-Azerbaijan University project. Established by a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev, this new institution aims to strengthen knowledge exchange between Azerbaijan and Italy, promote innovation, and contribute to the economic development of our country. In 2022, ADA University further expanded its operations through Italy-Azerbaijan University project. Established by a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev, this new institution aims to strengthen knowledge exchange between Azerbaijan and Italy, promote innovation, and contribute to the economic development of our country.

The University was established in partnership with five leading Italian Universities, namely Luiss University, Bologna University, Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino and Sapienza University of Rome.

The Italy-Azerbaijan University focuses on disciplines such as design and architecture, agriculture and food sciences, business and engineering, providing a platform for collaborative research, student exchanges, and joint degree programs.

The School of Design and Architecture (SDA) is part of Italy Azerbajian university project in collaboration with politecnico di Milano.

SDA is now launching the exchange programs for the next academic year and as currently 85% international faculty. 

National Role

ADA University was established on January 13th, 2014, by the decree of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The University is a state higher education institution engaged in the delivery of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in addition to the advancement of research.

The University is the legal heir of the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) and Information Technologies University. They were merged in January 2014 to establish ADA University.

The University has strong relationship with national institution and stakeholders. For instance, ADA University Board of Trustees is comprised of accomplished and influential leaders who come from government and private sectors, including Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-president Mehriban Aliyeva, Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of the Foreign Affairs, Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Science and Education, Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev ADA Rector, René van der Linden Former President, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, S. Frederick Starr is the founding chairman of the Central Asia -Caucasus Institute and Silk Road Studies Program, Roald Sagdeev Former Director, Space Research Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences.

The School of Design and Architecture (SDA) shares the University aim to collaborate with national institutions and private sector. For instance, in November 2025 ADA SDA as signed ad MoU with PASHA Real Estate Group the largest building company in the country. They will collaborate in education and research at all levels, from collaboration in studio courses, to extra-course workshops, field-trips, internships, etc.

ADA SDA has signed and Mou with UN-Habitat and The State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture (SCUPA) to be academic partner of

World Urban Forum 13 “Housing the world:Safe and resilient cities and communities” that will take place in 17–22 May 2026 Baku.

The School is new but already connecting with most relevant stakeholders to build a collaborative network of local and global partners.

Main Focus

ADA SDA is newly founded (2023) and has launched 4 BA. Another BA in Product Design is ready to be launched and also a Master of Science in Landscape Architecture. The School aims at developing other master programs in the near future. The school is outlined with the Politecnico di Milano and share the same technical and cultural educational approach. 

Indeed, the new ADA School educational model is inspired from the one of Polimi and integrates inputs from other top international schools. The model applies to all Programs and balances different teaching methods.

In general, four elements are fundamental:

1. The Polytechnic approach that culturally origins in a complementary and sound mix of scientific, technological, and humanistic theoretical knowledges that is at the basis of any project of each discipline.
2. The Learning to learn element which means that the school educational model equips the students with a research skills and expertise. In this perspective the teaching activity is the place for transferring cultural and professional skills, but also a place for experimentation and investigation. As a result, students are trained to use research-based models of intervention that generate innovation for companies, institutions, societies.
3. The Learning-by-doing approach takes place in monodisciplinary or transdisciplinary project-based courses called Design Studios, courses in which the theory is intertwined with the design practice, thanks to the presence of multiple teachers who integrate complementary disciplines into a single process. In these studios students learn to design by designing. 
4. The Innovation paradigm of all research, education activities which pursue up-to-date lines of development in the disciplinary fields – design, architecture and urban planning – and also promote and include innovative teaching models approaches, methods and tools.

More in detail, the new ADA School educational model will include the following educational approaches:

the human and user-centred approach to design that address the needs of users and society.

the research-based approach to design that makes possible an informed design process. 

the integrated approach that mixes complementary competences 

the project-based learnin

the multidisciplinary design projects.

the explorative and experimental approach

the work in team and the collaborative approach

the innovative teaching opportunities (collaborative classes, blended course, etc.)

The educational model comprises extra activities that enrich and complete the learning experiences, such as internships, exchange programs, study trips.