PhD Programs

ADA University School of Information Technologies and Engineering (SITE) is pleased to announce the launch of pioneering PhD programs inviting prospective students to join a community committed to academic excellence and innovation. Ph.D. programs are aligned with ADA University’s mission to foster excellence in education and research while meeting the evolving needs of education, industry, and government. These programs will produce highly skilled researchers and scientists who will contribute to cutting-edge advancements and enhance Azerbaijan’s technology leadership role. Each SITE PhD program is designed to ensure a unique combination of rigorous research training with real-world applications, empowering scholars to make meaningful contributions and drive innovation in their fields.

ADA SITE PhD programs will span approximately four years and encompass rigorous coursework, comprehensive qualifying examinations, and a substantial research-based dissertation. Its structure will encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and research innovation.

• Provide academic growth opportunities to full-time instructors at ADA University. 
• Attract the most promising candidates with a passion for research and teaching to become faculty members at ADA University and other institutions in Azerbaijan. 
• Boost research by advancing the frontiers of knowledge in different fields
• Develop research and educational skills that are essential to the growth of Azerbaijan as a technology leader nationally, regionally, and internationally; 
• Enhance ADA University’s growing reputation for excellence in research. 

• Students will be able to demonstrate a deep and critical understanding and expertise in one or more areas related to the specialization. 
• Students will have the ability to mentor and guide graduate and undergraduate students in their research and academic development.
• Students will be able to understand and identify the range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies typically used in research. 
• Students will be proficient in writing scholarly papers, including research articles, conference presentations, and the doctoral thesis/dissertation.
• Students will be able to reflect on findings in written technical texts and properly use citations and references to justify their technical arguments and assumptions. 
• Students will develop an ability to design, conduct, and manage independent research projects, utilizing advanced research methods appropriate to the field.
• Students will have the ability to collaborate with other researchers, including interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute effectively in a team setting.

All admitted PhD students will have classes designed to deepen their knowledge in the area of specialization and enhance their research skills. This will include a mix of core theoretical courses, elective courses, and practical seminars. Each program focuses on developing expert capabilities in its field, ensuring that students are well-prepared for academic and professional challenges.

• The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 72 credits (ECTS) beyond the master’s degree of formal course work, independent study, directed study, and dissertation research.
• The program requires passing a qualifying examination, performing successful dissertation proposal examination, completing and passing a final oral defense of the dissertation, and acceptance of the Ph.D. dissertation by the Doctoral Committee.
• The coursework of the Ph.D. program includes at least six graduate-level courses and the Guided Research/Research Method, with a grade not less than B taken during the first two years of the program. Students are required to take 4 required/core courses and two of offered elective courses (36 credits of coursework).
• Remaining 36 credits include 3 courses related to research and Dissertation.
• The student may be required to take additional courses depending on the student’s background and assessment of the student's knowledge breadth in the field evaluated by Advisor / Doctoral Committee.

In case if student is admitted from M.S. program in relevant area, three courses can be transferred if grades are B and higher (decision about transfer is taken by Doctoral Committee). 

1. Relevant Academic background: M.S. degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Applied Math, or any other related program; 
2. GPA requirement: Minimum academic qualifications include a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 (out of 4.0) for master’s holders. This is roughly equivalent to 80 on a 100 scale.
3. English Language Proficiency*: TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) score of at least 100 or IELTS overall band score of 7.0 , Duolingo Online Exam score of at least 130.

* Waivers for English language requirements are given only in the below cases:

• The native language is English, or
• The applicant has studied at the degree level in English in an English-speaking country, or
• The applicant is currently enrolled in or has completed the GW-ADA graduate programs.

Stage 1 ADA University online application form (December 2024 – April 1, 2025)

Stage 2  Selective interview process (May – June 2025)

Stage 3 Entrance exams (Philosophy and Specialization) (May – June 2025)

Stage 1 ADA University online application form: www.ada.edu.az/apply

As part of the  ADA University online application form online application, the following documents are required to be submitted:

• Bachelor’s Diploma and Transcripts: Submit notarized and English-translated copies of your bachelor's diploma. 
• Master’s Diploma and Transcripts: Submit notarized and English-translated copies of your bachelor's diploma. If currently in your final year, provide a document stating your expected graduation date.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume: Include details of your educational background and employment experiences, including the list of all publications and any relevant certifications.
• Recent photo: A recent, professional photo should be uploaded with your application.
• National Identification Card for local applicants or Passport for international candidates.
• English language certificate
• Recommendation letters: Applicants should provide three recommendation letters, with a minimum of two being academic references (preferably from the professors who taught last year or master's courses or thesis supervisor). Recommendation letters attest to the applicant’s readiness for doctoral study.
• Strong research interest: Evidence-based passion for research and/or teaching. 
• Research statement: Applicants should outline their past, current, and future research goals, along with their motivations for pursuing research. The statement should be between 500 and 1,000 words.
• An application fee of 100 AZN 

Stage 2  Selective interview process (May – June 2025)

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for the interview. Admission Committee includes applicant's prior academic records, intellectual capacity, potential for growth, commincation skills, research motivation and research records (if available), teaching experience and interest,  career focus and ability to succeed at ADA University

Stage 3 Entrance exams:

Exam dates will be officially announced at www.ada.edu.az/site in April 1, 2025.

All candidates are required to successfully pass the following exams.

1. Philosophy:

• History of Philosophy, Categories in Philosophy, Major Branches of Philosophy

  2. Specializations:

• Computer Science: Linear algebra, Computer Architecture and Networks, Data Structures & Algorithms, Information systems
• Computer Equipment and Technologies: Electronics, Control systems, Signal processing, Embedded systems, Microprocessors 
• System Analysis, Control, and Information Processing: Linear algebra, Calculus, Computer Architecture and Networks, Data Structures & Algorithms, Principle of Programming Languages
• Analysis and Functional Analysis: Real analysis, Functional analysis, Differential Topology, Differential Equations, Optimization Theory
• Information Security Methods, Systems, and Cyber Security: Network Security, Cryptography, Web Security, Intrusion Detection Systems

• All students admitted to the program will get full funding as per the current university policy for the duration of education;
• All students admitted to the program will be nominated for the full-time position of Research/Teaching Assistant at ADA University;
• All successful applicants will receive a full scholarship covering 100% of their tuition fees, as well as a salary.

For more information, please write to site.admissions@ada.edu.az