A graduate of European Azerbaijan School (EAS) and a high-achieving IB Diploma Programme student, Nijat Taghizada, has been admitted to Stanford University in the United States. With an IB Diploma score of 43/45, Nijat will study Data Science at Stanford.

According to EAS, Nijat’s full tuition at Stanford will be covered by the school. This support is being provided under the EAS Scholarship Programme for Top Universities, created by the school to help its top-performing graduates pursue studies at leading universities around the world.

Alongside financial support, the programme offers selected students mentorship throughout their university studies, as well as ongoing connection through the EAS alumni network.

The path from EAS to Stanford

Nijat Taghizada studied at EAS for 12 years, starting from preschool age. Over these years, alongside his academic achievements, he took part in a range of international olympiads, science, robotics, and leadership initiatives.

According to Nijat, his years at the school played a key role in developing not only his academic knowledge but also skills such as leadership, open-mindedness, teamwork, and initiative. He noted that the olympiads and various projects he took part in at school made a significant contribution to shaping his future academic path.

Nijat also emphasized that the IB Diploma Programme played an important role in his admission to Stanford. He said the programme’s academic rigor and its preparation for university-level study helped him adapt to a demanding academic environment.

Nijat’s academic record also includes a 1530 SAT score and an 8.0 IELTS score.

Olympiads, science, and international achievements

Nijat’s achievements are not limited to his IB Diploma results. During his school years, he earned recognition in a number of international and national competitions.

His accomplishments include silver medals at VILIPO, iWise, and the BUCE IMSEF Mathematics competition, a semifinal finish at the National Informatics Olympiad, and two gold medals in debate and essay writing at the World Scholars Cup.

Nijat also won medals twice at the “Sabahın Alimləri” (“Tomorrow’s Scientists”) competition, earning him a place at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

At ISEF, he won a Grand Award in the Systems Software category, becoming only the second participant in Azerbaijan’s history to win an award at the competition. EAS Math Teacher and Olympiad Coordinator Gulzar Abbasbayli noted that Nijat had consistently prepared for projects, research, and olympiads since the 8th grade, and that the school’s ongoing support played an important role in that process.

Nijat’s activities were not limited to academic competitions. As captain of the FIRST Global Team – Azerbaijan, he led the country’s national robotics team, and he also founded a nonprofit initiative called “React Right,” which aims to use technology to help people before, during, and after natural disasters.

He also took part in university-level courses in Data Science and Applied Statistics through Stanford University’s Summer Session, and in Multivariable Calculus and Principles of Macroeconomics through Boston University’s High School Honors Program.

Nijat’s research work has also been presented internationally. His study on forecasting wildfire risk using artificial intelligence and satellite data was presented at an international scientific conference.

“This achievement belongs not only to Nijat, but to the entire EAS community”

Nijat’s father, Dayanat Taghizada, highlighted the role EAS played in his son’s development. He said that Nijat’s results reflect not only his personal skill and hard work, but also the team environment and culture of growth the school has built.

Dayanat Taghizada noted that after Nijat’s admission to Stanford, the family worked closely with the EAS team on planning next steps and navigating the admissions process. The school supported the family through the university application, enrollment, and other administrative procedures.

In his own interview, Nijat also acknowledged the role his parents played throughout the process. He said they had always supported him, both financially and emotionally, standing by him through difficulties and setbacks and motivating him to aim higher.

Support from EAS University Counselling

EAS University Counselling also played an important role in Nijat’s admission to Stanford.

EAS University Counsellor Gulnar Guliyeva said she worked closely with Nijat throughout his university application and closely observed his academic potential, curiosity, and determination. She noted that Nijat’s interest in data technology and problem-solving was evident from his school years, and that Stanford is the right environment for him to further develop that interest.

Gulnar Guliyeva said she believes Nijat will make meaningful contributions at Stanford and beyond, and that she is proud of his achievement.

“The next student to achieve this success could be you”

EAS CEO & Director Francesco Banchini said Nijat’s achievement is a great source of pride for the entire school community.

“Nijat is one of the highest-achieving students at EAS, and we are incredibly proud to see him begin this new chapter at Stanford University,” said Francesco Banchini.

He noted that the EAS Scholarship Programme was designed as a long-term support mechanism to help high-achieving students realize their ambitions of studying at the world’s leading universities.

“We will continue to support Nijat in the years ahead, both financially and through our alumni network and mentorship programme. Our goal is to support the path of more high-achieving students. The next student to achieve this success could be you,” said Francesco Banchini.

The start of a new chapter

For Nijat Taghizada, admission to Stanford marks the transition to a new chapter following his years at EAS. The academic foundation he built at the school, his IB Diploma experience, his participation in olympiads and international competitions, his research work, his leadership experience, and the support of EAS University Counselling were all key components of his university application process.

As he moves on to this new stage, Nijat expressed his gratitude to his EAS teachers, the school’s leadership, the University Counselling team, his parents, and his friends.

“I am deeply grateful to have been part of the European Azerbaijan School family, and I am excited for what lies ahead,” said Nijat.

As he begins his studies in Data Science at Stanford University, this marks not just the beginning of a new chapter at university for Nijat Taghizada, but the continuation, in a larger academic setting, of the knowledge, skills, and values he built during his years at school.

The EAS Scholarship Programme for Top Universities aims to expand opportunities for high-achieving graduates to study at the world’s leading universities, while helping them maintain their connection to the EAS community throughout their university years.