The 55th commencement ceremony of Khazar University was held at the Yashil Teatr (Green Theatre) on July 12, 2026. The event was attended by the university's leadership, members of the Scientific Council, faculty deans, department heads, teachers, students, parents, graduates, and numerous guests. The ceremony began with the performance of the State Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

This year's commencement ceremony was marked by the 35th anniversary of the founding of Khazar University. It was noted at the event that Khazar University, which began operating in 1991 as Azerbaijan's first English-medium private higher education institution, started with just 19 students but has today become a prestigious institution of higher education where more than 5,000 students study across 6 schools. This year, 945 students graduated from the university, earning the status of alumni.

Speakers emphasized that Khazar continues to strengthen its position among the world's leading higher education institutions through a development strategy based on the principles of academic freedom, institutional independence, and international cooperation. It was reported that in the 2025–2026 academic year, the university ranked 301–400 among world universities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for its contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and 801–850 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

At the event, Dr. Razia Isaeva, Rector of Khazar University and an alumna of the university, congratulated the graduates and wished them success in their future lives and professional careers. In honor of the 35th anniversary, representatives of the university's first graduating classes — the graduates of 1996 and 2001 — were invited onto the stage. Speaking on their behalf, the graduates talked about the role Khazar had played in their lives and careers and wished success to the new graduates.

The presentation of diplomas to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students then began. Graduates from the School of Sciences and Engineering, the School of Economics and Management, the School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, the Hasvet School of Veterinary Medicine, the Graduate School of Science, Art and Technology, and the Graduate School of Economics and Business took the stage. Diplomas were presented by the university's leadership, faculty deans, department heads, teachers, and staff.

At the ceremony, certificates were presented to the graduates with the highest academic results in each school. The certificates were presented by Dr. Razia Isaeva, Rector of Khazar University, and Aygun Isayeva-Gardiner, Director of the "Dunya" School and the Nailakhanim Foundation.

Speaking on behalf of this year's graduates, Huseyn Musayev, a graduate of the Mechanical Engineering program of the School of Sciences and Engineering, expressed his gratitude to the teachers, parents, and the university community. In keeping with tradition, the graduates took the graduate oath, pledging to use the knowledge and skills gained at Khazar University for the well-being of their families, the nation, and Azerbaijan, and to always uphold the name and honor of the university. The text of the oath was read by Jala Mammadova and Dunyamin Mammadzade.

At the ceremony, Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, Founder of Khazar University and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, delivered a speech in which he spoke about the university's 35-year development path, its achievements, and its future goals, and offered valuable advice to the graduates.

Throughout the event, performances by Khazar University's Nailakhanim Chamber Orchestra, the "Forte Strings" ensemble, and student dance groups added a special festive atmosphere to the ceremony.