Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Science and Education have commenced nominations for the 2026–27 Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Programme, which provides 100 fully funded scholarships for international students in various educational tracks (bachelor’s, master’s, medical, and doctoral) at Azerbaijani universities. The nomination period runs from 15 March to 15 May 2026, requiring candidates to obtain endorsements from their home governments before centralised registration begins on 1 June.
Application Deadlines:
- National Nomination Stage: 15 March – 15 May 2026
- Centralized Registration Stage: 1 – 15 June 2026
- Final Selection: 16 June – 31 July 2026
- Arrival in Azerbaijan: By 30 September 2026 (academic year begins 15 September)
Tell Me About The Award:
The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program is a flagship initiative of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Science & Education. It offers 100 fully funded scholarships annually to international students across Bachelor’s, Master’s, Medical, and Doctoral programmes at Azerbaijani universities.
Named after Azerbaijan’s founding national leader, the program strengthens academic ties with OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation), NAM (Non-Aligned Movement), Small Island Developing States, and countries with cultural/historical links to Azerbaijan.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- All fields of study offered at participating Azerbaijani universities, including:
- Sciences
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Arts
Type:
- Fully Funded Scholarship | Undergraduate, Master’s, Medical, Doctoral
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of OIC, NAM, Small Island Developing States, or countries with cultural ties to Azerbaijan.
- Meet age requirements:
- Undergraduate/General Medicine: under 35 years
- Master’s/Medical Residency: under 40 years
- Doctoral: under 45 years
- Hold a minimum GPA equivalent to 70% in their most recent qualification.
- Demonstrate language proficiency in the programme’s language of instruction (Azerbaijani, English, Russian, or Turkish).
- Nationals of countries outside the specified blocs are not eligible.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Full tuition fees for the duration of study (6 months – 6 years depending on programme).
- Annual round-trip airfare between home country and Baku.
- Medical insurance (200 AZN ≈ USD 117 annually).
- Visa and residence permit support.
- Monthly stipend of 800 AZN (≈ USD 470) for 10 months each academic year (covers accommodation, meals, and academic expenses).
- Preparatory language courses (Azerbaijani, English, Russian, Turkish) if needed.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Duration depends on programme:
- Preparatory language course: 6 months
- Bachelor’s degree: 4 years
- General Medicine: 6 years
- Master’s degree: 2 years
- Doctoral degree: 3–4 years
Application Process:
- Stage 1 – National Nomination (15 March – 15 May 2026):
- Submit documents to your home country’s Ministry of Education or Azerbaijani embassy.
- Required documents: transcripts, proof of language proficiency, passport, and any additional documents requested by nominating authority.
- Stage 2 – Centralized Registration (1 – 15 June 2026):
- Nominated candidates register online via the Study in Azerbaijan Centralized Admission Service: studyinazerbaijan.edu.az (studyinazerbaijan.edu.az in Bing).
- Selection & Notification (16 June – 31 July 2026):
- Evaluation of applications.
- Successful candidates notified by end of July.
- Arrival in Azerbaijan (by 30 September 2026):
- Begin academic programme on 15 September.
