Azerbaijan Opens 2025–2026 Scholarship Program for All International Students Including Pakistanis

The Republic of Azerbaijan has officially announced the 2025–2026 call for nominations for the prestigious Heydar Aliyev – International Education Grant Program. This initiative encourages international students to apply for fully funded higher education opportunities at top universities in Azerbaijan.

Jointly administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Education, this program aims to foster global human capital development while enhancing academic and cultural exchanges with Azerbaijan.

The initiative pays tribute to the legacy of Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s National Leader, and underscores the country’s commitment to educational diplomacy.

Comprehensive Scholarship for Various Academic Levels

The Heydar Aliyev Scholarship supports multiple academic levels and fields of study, including:

• Bachelor’s and General Medicine programs (4–6 years)
• Master’s and Medical Residency programs (1.5–5 years)
• PhD programs (3 years)
• Preparatory language and foundation courses (6 months to 1 year)

Each year, 100 international students will be selected to participate in this program, which will run for five years.

What the Scholarship Covers

The scholarship offers a generous financial package that includes:

• Full tuition fees, including preparatory language courses
• Round-trip international airfare to and from Baku
• A monthly living stipend of 800 AZN (approximately USD 470) to cover accommodation, food, and academic expenses (paid for 10 months each year)
• Annual medical insurance worth 200 AZN (approximately USD 117)
• Support for visa issuance and residence permits throughout the study period

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The program is open to citizens from:

• Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
• Member States of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
• Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
• Countries with cultural, historical, or ethnic ties to Azerbaijan

Applicants must also meet specific age criteria:

• Undergraduate/General Medicine: Under 35 years old
• Master’s/Medical Residency: Under 40 years old
• PhD: Under 45 years old

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate academic merit with a minimum GPA of 70% and proficiency in the language of instruction (English, Russian, Turkish, or Azerbaijani).

Application Process and Timeline

The application process consists of two formal stages:

First Stage (National Nomination):

• March 15 – May 15, 2025: Applicants must submit their documents to national authorities (e.g., Ministries, Embassies).

Second Stage (Centralized Registration):

• June 1 – June 15, 2025: Nominated candidates will register through the Study in Azerbaijan Centralized Admission Service (SIACAS) via the portal (portal.edu.az).

Final Selection & Enrollment:

• June 16 – July 15, 2025: Review and evaluation of applications.
• July 16 – July 31, 2025: Notification of selected candidates.
• September 15, 2025: Official start of the academic year.
• September 30, 2025: Final arrival date in Azerbaijan.

Apply Now

Interested applicants can find more details and apply through the official call document here.

This is a remarkable opportunity for international students to obtain a world-class education in Azerbaijan while contributing to the country’s expanding international presence in academic and diplomatic spheres.