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

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

Administered jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Education, the program is designed to support global human capital development while promoting academic and cultural exchange with Azerbaijan.

The initiative honors the legacy of Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s National Leader, and reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to educational diplomacy.

Comprehensive Scholarship for Multiple Academic Levels

The Heydar Aliyev Scholarship offers support for various 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 the program, which will continue for five years.

What the Scholarship Covers

The scholarship provides 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), covering accommodation, food, and academic expenses (paid for 10 months each year)
• Annual medical insurance worth 200 AZN (approximately USD 117)
• Visa issuance and residence permit support throughout the study period

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The program is open to citizens from the following groups:

• 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 meet additional age-based criteria:

• Undergraduate/General Medicine: Applicants must be under 35 years old.
• Master’s/Medical Residency: Applicants must be under 40 years old
• PhD: Applicants must be under 45 years old

Applicants are also required to 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 is split into 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 an incredible opportunity for international students to gain a world-class education in Azerbaijan, while contributing to the country’s growing international presence in the academic and diplomatic fields.