Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program in Azerbaijan 2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan have announced the Heydar Aliyev – International Education Grant Program for the 2026–2027 academic year. This scholarship program is funded by the Government of Azerbaijan and will be offered every year for five years, providing consistent opportunities for international students. The program honors the memory of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of Azerbaijan, and was established by a decree of President Ilham Aliyev on 8 July 2023.

The main goal of this scholarship is to support human capital development in other countries by allowing foreign students to study full-time in Azerbaijan. It aims to strengthen education cooperation and provide high-quality higher education opportunities to international students from partner nations.

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Quick Overview

• Host Country: Azerbaijan

• Program Name: Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program

• Academic Year: 2026-2027

• Number of Scholarships: 100 annually

• Program Levels: Preparatory, Bachelor's (including Medicine), Master's (including Medical Residency), PhD

• Financial Coverage: Fully Funded

• Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 (first stage nomination)

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Eligible Countries and Nationalities

The scholarship provides international students with the opportunity to study at leading universities in Azerbaijan, with 100 international students receiving this grant each year.

Eligible applicants include citizens of:

• Member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation

• Member states of the Non-Aligned Movement

• Small Island Developing States

• Countries that share cultural, ethnic, or historical ties with Azerbaijan

Note: Azerbaijani citizens or former citizens are not eligible for this program, ensuring opportunities are reserved for international students from partner nations.

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Educational Levels and Program Duration

The scholarship supports study at various academic levels at Azerbaijani universities.

• Preparatory courses – 6 months to 1 year (language training)

• Bachelor's programs (including general medicine) – 4–5 years

• General Medicine – 5–6 years

• Master's programs (including medical residency) – 1.5–2 years

• Medical Residency – 2–5 years (depending on specialty)

• Doctoral (PhD) programs – 3 years

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet specific conditions to be considered for this scholarship program.

Age Limits (as of September 15, 2026)

• Undergraduate and General Medicine applicants: Under 35 years old

• Master's and Medical Residency applicants: Under 40 years old

• Doctoral (PhD) applicants: Under 45 years old

Academic Requirements

• Previous degree marks must not be less than 70 out of 100 (or 7 out of 10, or equivalent)

Government Nomination

• Only candidates officially nominated by their government authorities will move to the second stage of selection

• Government nomination is a crucial first step in the application process

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Scholarship Benefits

Selected students will receive comprehensive financial support covering all major expenses throughout their studies in Azerbaijan.

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage including language preparatory courses for the entire study period

• International Flights: One economy-class flight ticket to Baku from home country and one return ticket each year

• Monthly Allowance: 800 AZN (approximately 470 USD) per month for accommodation, daily expenses, and study materials – paid for 10 months each year (excluding July and August)

• Medical Insurance: 200 AZN per year covering medical care and medication during the study period

• Visa and Residence Permit: Single-entry visa and temporary residence permit for each academic year

All benefits apply only for the official duration of the selected academic program.

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Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit several documents with their application.

• Completed nomination form – for first stage submission

• Diplomas and transcripts – demonstrating minimum GPA of 70 out of 100 (or 7 out of 10 or equivalent)

• Medical certificate – including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C tests

• Valid passport copy

• CV or resume

• Language proficiency proof – IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent

• Motivation letter

• Awards or achievements – if available

Document Requirements

• Documents must be clear, notarized, and submitted in Azerbaijani, Turkish, English, or Russian

• If documents are in another language, a certified English translation is required

• All documents must be uploaded in PDF format through the online system

Language Requirements

Language proficiency requirements vary depending on the program of study and language of instruction.

• For English programs: IELTS 5.0 for undergraduate programs, IELTS 5.5 for postgraduate programs (TOEFL scores also accepted)

• For Russian or Turkish programs: Proof of language proficiency through recognized language tests

• For Azerbaijani programs: Proof of English, Russian, or Turkish proficiency required; universities may test language skills during admission

Application Timeline and Stages

The application process has two distinct stages that applicants must follow carefully.

First Stage: Country Nomination

• February 16 – April 15, 2026: Applicants submit required documents to the relevant government authority in their country (Ministries or Embassies) by 6 PM Baku time

• April 16 – May 16, 2026: Government authorities review applications and select candidates for official nomination

Second Stage: SIACAS Registration

• May 18 – June 1, 2026: Shortlisted and officially nominated candidates must apply online through the Study in Azerbaijan Centralized Admission Service (SIACAS) at portal.edu.az

• Select the admission channel titled "Heydar Aliyev – International Education Grant"

Selection and Notification

• June 1 – July 1, 2026: Review and evaluation of candidates

• July 1 – August 1, 2026: Final results announced

• September 15, 2026: Academic year begins

• September 30, 2026: Last date to arrive in Azerbaijan

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How to Apply

Step 1: First Stage – Government Nomination

• Submit required documents to the relevant government authority in your country before April 15, 2026

• Follow your country's internal nomination process carefully

Step 2: Second Stage – SIACAS Registration (if nominated)

• If officially nominated, register and apply through the SIACAS website during the second stage application window

• Select the admission channel "Heydar Aliyev – International Education Grant"

• Each candidate can choose up to three different study programs at different universities in Azerbaijan

Step 3: Track Application Status

• Applicants can track their application status through their SIACAS account throughout the process

Technical Support

• If technical problems occur, contact: siacas.support@tsii.edu.az

Important Notes

• Official nomination by a government authority does not guarantee the scholarship – the final decision is made by the Selection Committee

• All Selection Committee decisions are final and binding

• If selected candidates fail to confirm their participation on time, the scholarship may be given to another applicant on the waiting list

• Expenses not mentioned in the scholarship benefits will not be covered – students should plan accordingly

• Selected students must sign an agreement with the university and follow all scholarship rules during their studies to maintain funding

Why Choose This Scholarship?

• Fully Funded: Comprehensive coverage including tuition, flights, monthly allowance, insurance, and visa support

• Government Scholarship: Prestigious program funded by the Government of Azerbaijan

• Multiple Program Levels: From preparatory courses to PhD across various disciplines

• Wide Eligibility: Open to citizens of OIC members, Non-Aligned Movement, Small Island States, and countries with ties to Azerbaijan

• Quality Education: Study at leading universities in Azerbaijan with globally recognized degrees

• Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Azerbaijani culture at the crossroads of Europe and Asia

• 100 Scholarships Annually: Significant number of opportunities for international students

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Contact Information

For questions, applicants can contact:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: scholars@mfa.gov.az

• Ministry of Science and Education: info@studyinazerbaijan.edu.az

• SIACAS Technical Support: siacas.support@tsii.edu.az

Final Thoughts

The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program for 2026-2027 offers a life-changing opportunity for 100 international students to study in Azerbaijan with full financial support. From preparatory courses to PhD programs, this government scholarship covers tuition, flights, monthly allowance of 800 AZN, medical insurance, and visa support.

The application process has two stages: first, secure nomination from your country's relevant government authority by April 15, 2026; then, if nominated, apply through the SIACAS portal between May 18 and June 1, 2026. Eligible applicants come from OIC member states, Non-Aligned Movement countries, Small Island Developing States, and nations with cultural ties to Azerbaijan.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are from a partner nation, don't miss this opportunity to study in Azerbaijan with comprehensive financial support. Start preparing your documents and contact your country's relevant authority today.

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to begin the application process, visit the official Study in Azerbaijan portal:

Apply for Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program 2026-27 Azerbaijan