Azerbaijan has officially launched the Heydar Aliyev – International Education Grant Program for the 2025–2026 academic year, offering fully funded scholarships to students worldwide, including those from Pakistan.
Jointly overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Education, the program seeks to enhance global academic exchange and human resource development while deepening Azerbaijan’s international partnerships.
Named after Azerbaijan’s National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the initiative highlights the nation’s dedication to educational diplomacy and strengthening cross-cultural ties.
The scholarship is open to students pursuing higher education across a range of fields and academic levels. It covers:
- Bachelor’s degrees and General Medicine programs (4–6 years)
- Master’s degrees 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 students from various countries will be selected for this opportunity, and the program will continue for five years.
The scholarship package includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage, including preparatory courses
- Round-trip airfare to and from Baku
- A monthly living stipend of 800 AZN (around USD 470) for 10 months each year
- Annual health insurance worth 200 AZN (around USD 117)
- Visa and residence permit assistance for the entire study duration
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must belong to one of the following groups:
- Member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
- Member countries of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
- Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
- Nations with historical, cultural, or ethnic ties to Azerbaijan
Age limits are specified as follows:
- Undergraduate/General Medicine: under 35 years
- Master’s/Medical Residency: under 40 years
- PhD programs: under 45 years
Candidates must also show strong academic records (minimum GPA of 70%) and proficiency in English, Russian, Turkish, or Azerbaijani.
Application Process and Key Dates:
The application is a two-stage process:
First Stage – National Nomination:
March 15 – May 15, 2025: Applicants must submit documents to their country’s designated authorities, such as Ministries or Embassies.
Second Stage – Centralized Registration:
June 1 – June 15, 2025: Nominated candidates register through the Study in Azerbaijan Centralized Admission Service (SIACAS) at portal.edu.az.
Final Selection Timeline:
- June 16 – July 15, 2025: Evaluation of applications
- July 16 – July 31, 2025: Notification of selected candidates
- September 15, 2025: Start of the academic year
- September 30, 2025: Final deadline for arrival in Azerbaijan
How to Apply:
Applicants can find detailed guidelines and application forms through the official programme portals:
This initiative offers an exceptional opportunity for international students to gain a world-class education while contributing to Azerbaijan’s global academic outreach.
