The Republic of Azerbaijan has officially launched the 2025–2026 call for nominations for its prestigious Heydar Aliyev – International Education Grant Program, inviting applications from international students to pursue fully funded higher education at leading universities across Azerbaijan.
Jointly administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Education, the scholarship program aims to enhance human capital development globally while promoting academic and cultural exchange with Azerbaijan. The initiative commemorates the legacy of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of Azerbaijan, and reflects the country’s strategic commitment to educational diplomacy.
Full Coverage for All Levels of Higher Education
The Heydar Aliyev Scholarship is open for a range of academic pathways, 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)
The program will support 100 international students annually over a five-year period.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected students will receive a comprehensive financial package covering:
- Full tuition fees, including language preparatory courses;
- Annual round-trip international airfare to and from Baku;
- Monthly living stipend of 800 AZN (approx. USD 470) for accommodation, food, and academic expenses (paid for 10 months per year);
- Annual medical insurance worth 200 AZN (approx. USD 117);
- Visa issuance and residence permit support for the full duration of the study period.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is extended to citizens of 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
Additional age-based eligibility applies:
- Undergraduate/general medicine: Applicants under 35
- Master’s/medical residency: Applicants under 40
- PhD: Applicants under 45
Applicants must demonstrate academic merit (minimum GPA of 70%) and language proficiency in the intended language of instruction (English, Russian, Turkish, or Azerbaijani).
Application Timeline
The application process consists of two formal stages:
First Stage (National Nomination)
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March 15 – May 15, 2025: Submit documents to the applicant’s national authorities (e.g., Ministries, Embassies)
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Second Stage (Centralized Registration)
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June 1 – June 15, 2025: Nominated applicants register through the Study in Azerbaijan Centralized Admission Service (SIACAS) via portal.edu.az
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Final Selection & Enrollment
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- June 16 – July 15, 2025: Review and evaluation of registered 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.
Applications Call: https://studyinazerbaijan.edu.az/H.Aliyev_IEG_CALL_18.04.pdf
