Are you looking for a fully funded opportunity to study abroad in a culturally rich and academically strong country? The Azerbaijan Government Scholarship 2026, officially known as the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program, offers international students from over 150 countries the chance to pursue bachelors, masters, PhD, or medical programs at leading Azerbaijani universities. With 100 scholarships available annually covering full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and more, this prestigious award could be your gateway to quality education in the heart of Eurasia. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
About the Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program is the flagship government scholarship offered by the Republic of Azerbaijan to international students. Established by the decree of President Ilham Aliyev on July 8, 2023, this program honors the legacy of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of Azerbaijan and the country’s president from 1993 to 2003.
Administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, this fully funded scholarship aims to:
- Contribute to human capital development in other countries
- Support the education of foreign nationals in Azerbaijani higher education institutions
- Strengthen international cooperation through academic exchange
- Promote Azerbaijan’s educational excellence globally
The program will run annually for a period of 5 years, starting from the 2024-2025 academic year, benefiting 100 international students each year. Selected scholars will study at over 20 leading universities across Azerbaijan in programs ranging from preparatory courses to doctoral studies.
Azerbaijan, strategically located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern development. The country has invested significantly in its higher education system, making it an emerging hub for international students seeking quality education with affordable living costs.
Azerbaijan Government Scholarship Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Host Country | Azerbaijan |
| Scholarship Name | Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program |
| Funding Body | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Science and Education, Azerbaijan |
| Level of Study | Preparatory, Bachelors, Masters, PhD, General Medicine, Medical Residency |
| Number of Scholarships | 100 annually |
| Monthly Stipend | 800 AZN (approximately $470 USD) |
| Medical Allowance | 200 AZN ($117 USD) per year |
| IELTS Requirement | 5.0 (Undergraduate) / 5.5 (Postgraduate) – optional but recommended |
| Eligible Regions/Nationalities | 152 countries (OIC, NAM, SIDS members and partner countries) |
| Application Deadline | Stage 1: May 15, 2026 / Stage 2: June 15, 2026 |
| Program Duration | 5 years (2024-2029) |
| Category | Fully Funded Government Scholarship |
Benefits of the Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program provides comprehensive financial support, covering virtually all expenses associated with studying in Azerbaijan:
Tuition and Academic Fees
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire duration of the program
- Language preparatory courses included (in accordance with the language of instruction)
- Coverage for undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, general medicine, and medical residency programs
Monthly Living Allowance
- 800 AZN (approximately $470 USD) per month for:
- Accommodation expenses
- Daily living expenses
- Educational materials and supplies
- Paid for 10 months each year (July and August excluded)
International Travel
- Annual round-trip economy class airfare from your country of origin to Baku, Azerbaijan
- Return ticket provided once per academic year
Health and Medical Coverage
- 200 AZN ($117 USD) yearly allowance for:
- Medical care
- Medication during study period
- Health-related expenses
Visa and Immigration Support
- Single-entry visa to the Republic of Azerbaijan
- Temporary residence permit for each academic year
- Full support for visa and residence permit procedures
Additional Benefits
- Access to world-class educational facilities
- Opportunity to experience Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage
- Networking with students from over 150 countries
- Career development in a strategically located country
- Alumni status upon graduation
Eligible Countries for Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
The Azerbaijan Government Scholarship is open to citizens from 152 countries belonging to the following groups:
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, and others.
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Member States
Including countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean that are part of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Pacific, Caribbean, and Atlantic island nations recognized as Small Island Developing States.
Countries with Cultural, Ethnic, and Historical Ties
Nations sharing common cultural, ethnic, and historical connections with Azerbaijan.
Note: Citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan or individuals whose Azerbaijani citizenship has been terminated are NOT eligible.
Eligibility Criteria for Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
To be considered for the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Nationality Requirements
- Must be a citizen of one of the 152 eligible countries
- Cannot be a citizen or former citizen of Azerbaijan
- Candidates with multiple nationalities may submit only one application for one eligible nation
Age Requirements
| Program Level | Maximum Age |
| Undergraduate (Bachelors) | Below 35 years |
| General Medicine | Below 35 years |
| Masters (Graduate) | Below 40 years |
| Medical Residency | Below 40 years |
| Doctoral (PhD) | Below 45 years |
Academic Requirements
- For Undergraduate: High school diploma or equivalent
- For Masters: Relevant bachelors degree
- For PhD: Relevant masters degree
- Minimum GPA: 70/100 (or 7/10, or equivalent in your grading system)
Language Proficiency Requirements
Programs are offered in Azerbaijani, Russian, Turkish, or English depending on the university and program. Language requirements vary:
For English-medium programs:
- Undergraduate: IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL 40 (minimum)
- Postgraduate: IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 50 (minimum)
For Russian-medium programs:
- Proof of Russian language proficiency OR
- Previous education conducted in Russian
For Turkish-medium programs:
- Proof of Turkish language proficiency OR
- Previous education conducted in Turkish
For Azerbaijani-medium programs:
- Proof of English, Russian, or Turkish proficiency OR
- Previous education in one of these languages
- Language preparatory course available
Health Requirements
- Good health condition certified by medical examination
- Negative test results for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B/C
Government Nomination
- Must be officially nominated by government authorities (Ministries, Embassies) of your home country
- Directly submitted applications will NOT be considered
Participating Universities in Azerbaijan
The Azerbaijan Government Scholarship covers studies at over 20 leading universities. Here are the participating institutions:
| University | Website |
| ADA University | ada.edu.az |
| Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University | asoiu.edu.az |
| Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) | unec.edu.az |
| Baku State University | bsu.edu.az |
| Baku Higher Oil School | bhos.edu.az |
| Baku Engineering University | beu.edu.az |
| Khazar University | khazar.org |
| Azerbaijan Medical University | amu.edu.az |
| National Aviation Academy | naa.edu.az |
| Nakhchivan State University | ndu.edu.az |
| Karabakh University | karabakh.edu.az |
| Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction | azmiu.edu.az |
| Azerbaijan State Agrarian University | adau.edu.az |
| Azerbaijan University of Languages | adu.edu.az |
| Mingachevir State University | mdu.edu.az |
Available Fields of Study
Over 435 study programs are available across various disciplines, including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Economics and Business
- Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- International Relations and Political Science
- Public Administration
- Law and Legal Studies
- Computer Science and IT
- Arts and Design
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Natural Sciences
- Education
Required Documents for Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
Prepare the following documents for your application:
Stage 1: Nomination Documents (Submit to Government Authority)
- Completed Nomination Form (official form for first stage)
- Academic Transcripts: Certified copies from high school or university
- Diplomas/Certificates: Certified copies of all educational qualifications
- Passport Copy: Valid passport identification page
- Passport-size Photographs: Recent photos meeting passport standards
- Medical Certificate: Confirming good health with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B/C test results
- Language Proficiency Certificate: IELTS/TOEFL scores (if applicable)
- CV/Resume: Updated curriculum vitae
- Motivation Letter: Statement of purpose explaining your goals
- Awards/Certificates: Copies of local or international awards (if available)
Document Requirements
- All documents must be in Azerbaijani, Turkish, English, or Russian
- Non-English documents require certified translation
- Russian-language documents require notarization but no translation
- Medical certificates must be translated into English and notarized
- All files must be submitted in PDF format
- Documents must be clear and readable
Application Timeline for Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
The application process follows a two-stage system. Here is the complete timeline:
| Stage | Activity | Date |
| Stage 1 | Submit documents to government authorities | March 15 – May 15, 2026 |
| Stage 1 Deadline | Last date for nomination submission | May 15, 2026 (6 PM Baku time) |
| Nomination Review | Government authorities review and nominate | May – June 2026 |
| Stage 2 Opens | SIACAS portal opens for nominated candidates | June 1, 2026 |
| Stage 2 | Online application via SIACAS | June 1 – June 15, 2026 |
| Stage 2 Deadline | Last date for online application | June 15, 2026 (6 PM Baku time) |
| Review/Interviews | Document review and online interviews | June – July 2026 |
| Results Announcement | Final selection announced | July 16 – July 31, 2026 |
| Program Begins | Academic year starts | September/October 2026 |
Important: Only candidates officially nominated by their respective government authorities will proceed to Stage 2.
How to Apply for Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide to apply for the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before beginning your application:
- Confirm your country is among the 152 eligible nations
- Verify you meet age requirements for your chosen program level
- Ensure you meet academic and language proficiency standards
Step 2: Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents well in advance:
- Obtain certified copies of academic transcripts and diplomas
- Get medical examination and required health tests
- Take English proficiency test if required
- Prepare passport-size photographs
- Write your motivation letter
Step 3: Contact Government Authority
Identify the appropriate government body in your country:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Education
- Embassy of Azerbaijan in your country
Find the list of Azerbaijani diplomatic missions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Step 4: Submit Stage 1 Application
Submit all required documents to your government authority:
- Complete the official nomination form
- Attach all supporting documents in PDF format
- Submit before May 15, 2026, 6 PM Baku time
- Request official nomination for the scholarship
Step 5: Await Nomination
If your application is successful:
- Your government will officially nominate you
- You will receive instructions for Stage 2
- Only nominated candidates proceed to online application
Step 6: Register on SIACAS Portal
For nominated candidates:
- Visit portal.edu.az
- Create your account
- Select “Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant” as admission channel
- Choose up to 3 different programs at different universities
- Upload all required documents
- Submit before June 15, 2026, 6 PM Baku time
Step 7: Track Application Status
- Monitor your application through SIACAS portal
- Receive notifications in your account
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- Prepare for possible online interview
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin gathering documents at least 3 months before deadline
- Contact Embassy Early: Build relationship with Azerbaijan Embassy in your country
- Strong Motivation Letter: Clearly explain your goals and why Azerbaijan
- Academic Excellence: Maintain high GPA (minimum 70/100)
- Language Preparation: Take English test early if required
- Complete Documentation: Ensure all documents are properly certified
- Follow Instructions: Adhere strictly to document format requirements
- Government Liaison: Maintain communication with nominating authority
FAQs about Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
Who is eligible for the Azerbaijan Government Scholarship?
Citizens from 152 countries that are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), or countries with cultural and historical ties to Azerbaijan are eligible. Applicants must meet age, academic, and language requirements.
Is IELTS required for the Azerbaijan Government Scholarship?
IELTS is recommended but not mandatory for all programs. For English-medium programs, minimum scores are IELTS 5.0 (undergraduate) or IELTS 5.5 (postgraduate). Programs in Azerbaijani, Russian, or Turkish have different language requirements.
Can I apply directly for this scholarship?
No, direct applications are not accepted. You must first submit your application to the relevant government authority in your country (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, or Azerbaijan Embassy) for official nomination. Only nominated candidates can proceed to the online application.
How many universities can I apply to?
You can select up to 3 different programs at different Azerbaijani universities when completing your online application on the SIACAS portal.
What is the monthly stipend amount?
Scholars receive 800 AZN (approximately $470 USD) per month for 10 months each year (July and August excluded). This covers accommodation, daily expenses, and educational materials.
When will results be announced?
Final selection results are typically announced between July 16 and July 31 of the application year. Candidates will be notified through their SIACAS portal account.
Final Thoughts on Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
The Azerbaijan Government Scholarship 2026 (Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program) represents an exceptional opportunity for international students from over 150 countries to pursue fully funded education at leading Azerbaijani universities. With 100 scholarships available annually covering tuition, monthly stipend, international airfare, health insurance, and visa support, this program removes virtually all financial barriers to quality education.
Azerbaijan offers a unique educational experience at the crossroads of East and West, combining modern academic facilities with rich cultural heritage. The country’s growing higher education sector, strategic location, and investment in international partnerships make it an increasingly attractive destination for ambitious students.
The two-stage application process requires advance planning and coordination with your government authorities, so begin preparing early. Focus on meeting the academic requirements, gathering proper documentation, and building a strong case for why you deserve this prestigious scholarship.
Remember, the key to success is government nomination, so establish contact with the relevant ministry or embassy in your country well before the deadline. With proper preparation and a compelling application, you could be among the 100 scholars selected to study in Azerbaijan.
Apply Now
Submit your application before the deadline closes. Do not miss this opportunity to study in Azerbaijan with full funding.
Official Website: Study in Azerbaijan
SIACAS Portal: portal.edu.az
Contact Information:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: scholars@mfa.gov.az
- Ministry of Science and Education: info@studyinazerbaijan.edu.az
- Technical Support: siacas.support@tsii.edu.az
Need Help With Your Application?
Applying for government scholarships can be complex, especially with the nomination process. ScholyHub Consultancy offers expert support to help you succeed with:
- Application strategy and document preparation
- Motivation letter and CV writing
- Embassy and ministry liaison guidance
- Interview preparation
- Document certification assistance
Visit ScholyHub Consultants to request professional consultancy services and maximize your chances of success.
