Are you looking for a fully funded international scholarship to study abroad? The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program 2026-2027 offers an outstanding opportunity for international students to study at top universities in Azerbaijan with full financial support.
Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program 2026-2027
The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program is a prestigious scholarship funded by the Government of Azerbaijan through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Education. The program was established by a decree of President Ilham Aliyev on July 8, 2023, to honor the legacy of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of Azerbaijan.
This scholarship program will run annually for five years and aims to support international students from eligible countries who wish to pursue higher education in Azerbaijan. It provides funding for preparatory courses, undergraduate degrees, master’s programs, doctoral studies, and medical education programs at leading universities across the country.
Each year, 100 international students will benefit from this scholarship, making it one of the most significant government-funded scholarship programs in the region.
Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Azerbaijan |
| Study Destination | Leading Universities in Azerbaijan |
| Scholarship Type | Preparatory, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Medical Programs |
| Funded By | Government of Azerbaijan |
| Eligible Applicants | Citizens of eligible countries (OIC, Non-Aligned Movement, etc.) |
| Scholarship Value | Fully Funded |
| IELTS/TOEFL | Required for English-taught programs |
| Application Deadline | April 15, 2026 (First Stage) |
| Number of Awards | 100 annually |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Academic Session | 2026-2027 |
What Is the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program?
The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program is designed to strengthen educational cooperation between Azerbaijan and other countries by offering scholarships to talented international students.
The program aims to contribute to human capital development by supporting foreign nationals who wish to study in Azerbaijan’s higher education institutions.
Students selected for this scholarship will have the opportunity to study in a diverse academic environment, gain international experience, and develop professional skills that will help them contribute to the development of their home countries.
The program is open to citizens of countries that belong to:
- Member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
- Member states of the Non-Aligned Movement
- Small Island Developing States
- Countries that share cultural, historical, or ethnic ties with Azerbaijan
Educational Levels Covered
The scholarship supports several levels of higher education programs.
| Program Level | Duration |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 – 5 years |
| General Medicine | 5 – 6 years |
| Master’s Degree | 1.5 – 2 years |
| Medical Residency | 2 – 5 years |
| Doctoral (PhD) | 3 years |
Students may also attend preparatory language courses, which usually last between 6 months and 1 year, depending on the requirements of the university.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program receive comprehensive financial support throughout their studies.
Tuition Fees
The scholarship fully covers tuition fees, including language preparatory courses required before the start of academic programs.
International Flights
Students receive one economy-class international flight ticket each year:
- From their home country to Baku, Azerbaijan
- From Azerbaijan back to their home country
Monthly Allowance
Scholars receive a monthly stipend of 800 AZN (approximately 470 USD) to cover:
- Accommodation
- Daily living expenses
- Educational materials
This allowance is provided for 10 months each year, excluding July and August.
Medical Insurance
Students receive an annual allowance of 200 AZN (approximately 117 USD) for medical care and medication during their stay in Azerbaijan.
Visa and Residence Permit
The scholarship also provides:
- A single-entry visa to Azerbaijan
- A temporary residence permit is valid for each academic year.
All scholarship benefits apply only during the official duration of the academic program.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program 2026–2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must not be a citizen of Azerbaijan.
- Must belong to one of the eligible countries listed in the program.
- Must meet the age requirements for the chosen program.
Age Requirements
| Program | Maximum Age |
| Undergraduate / General Medicine | Under 35 years |
| Graduate / Medical Residency | Under 40 years |
| Doctoral (PhD) | Under 45 years |
Applicants must also meet the academic requirement of a minimum GPA of 70 out of 100 (or equivalent) from their previous education.
Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction.
For English-Taught Programs
- Undergraduate programs: IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL 40
- Postgraduate programs: IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 50
Other Language Options
Students may also study in:
- Russian
- Turkish
- Azerbaijani
Applicants must provide proof of language proficiency or evidence that their previous education was conducted in the chosen language.
Universities may conduct additional language proficiency assessments if necessary.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents during the application process:
- Completed nomination form
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Medical certificate (including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B/C tests)
- Valid passport copy
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Language proficiency certificate
- Motivation letter
- Awards or achievements (if available)
Document Requirements
- All documents must be clear and readable.
- Documents must be submitted in Azerbaijani, Turkish, English, or Russian.
- Documents in other languages must include notarized translations.
- Files must be uploaded in PDF format.
The medical certificate must be issued within three months before application submission.
Application Timeline
The application process follows a structured timeline:
| Activity | Date |
| First Stage Application Submission | February 16 – April 15, 2026 |
| Evaluation by Government Authorities | April 16 – May 16, 2026 |
| SIACAS Online Registration | May 18 – June 1, 2026 |
| Final Evaluation | June 1 – July 1, 2026 |
| Notification of Selected Candidates | July 1 – August 1, 2026 |
| Academic Year Begins | September 15, 2026 |
| Final Arrival Date in Azerbaijan | September 30, 2026 |
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
Step 1: Submit Documents to Government Authorities
Applicants must first submit their documents to the relevant government authority in their home country, such as:
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- National scholarship agency
- Azerbaijani embassy
This step must be completed by April 15, 2026.
Step 2: Nomination by Government Authorities
Only candidates officially nominated by their government will proceed to the second stage of the application process.
Step 3: Apply Through SIACAS Portal
Nominated candidates must apply through the Study in Azerbaijan Centralized Admission Service (SIACAS) portal between May 18 and June 1, 2026.
Applicants can choose up to three study programs at different universities in Azerbaijan.
Step 4: Track Application Status
Candidates can monitor their application status and receive notifications through their SIACAS personal account.
Important Notes
- Government nomination does not guarantee the scholarship.
- The final decision is made by the Selection Committee of the Government of Azerbaijan.
- All decisions made during the selection process are final and cannot be appealed.
- Selected candidates must confirm their participation through the SIACAS portal within the specified deadline.
Failure to respond on time may result in the scholarship being awarded to another candidate.
Why Study in Azerbaijan?
Studying in Azerbaijan offers many advantages for international students.
Quality Higher Education
The country hosts several reputable universities offering programs in various academic disciplines.
Cultural Diversity
Students experience a rich cultural environment influenced by European and Asian traditions.
Strategic Location
Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, providing exposure to diverse cultures and academic opportunities.
Government Support for International Students
Through programs like the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant, Azerbaijan continues to invest in global education partnerships.
For more details and application updates, visit the official portal below:
https://studyinazerbaijan.edu.az/H.Aliyev_IEG_CALL_18.04.pdf
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