The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program 2026–2027 is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan.
This scholarship aims to support international students from eligible countries to study in Azerbaijan’s top universities across undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and medical programs.
Named after Heydar Aliyev, the program reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to global education, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.
Summary Table: Heydar Aliyev Scholarship 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Azerbaijan |
| Study Level | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Medicine |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Number of Awards | 100 per year |
| Eligible Countries | OIC, NAM, and selected countries |
| Application Period | Feb 16 – April 15, 2026 |
| Second Stage | May 18 – June 1, 2026 |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
About the Scholarship Program
The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program was established to:
- Promote international education in Azerbaijan
- Strengthen global academic cooperation
- Support talented students from developing and partner countries
Each year, 100 fully funded scholarships are awarded to outstanding international students.
The program will run for five consecutive years starting from the 2026–2027 academic session.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens of countries that fall under:
- Member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
- Member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
- Small Island Developing States
- Countries with cultural or historical ties to Azerbaijan
This makes it a great opportunity for students across Africa, Asia, and other regions.
Eligible Study Programs
The scholarship supports a wide range of academic levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- General Medicine Programs
- Master’s Degree Programs
- Medical Residency Programs
- Doctoral (PhD) Programs
Scholarship Benefits
This is a fully funded scholarship, covering all major expenses:
- Full tuition fees
- International flight tickets
- Monthly stipend (living allowance)
- Medical insurance
- Visa and registration costs
This ensures students can study in Azerbaijan without financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Nationality
- Must NOT be a citizen of Azerbaijan
Age Requirements
- Undergraduate & Medicine: Under 35 years
- Master’s & Residency: Under 40 years
- PhD Programs: Under 45 years
(All age limits are calculated as of September 15, 2026)
Academic Requirements
- Minimum GPA:
- 70/100 or
- 7/10 or equivalent
Language Requirements
- English-taught programs require:
- IELTS 5.0 (Undergraduate)
- IELTS 5.5 (Postgraduate)
- OR TOEFL equivalent
- OR proof that previous education was in English
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following:
- Completed nomination form
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Valid international passport
- Medical certificate (including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B/C tests)
- CV or Resume
- English language proficiency proof
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
The application process is divided into two stages:
Government Nomination
- Submit your application to your country’s Ministry or Embassy
- Get officially nominated
Online Application
- Apply through the Study in Azerbaijan Centralized Admission Service (SIACAS)
- Select the “Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program”
- Choose up to 3 different study programs
Only nominated candidates can proceed to Stage 2.
Application Timeline 2026
| Stage | Date |
| Application Submission (Stage 1) | Feb 16 – April 15, 2026 |
| Government Review | April 16 – May 16, 2026 |
| SIACAS Application (Stage 2) | May 18 – June 1, 2026 |
| Final Evaluation | June 1 – July 1, 2026 |
| Results Announcement | July 1 – August 1, 2026 |
| Academic Year Begins | September 15, 2026 |
| Arrival Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
Important Notes
- Only government-nominated applicants will be considered
- Applicants can submit only one application
- Multiple nationalities must choose one eligible country
- All updates are sent through the SIACAS portal
Why Study in Azerbaijan?
Studying in Azerbaijan offers:
- Affordable and high-quality education
- Internationally recognized degrees
- Cultural diversity and global exposure
- Growing academic partnerships worldwide
FAQs – Heydar Aliyev Scholarship 2026
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Is the Heydar Aliyev Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition, travel, living expenses, visa, and insurance.
-
Can I apply directly online?
No, you must first be nominated by your country’s government.
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How many scholarships are available?
100 scholarships are awarded each year.
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Is IELTS compulsory?
Yes, unless your previous education was in English.
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When will the results be announced?
Between July and August 2026.
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