The government of Azerbaijan has opened one of its most generous fully funded scholarships for international students. The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program 2026–2027 offers complete financial support, including tuition, flights, and a monthly stipend, to study at leading Azerbaijani universities.
Funded jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, the program aims to bring talented students from across the world to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.
Named after Heydar Aliyev, the founder of modern Azerbaijan, this scholarship has become a key opportunity for students from developing countries.
Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
WhatsApp ChannelFully funded scholarship benefits: What you get
This is a complete financial package designed to remove all major barriers to studying abroad.
Selected students receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Round-trip international airfare
- Monthly stipend for accommodation and living expenses
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Visa and residence permit costs covered
This makes it one of the few government scholarships globally that cover both travel and living expenses.
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Who can apply: Eligibility criteria and eligible countries
The scholarship is open to students from specific international groups, including:
- Member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
- Member states of the Non-Aligned Movement
- Small Island Developing States
- Countries with historical and cultural ties to Azerbaijan
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Degree levels and study programs available
Students can apply for the following programs:
Undergraduate programs
- Bachelor’s degrees in engineering, IT, business, and sciences
Medical programs
- General Medicine (MBBS equivalent)
- Medical residency programs
Graduate programs
- Master’s degrees in various academic disciplines
- PhD and doctoral programs
Programs are offered in English, Azerbaijani, Russian, and Turkish, depending on the university.
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Number of scholarships and duration
Key figures for the 2026 intake:
- Total scholarships: 100 per year
- Scholarship duration: Full length of the degree
- Program start: Academic year 2026–2027
Typical durations include:
- Bachelor’s degree: 4–5 years
- Medicine: 5–6 years
- Master’s degree: 1.5–2 years
- PhD: 3–4 years
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Why Azerbaijan is becoming a popular study destination
Azerbaijan is emerging as a regional education hub due to its investment in higher education and international partnerships.
Reasons students choose Azerbaijan include:
- Affordable living costs compared to Europe
- Internationally recognized universities
- Safe and modern cities
- Strategic location between Europe and Asia
- Growing academic partnerships globally
Government scholarships like this one are accelerating Azerbaijan’s global academic reputation.
Application process: How to apply for the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant
This scholarship follows a nomination-based system.
Step 1: Apply for government nomination
Applicants must first apply through one of these channels:
- Ministry of Education in their home country
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs in their home country
- Azerbaijani embassy
Step 2: Final selection by Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani authorities review nominated candidates for final selection.
Direct individual applications without nomination are not accepted.
Required documents
Applicants usually need:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Passport copy
- CV or resume
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Medical certificate
- Language proficiency proof (if required)
Requirements may vary depending on degree level.
Expected deadline and timeline
While exact dates vary each year, the typical timeline is:
- Application and nomination period: March to May 2026
- Final selection results: June to July 2026
- Study begins: September 2026
Early preparation significantly improves selection chances.
Who should apply: Ideal candidates
This scholarship is especially suitable for students who:
- Have strong academic performance
- Want a fully funded international education
- Cannot afford a self-funded study abroad
- Are you pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or a medical degree?
- Want international exposure and career growth
Students from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.
FAQ: Common questions students ask
Is the Heydar Aliyev scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition, flights, stipend, visa, and insurance.
Can I apply for MBBS through this scholarship?
Yes, General Medicine programs are included.
How many students are selected?
100 students are selected each year globally.
Do I need IELTS?
It depends on the university and program. Some programs require proof of English proficiency.
Why this scholarship stands out globally
Unlike many international scholarships that only cover tuition, the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant provides full financial support. This makes it one of the most accessible government-funded scholarships for students from developing countries.
For students seeking fully funded education abroad in 2026, this program offers a realistic and valuable path to earning a globally recognized degree.
