The Azerbaijan Government Scholarship 2026/27, officially known as the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program, is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for international students to study in Azerbaijan across multiple degree levels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan are pleased to announce the “Heydar Aliyev – International Education Grant Program” for 2026-2027 academic year.
Basic information about the Azerbaijan Government Scholarship 2026/27
The Azerbaijan Government Scholarship 2026/27 is a fully funded scholarship program funded by the Government of Azerbaijan and jointly administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Education. It is designed to support talented students from selected countries to pursue higher education in Azerbaijani universities.
- Scholarship name: Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant (Azerbaijan Government Scholarship)
- Host country: Azerbaijan
- Host institutions: All public and many recognized private universities in Azerbaijan participating in the program
- Degree levels: Preparatory, Undergraduate, Graduate (Master’s), Doctoral (PhD), General Medicine and Medical Residency
- Type of funding: Fully funded (tuition + stipend + flight + other support)
- Number of scholarships: Around 100 grants each academic year
- Established by decree of Ilham Aliyev (8 July 2023)
- Honors Heydar Aliyev
- 100 international students selected each year
- Study in leading universities of Azerbaijan
- Available for 5 years (annual intake)
- Study Levels & Duration
- Bachelor’s: 4–5 years
- General Medicine: 5–6 years
- Master’s: 1.5–2 years
- Medical Residency: 2–5 years
- PhD: 3 years
- Preparatory Course: 6 months–1 year (if required)
Application deadline (2026/27 intake)
The program usually runs in two stages:
- Stage 1 (nomination via government authorities/embassies): typically mid‑March to mid‑May.
- Stage 2 (online application through SIACAS portal): usually 1–15 June (Baku time).
For the 2025/26 round, the first‑stage deadline was 15 May 2025, and SIACAS registration was open 1–15 June 2025. For the 2026/27 scholarship, candidates should expect similar timelines around March–June 2026 and must always check the latest official call on the Study in Azerbaijan or Ministry websites for the exact deadline.
Universities and institutions in the scholarship
The Azerbaijan Government Scholarship covers all major higher education institutions in Azerbaijan that are registered under the national higher education system and participate in the Heydar Aliyev grant program.
Typical participating universities include (examples, not an exhaustive list):
- Baku State University
- Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University
- Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC)
- Azerbaijan Medical University
- Baku Engineering University
- Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction
Applicants can choose up to three specialities (programs) at different higher education institutions in Azerbaijan when applying through the SIACAS portal under the “Heydar Aliyev – International Education Grant” channel.
Study areas and available programs
The scholarship allows you to study in a wide range of academic fields at different levels.
Common study areas include:
- Engineering and Technology (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Petroleum, IT, Computer Science)
- Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science)
- Social Sciences (International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration)
- Economics, Business and Management (Finance, Economics, Accounting, Marketing)
- Humanities and Languages (Azerbaijani Studies, English Studies, Translation, History)
- Law and International Law
- Agriculture and Related Sciences
- General Medicine and Medical Residency (clinical specialties)
Degree levels/program names:
- Preparatory courses (language and academic preparation)
- Bachelor’s programs (BA, BSc, etc.)
- Master’s programs (MA, MSc, MBA, etc.)
- Doctoral programs (PhD)
- General Medicine and Medical Residency programs
Azerbaijan Government Scholarships benefits
The Azerbaijan Government Scholarship 2026/27 is fully funded and offers an excellent benefits package.
Main benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Language preparatory course (if needed)
- Round-trip economy flight (once per year)
- Monthly stipend: 800 AZN (~470 USD) (10 months per year)
- Medical insurance: 200 AZN per year
- Single-entry visa + Temporary residence permit
- Visa support, including single‑entry visa to Azerbaijan and temporary residence permit for the duration of studies.
- Access to public universities’ facilities, libraries and student services on equal terms with local students.
These benefits make the scholarship one of the most attractive fully funded government scholarships in Eurasia for international students.
Benefits not included
Even though the scholarship is fully funded, some costs are not covered and must be handled by the student.
Typically not included:
- Costs for additional family members (dependants) travelling or living with you in Azerbaijan.
- Extra luggage fees, travel upgrades or personal trips outside the funded annual round‑trip ticket.
- Personal expenses beyond the monthly stipend (entertainment, travel, high‑end gadgets, etc.).
- Visa fees for dependants or additional visas beyond the main study visa and residence permit.
- Fees for document attestation, translation and notarization in your home country.
- Any penalty charges if you delay registration, fail courses, or extend beyond the maximum program duration.
Eligibility criteria for the Azerbaijan Government Scholarships
To qualify for the Azerbaijan Government Scholarship, applicants must satisfy a set of academic, age and nationality requirements.
General eligibility:
- Nationality: Citizens of countries that are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) or Non‑Aligned Movement (NAM), and other partner countries listed in the official call.
- Age Requirements (as of 15 Sept 2026)
- Bachelor & Medicine: Under 35
- Master & Residency: Under 40
- PhD: Under 45
- Academic performance: Minimum 70/100 GPA (or equivalent, such as 7/10) in previous studies.
- Language proficiency:
- For English programs:
- Bachelor: IELTS 5.0 / TOEFL 40
- Postgraduate: IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 50
- For Russian/Turkish/Azerbaijani programs:
- Language proficiency certificate OR
- Previous education in that language
- For English programs:
- Health status: Must be medically fit and free from serious illnesses; some calls explicitly require a medical certificate including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis tests.
- Nomination: Must be officially nominated by relevant government entities (ministries, embassies, national scholarship bodies) in the home country in the first stage.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens of:
- OIC member states
- Non-Aligned Movement member states
- Small Island Developing States
- Countries with cultural/historical ties with Azerbaijan
(Bangladesh is eligible as an OIC member state.)
Required documents for the scholarship application
Applicants must prepare a complete set of supporting documents for both the nomination stage and the SIACAS online application.
Common required documents:
- Completed nomination form (for the first stage via your country’s authorities).
- Nomination form (first stage)
- Academic certificates & transcripts (Minimum GPA 70%)
- Valid passport copy
- Medical certificate (HIV, Hepatitis B/C included)
- CV/Resume
- Language proficiency proof
- Motivation letter
- Awards (if any)
Azerbaijan Government Scholarships: Step‑by‑step application process
The application flow has two main stages: nomination and online admission via SIACAS.
Stage 1
Apply through:
- Ministry / Embassy / Government authority of your country
Deadline: April 15, 2026 (6 PM Baku time)
Stage 2
Apply online through:
- SIACAS (portal.edu.az)
Select: “Heydar Aliyev – International Education Grant” channel
You can choose 3 different universities/specialties
Only officially nominated candidates can proceed to Stage 2.
Tips for a successful Azerbaijan Government Scholarship application
To stand out in a competitive fully funded scholarship like this, you should focus on quality, clarity and relevance.
- Start early: Begin preparing your documents at least 1–2 months before the first‑stage deadline to allow enough time for translations and medical tests.
- Strengthen your motivation letter: Clearly explain why you chose Azerbaijan, how the program fits your career plan and how you will contribute to cooperation between your country and Azerbaijan.
- Emphasize academic performance: Highlight strong grades, research projects, publications or awards that show you can succeed in a demanding academic environment.
- Choose realistic and coherent programs: Select study programs that match your academic background and career goals to increase your chance of university acceptance.
- Prepare language proof: Secure an English or other relevant language certificate that meets university standards to avoid rejection on language grounds.
- Follow instructions strictly: Submit documents in the correct format, language and before deadlines; incomplete or late applications are usually disqualified.
- Stay in touch with your nominating authority: They help coordinate your nomination and guide you if additional documents or corrections are needed.
Monthly living expenses for international students in Azerbaijan (in USD)
The Azerbaijan Government Scholarship provides a stipend of 800 AZN per month, which is approximately 470 USD depending on exchange rates. This amount is intended to cover accommodation, food and educational materials for about 10 months of the academic year.
Approximate monthly living costs in Baku (USD):
- Shared accommodation (dormitory or shared flat): 150–250 USD
- Food and groceries: 150–220 USD
- Local transportation: 20–40 USD
- Utilities and internet: 40–60 USD
- Educational materials, printing etc.: 20–40 USD
- Miscellaneous/personal expenses: 50–100 USD
With reasonable budgeting, the monthly stipend is generally enough for a modest student lifestyle, especially if you use dormitories and student discounts.
Why choose the Azerbaijan Government Scholarship? (at least 5 reasons)
- Fully funded package
You receive full tuition, monthly stipend, international flights, medical insurance and visa support, which dramatically reduces your financial burden compared to partial scholarships. - Strategic location and growing education hub
Azerbaijan sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, giving you exposure to both regions’ cultures, markets and career opportunities while studying in a rapidly developing country. - Wide range of English‑taught programs
Many universities now offer programs in English in fields such as engineering, business, international relations and IT, making it easier for international students to integrate academically. - High scholarship quota and fair selection process
Around 100 scholarships are offered each year under the Heydar Aliyev grant, with transparent eligibility criteria and a structured two‑stage selection system involving both home and host countries. - Strong diplomatic and cultural ties
The program is specifically aimed at countries from OIC and NAM, which strengthens people‑to‑people connections and can be valuable for future careers in diplomacy, international organizations and NGOs. - Affordable cost of living
Compared to many Western destinations, living costs in Azerbaijan are relatively low, and the stipend is designed to be sufficient for students in major cities. - Career and networking opportunities
Studying in Azerbaijan can connect you to regional energy, logistics, finance and tech sectors, and universities often collaborate with industry partners and foreign institutions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. What is the age limit for applicants?
Approximate limits: under 35 for Bachelor/General Medicine, under 40 for Master’s/Residency, and under 45 for PhD, with exact cut‑off dates given in each year’s call.
2. Do I apply directly to the university?
Not at first. You must be nominated by your home country’s relevant government authority in Stage 1, and only then apply through the SIACAS portal in Stage 2.
3. Is IELTS mandatory for the Azerbaijan Government Scholarship?
For English‑taught programs, proof of English (such as IELTS or TOEFL) is generally required, but accepted scores can vary between universities and programs.
4. Can I bring my family with me?
You may bring dependants at your own expense, but the scholarship financial benefits (stipend, travel, insurance) apply only to the selected student, not family members.
5. How many programs can I choose in SIACAS?
You can select up to three specialties (programs) at different Azerbaijani universities within the Heydar Aliyev admission channel.
6. When will I know the result of my application?
For recent intakes, final results have been announced between mid and late July, after evaluation of SIACAS applications.
7. Do I have to pay any application fee?
There is no application fee for the Azerbaijan Government Scholarship according to recent calls.
Important Dates (2026)
- Feb 16 – April 15: Submit application to your country’s government authority
- April 16 – May 16: Government review
- May 18 – June 1: Apply online in SIACAS (portal.edu.az)
- July – August: Result announcement
- Sept 15: Academic year starts
- Sept 30: Last arrival date in Azerbaijan
