Fully Funded Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant 2025/2026 For African And Global Students In Azerbaijan -

About the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program

The Government of Azerbaijan is pleased to announce the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program for the 2025/2026 academic year. This fully funded scholarship enables outstanding students from eligible countries—particularly across Africa—to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees at leading Azerbaijani universities. Scholarship recipients benefit from complete financial coverage, enabling them to study in a culturally rich environment at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Established by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and named in honor of the country’s national leader, this scholarship program aims to:

Foster international academic cooperation and cultural exchange
Support high-achieving students in diverse fields

Contribute to global knowledge by training future leaders and specialists

The grant covers all major expenses associated with higher education in Azerbaijan, including tuition, living stipends, and health insurance. Participants join a vibrant academic community and have access to modern research facilities.

Eligible Fields

Applicants may study in any academic discipline offered by participating institutions. Major areas include, but are not limited to:

Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Engineering & Technology: Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Computer Science
Social Sciences: Sociology, Political Science, International Relations

Humanities & Arts: History, Literature, Fine Arts, Music
Medicine & Health Sciences: General Medicine, Public Health, Pharmacy
Business & Economics: Finance, Management, Marketing

Law & Governance: International Law, Comparative Law, Public Policy

This breadth ensures you can pursue nearly any field of interest at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Heydar Aliyev grant, you must satisfy the following conditions:

Citizenship: Be a national of an eligible country, including African nations.
Age Limits:
- Bachelor’s applicants: under 35 years old
- Master’s/Residency applicants: under 40 years old
- PhD applicants: under 45 years old
Academic Performance: Hold a minimum 70% GPA (scale of 0–100) or equivalent (e.g., 7/10).

Language Proficiency: Demonstrate fluency in the language of instruction (English, Russian, Turkish, or Azerbaijani) valid for your chosen program.
Nomination: First stage requires a completed nomination form submitted by your home institution or recognized nominating body.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered, so prepare your documents early.

Selection Criteria

An independent selection commission appointed by the Ministry of Education reviews applications based on:

Academic Merit: GPA and quality of prior diplomas and transcripts
Motivation Letter: Clarity of purpose and alignment with Azerbaijan’s educational priorities

Language Skills: Verified proficiency for effective participation in courses
Country Quotas: Fair distribution across regions and institutions
Nomination Status: Valid endorsement by recognized nominating agencies

Top-ranked candidates are invited to final interviews or assessments before awards are confirmed.

Eligible Countries

Scholarship eligibility extends to a broad range of nations:

African Countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Algeria, and other Sub‑Saharan and North African states

Non‑Aligned Movement (NAM): Over 120 member states including India, Pakistan, Brazil, Venezuela
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Jordan, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, etc.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Fiji, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles

Cultural Partners: Countries with historic or educational ties to Azerbaijan

For a complete and up‑to‑date list, consult the official program webpage.

Benefits of the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program

Recipients of the Heydar Aliyev Grant receive comprehensive support:

Full Tuition Coverage at Azerbaijani public or state‑recognized private universities
Monthly Stipend: 800 AZN (≈ $470 USD) to cover living expenses
Medical Insurance valid throughout the study period

Visa & Residency Support: Assistance with visa processing and registration
Annual Round‑Trip Airfare to and from Baku or designated entry point
Access to Campus Services: Libraries, laboratories, mentorship programs, and cultural activities

This comprehensive package ensures you can focus fully on your academic and professional development.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to complete your application:

Prepare Nomination Form: Obtain and fill out the official nomination form from your nominating institution or the Azerbaijan diplomatic mission.

Gather Documents: Scan and compile:
- Diplomas & Transcripts (70% GPA or equivalent)
- Medical Certificate (including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B/C tests)
- Valid Passport copy
- Curriculum Vitae or résumé
- Motivation Letter (detailing study objectives and professional goals)
- Language Proficiency Proof (IELTS, TOEFL, TÖMER, or equivalent)
- Awards or recognitions (optional)
Submit to Nomination Body: Send documents and form to your country’s Ministry of Education, Azerbaijan’s embassy, or designated nominating agency before the internal deadline.

Official Application: Nominated candidates will be invited to apply online at aida.mfa.gov.az with their full document set.
Await Results: Shortlisted applicants are contacted for further evaluation; grant recipients are announced on the AIDA portal.