Government of Azerbaijan - Azerbaijan Presidential Scholarships

Benefit

You will receive fully funded place to study in Azerbaijan as well as a monthly living allowance of approximately 435 EUR (800 AZN). This is paid for 10 months of the year; you will not receive any payments in July and August. The scholarship also covers your full tuition fees, a language preparation course, one return economy-class flight to Baku per year, health insurance amounting to approximately 100 EUR (200 AZN) per year, as well as your entry visa and residence permit. The funding covers the standard duration of your studies, i.e. up to approximately 5 years for a Bachelor’s degree or a degree programme in general medicine. It is funded by the Government of Azerbaijan, which awards it to 100 international students each year.

Eligibility

• Degree level: You would like to start a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme, a medical degree, specialist medical training or a preparatory course at a university in Azerbaijan.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: You are a national of a country that is a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement or the Group of Small Island Developing States, or of a country that has cultural, ethnic or historical ties with Azerbaijan. You are not eligible to apply if you hold Azerbaijani nationality.
• Age: Under 35 for the Bachelor’s degree programme and general practice; under 40 for the Master’s degree programme and specialist medical training; under 45 for the PhD programme.
• Grades: Your previous qualification shows a grade point average of at least 70 out of 100 (or 7 out of 10).
• Language: For a Bachelor’s degree programme, you need an IELTS score of 5.0 (or a TOEFL score of 40). For Master’s degree programmes, you need an IELTS score of 5.5 (or a TOEFL score of 50). Proof of proficiency in Russian, Turkish or Azerbaijani is also accepted.

How to apply

The application process consists of two stages. Firstly, you must submit your application documents by 15 April, 18:00 (Baku local time) to the relevant authority in your home country (a ministry or an embassy). These authorities will decide whom to nominate. If you are nominated, you should register online via the SIACAS portal in early June, where you can select up to three degree programmes at different universities.

How realistic are your chances?

Only 100 places are available worldwide, and there are two hurdles to overcome. Your own government must nominate you before you can even reach the online stage; the process is therefore competitive and, to some extent, beyond your control. If you clearly meet the requirements regarding grades, age and language skills, and submit your application to your national authority in good time before the April deadline, you’ll have the best chance of being nominated.