Study in Turkmenistan – Fully Funded Scholarships in Turkmenistan for International Students

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🎓 Scholarships in Turkmenistan – Click Here

🎓 Why Study in Turkmenistan?

Turkmenistan, located in the heart of Central Asia, is known for its rich Silk Road history, unique cultural heritage, and affordable education system. Over the last decade, Turkmen universities have been modernizing their programs with support from international partners, making study in Turkmenistan an emerging option for students from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and CIS countries.

Here’s why Turkmenistan is gaining attention as a cost-effective study abroad destination:

✅ 1. Recognized Universities & Quality Education
Turkmenistan hosts reputable public universities such as:

  • Magtymguly Turkmen State University (the oldest and largest university)
  • Turkmen State Medical University (popular for medicine & dentistry)
  • Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University (specializing in IT, engineering, and energy studies)
  • Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management
  • International University of Humanities and Development (IUHD) offering some English-medium programs

Many programs are taught in Turkmen, Russian, or English, and Turkmen degrees are recognized in CIS countries, Russia, Turkey, and some European institutions.

✅ 2. Affordable Education & Living Costs
Studying in Turkmenistan is cheaper than most European or Western destinations:

  • Tuition fees in public universities can be as low as $1,000–$2,500/year
  • Dormitory accommodation and daily living expenses cost 50–60% less than in Europe
  • Students can enjoy low-cost transportation and food in cities like Ashgabat and Turkmenabat

✅ 3. Scholarships in Turkmenistan for International Students
Several government scholarships, bilateral exchange programs, and university-funded opportunities are available for foreign students. Popular ones include:

  • Turkmen Government State Quota Scholarships for students from partner countries
  • Merit-based scholarships at Turkmen universities
  • International scholarships such as DAAD, IsDB, Erasmus+, and Aga Khan Foundation support

✅ 4. Safe & Culturally Rich Environment
Turkmenistan is one of the safest Central Asian countries with a welcoming culture. Students experience:

  • Rich Persian and Silk Road heritage
  • Unique cultural festivals & UNESCO heritage sites
  • Easy travel access to neighboring Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and the Caspian Sea region

✅ 5. Career Opportunities in Energy & Development
Turkmenistan is rich in natural gas and energy industries, offering career opportunities in:

  • Oil & Gas Engineering
  • IT & Digital Technologies
  • Tourism & Cultural Heritage
  • International Trade & Regional Diplomacy

✅ 6. Peaceful Student Life & Affordable Living
Cities like Ashgabat, Mary, and Turkmenabat provide:

  • Clean and organized infrastructure
  • Affordable student dormitories
  • A friendly and multicultural environment

🌍 Why Turkmenistan is an Emerging Study Destination

With affordable education, scholarship opportunities, and a culturally unique environment, Turkmenistan is slowly becoming a hidden gem for international students in Central Asia.

Whether you want a fully funded scholarship in Turkmenistan, a language and cultural exchange program, or a recognized degree in medicine, engineering, or humanities, this country offers affordable, high-quality options.

🏛 Government-Funded Scholarships in Turkmenistan

The Government of Turkmenistan offers a limited but significant number of scholarships for international students, mainly to strengthen cultural and educational cooperation with partner countries.

Below are the most important government-funded scholarships in Turkmenistan:

✅ 1. Turkmenistan State Quota Scholarship for International Students

The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan allocates a quota of fully funded scholarships each year for students from partner nations in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and CIS countries.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Full tuition fee waiver at public universities
  • Dormitory accommodation at subsidized rates
  • Monthly stipend for basic living expenses
  • Health insurance

Eligibility:

  • High school diploma for Bachelor’s / relevant degree for Master’s or PhD
  • Open to students from countries with bilateral agreements (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, CIS states)
  • Proficiency in Turkmen, Russian, or English (depending on program)

Fields of Study:
Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Humanities, Social Sciences

🌐 Official Link: https://www.education.gov.tm

✅ 2. Bilateral & Regional Cooperation Scholarships

Through government-to-government agreements, Turkmenistan offers state-funded scholarships for citizens of partner countries. These are managed through the respective Turkmen embassies abroad.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Full or partial tuition fee waivers
  • Free dormitory housing
  • Cultural exchange programs & language training

Eligibility:

  • Citizens of countries with bilateral cooperation (Turkey, Iran, CIS members, OIC states)
  • Academic merit and language proficiency

🌐 Official Link: https://www.mfa.gov.tm

✅ 3. Turkmenistan Government Medical Scholarships

For students pursuing medicine, dentistry, or nursing, the Turkmenistan Ministry of Health funds scholarships through Turkmen State Medical University.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Full tuition for MBBS, Dentistry, and Pharmacy programs
  • Clinical training in affiliated hospitals
  • Hostel accommodation and monthly stipend

Eligibility:

  • International students with a science/biology background
  • Admission into medical programs via academic evaluation

Fields of Study:
General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health

🌐 Official Link: https://www.turkmenpharma.gov.tm

✅ 4. Magtymguly Turkmen State University Scholarships

Turkmenistan’s oldest and most prestigious university offers state-funded seats for foreign students under cultural and academic exchange programs.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Tuition fee exemption for selected partner countries
  • Monthly stipend for high-performing students
  • Access to cultural exchange events

Eligibility:

  • Students from countries with educational agreements
  • High academic merit

Fields of Study:
Languages, History, International Relations, Social Sciences, IT

🌐 Official Link: https://www.msu.edu.tm

✅ 5. Turkmen-Turkish Educational Cooperation Scholarships

Through a bilateral education agreement, Turkmenistan and Turkey jointly fund scholarships for Turkmen and Turkish students to study in each other’s countries.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Full or partial tuition coverage
  • Dormitory housing
  • Language courses and cultural immersion

Eligibility:

  • Open to Turkmen and Turkish citizens
  • Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD

🌐 Official Link: https://www.ytb.gov.tr

✅ 6. Cultural & Language Exchange Scholarships

The government sponsors short-term scholarships for learning Turkmen language, history, and culture through selected universities in Ashgabat.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Tuition-free short courses
  • University dormitory accommodation
  • Cultural excursions to UNESCO heritage sites

Eligibility:

  • Open to students worldwide interested in Central Asian culture

🌐 Official Link: https://www.education.gov.tm

✅ 7. Turkmenistan Scholarships via UNESCO & OIC Agreements

Turkmenistan participates in UNESCO Silk Road Programs and OIC educational agreements, offering scholarships for students from member states.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Tuition fee waivers
  • Accommodation and cultural activities
  • Research funding for heritage & development projects

Eligibility:

  • Students from UNESCO/OIC member countries
  • Focus on cultural studies, heritage, and development fields

🌐 Official Link: https://www.unesco.org

These government scholarships allow students to study in Turkmenistan at minimal or no cost, while also experiencing the country’s unique culture and growing academic landscape.

Next, I’ll cover 🎓 University-Based Scholarships in Turkmenistan for International Students (Magtymguly University, Turkmen State Medical University, IUHD, etc.) in the same style.

🎓 University-Based Scholarships in Turkmenistan for International Students

Several leading universities in Turkmenistan provide merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students. These scholarships support undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies in various fields like medicine, engineering, oil & gas, IT, and social sciences.

✅ 1. Magtymguly Turkmen State University Scholarships

The oldest and largest university in Turkmenistan offers merit-based tuition waivers and exchange scholarships for foreign students from countries with bilateral agreements.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Tuition fee exemption or reduction for eligible international students
  • Monthly stipends for academic excellence
  • Access to cultural and language programs

Eligibility:

  • Academic merit and language proficiency (Turkmen/Russian/English)
  • Open to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students

Fields of Study:
Social Sciences, International Relations, Languages, IT, Natural Sciences

🌐 Official Link: https://www.msu.edu.tm

✅ 2. Turkmen State Medical University (TSMU) Scholarships

TSMU provides partial scholarships for international students studying medicine and healthcare.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Tuition discounts for top-performing MBBS & dentistry students
  • Access to university clinical training facilities
  • Affordable hostel accommodation

Eligibility:

  • Strong academic background in science subjects
  • International students pursuing medical programs

Fields of Study:
General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health

🌐 Official Link: https://www.turkmenpharma.gov.tm

✅ 3. Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University Scholarships

This university focuses on engineering, IT, and technology programs and offers scholarships for students in STEM fields.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Tuition fee waivers for high-ranking applicants
  • Internship opportunities with Turkmenistan’s energy & industrial sector

Eligibility:

  • Merit-based, open to STEM students from partner countries
  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, and postgraduate levels

Fields of Study:
Oil & Gas Engineering, Energy Systems, IT, Digital Technologies

🌐 Official Link: https://www.ohetu.edu.tm

✅ 4. International University of Humanities and Development (IUHD)

IUHD in Ashgabat is one of the few universities offering English-medium programs in Turkmenistan and provides limited scholarships for talented students.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Partial tuition scholarships for top-performing students
  • Exchange opportunities with Turkish and CIS universities

Eligibility:

  • Competitive academic profile and language proficiency
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s level students

Fields of Study:
Law, International Relations, Humanities, Economics, Languages

🌐 Official Link: https://www.iuhd.edu.tm

✅ 5. Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management

This university offers scholarships for international students in economics, finance, and management studies, particularly those from CIS and regional partner countries.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Tuition fee discounts based on entrance exam performance
  • Research funding for postgraduate students

Eligibility:

  • Strong academic background in economics/business
  • Open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students

Fields of Study:
Economics, Finance, Management, Business Administration

🌐 Official Link: https://www.tsie.edu.tm

✅ 6. Turkmen State Institute of Oil and Gas

Focused on the oil & gas industry, this institute offers merit scholarships for engineering students.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Tuition waiver for top STEM candidates
  • Industrial training opportunities with state energy companies

Eligibility:

  • Engineering students from partner countries
  • Strong academic scores in physics, math, and engineering subjects

Fields of Study:
Petroleum Engineering, Natural Gas Technology, Industrial Automation

🌐 Official Link: https://www.oilandgas.edu.tm

These universities play a key role in providing scholarship opportunities for foreign students, enabling them to study in Turkmenistan at affordable or subsidized rates while gaining regional career exposure.

Next, I’ll move on to 🌍 Private & International Scholarships in Turkmenistan (Aga Khan Foundation, DAAD, IsDB, Erasmus+, etc.) in the same structured format.

🌍 Private & International Scholarships in Turkmenistan

Apart from government and university funding, several international organizations, foundations, and development agencies offer scholarships in Turkmenistan to students or Turkmen students wishing to study abroad.

✅ 1. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (ISP)

Although Turkmenistan is not a primary Aga Khan Development Network country, selected students from Central Asia, including Turkmenistan, can apply for postgraduate scholarships abroad or in the region.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • 50% grant + 50% interest-free loan
  • Tuition fees & living expenses
  • Research allowance for development-focused fields

Eligibility:

  • Outstanding academic performance
  • Financial need and commitment to return to the home country
  • Focus on Master’s and PhD programs

Fields of Study:
Development, Health, Education, Infrastructure, Sustainability

🌐 Official Link: https://www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme

✅ 2. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme

Turkmenistan, as an OIC member country, is eligible for the IsDB Scholarship Program for Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral studies.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Full tuition fees
  • Monthly living stipend
  • Health insurance & return airfare
  • Research and thesis funding

Eligibility:

  • Must be a citizen of an OIC member state
  • Academic merit with focus on development-oriented fields

Fields of Study:
STEM, Medicine, Agriculture, Sustainable Development

🌐 Official Link: https://www.isdb.org/scholarships

✅ 3. DAAD & Erasmus+ Exchange Scholarships

Many Turkmen universities have partnerships with European institutions through DAAD (Germany) and Erasmus+ (EU). Students can apply for exchange semesters, joint degrees, and research programs.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Tuition-free study during the exchange period
  • Monthly allowance
  • Travel grants & health insurance

Eligibility:

  • Must be enrolled in a Turkmen university with a DAAD/Erasmus+ partnership
  • Academic merit and language proficiency

Fields of Study:
Engineering, IT, Business, Humanities, Environmental Studies

🌐 DAAD Official Link: https://www.daad.de/en/
🌐 Erasmus+ Official Link: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

✅ 4. UNESCO Silk Road & Cultural Heritage Scholarships

UNESCO runs Silk Road Cultural Exchange Programs that include scholarships for students from Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Tuition for heritage & cultural studies
  • Accommodation and cultural excursions
  • Research funding for heritage conservation projects

Eligibility:

  • Students focusing on culture, heritage, or history

Fields of Study:
History, Culture, Archaeology, Heritage Conservation

🌐 Official Link: https://www.unesco.org

✅ 5. OSCE Academy in Central Asia Fellowships

While the OSCE Academy is based in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), it provides policy and governance scholarships for students from all Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Full tuition for policy-oriented Master’s programs
  • Monthly stipend & research support
  • Internship opportunities

Eligibility:

  • Students from Central Asian states
  • Focus on governance, security, and human rights

Fields of Study:
Political Science, International Relations, Human Rights, Public Policy

🌐 Official Link: https://osce-academy.net

✅ 6. Soros Foundation (Open Society) Academic Scholarships

The Open Society Foundation supports selected academic and research scholarships in civil society, law, human rights, and governance studies for students from Central Asia.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Tuition waivers for selected programs
  • Research grants
  • Conference travel funding

Eligibility:

  • Students in social sciences, law, and governance fields

Fields of Study:
Law, Human Rights, Media, Social Policy

🌐 Official Link: https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org

✅ 7. IREX & U.S. Educational Exchange Programs

IREX provides short-term educational exchanges and leadership programs for Turkmen students and faculty to study in the U.S. or participate in U.S.-funded exchange programs in Central Asia.

Scholarship Coverage:

  • Tuition, accommodation, stipend, and airfare
  • Leadership and mentorship training

Eligibility:

  • Academic merit, English proficiency, leadership potential

Fields of Study:
Leadership, Business, Public Administration, Community Development

🌐 Official Link: https://www.irex.org

These international and private scholarships in Turkmenistan make it possible to study in Turkmenistan or abroad with full or partial financial support, while also gaining access to global networks and research opportunities.

Next, I will provide the Step-by-Step Application Process for Scholarships in Turkmenistan, along with FAQs, Meta Title, Meta Description, Meta Link, and Disclaimer—just like the Kazakhstan and Tajikistan posts.

📝 Step-by-Step Application Process for Scholarships in Turkmenistan

Applying for scholarships in Turkmenistan is simple if you follow the correct process. Here’s a clear roadmap:

✅ Step 1: Research Programs & Scholarships in Turkmenistan

  • Identify Turkmen universities and programs that suit your academic interests.
  • Decide the scholarship type:
    • Government-funded scholarships in Turkmenistan (Turkmen State Quota, Bilateral Programs)
    • University scholarships in Turkmenistan (Magtymguly University, IUHD, TSMU)
    • Private & international scholarships in Turkmenistan (Aga Khan, IsDB, DAAD, Erasmus+)
  • Check the language of instruction (Turkmen, Russian, or English).

✅ Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements
Each scholarship has its own criteria. Common requirements:

  • Academic performance (high GPA or equivalent)
  • Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL for English programs, or Turkmen/Russian for local programs)
  • Nationality restrictions (some scholarships are open only to partner countries)
  • Age limits for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD levels

✅ Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

📄 Academic Documents

  • Official transcripts & graduation certificates (translated if needed)
  • Valid passport (minimum one-year validity)

📝 Application Documents

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter
  • Updated CV/Resume
  • 2–3 Recommendation Letters
  • IELTS/TOEFL or language certificate (if required)
  • Research proposal (for postgraduate scholarships)

✅ Step 4: Submit Applications
There are three application routes:

1️⃣ Government Scholarships
Apply via the Ministry of Education Turkmenistan or through the Turkmen embassy in your country.
🌐 https://www.education.gov.tm

2️⃣ University Scholarships
Apply directly through official university portals:

3️⃣ International Scholarships
Apply via official scholarship websites:

✅ Step 5: Attend Interviews or Entrance Exams
Some scholarships require:

  • An online interview to assess motivation and academic potential
  • Entrance exams in Math, Science, or Language

✅ Step 6: Wait for Results & Scholarship Offer
Scholarship results are usually announced within 6–8 weeks after application deadlines.

✅ Step 7: Apply for a Turkmenistan Student Visa
After receiving your scholarship offer, apply for a student visa at the nearest Turkmen embassy.
Required:

  • Admission letter & scholarship confirmation
  • Valid passport and visa application form

✅ Step 8: Travel & Enroll

  • Fly to Ashgabat or Turkmenabat before the semester starts.
  • Complete enrollment and attend the international student orientation.

📅 Academic Intakes & Deadlines

Turkmen universities typically have two major intakes:

  • Fall Semester (September)
    • Applications open January–May
    • Government & international scholarship deadlines March–April
  • Spring Semester (February)
    • Applications open July–October
    • Scholarship deadlines September–November

International scholarships like Aga Khan, IsDB, and DAAD follow specific annual deadlines.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are scholarships in Turkmenistan fully funded?
✅ Yes, government and some international scholarships cover full tuition, housing, stipends, and even travel costs.

2. Do I need to know Turkmen or Russian to study in Turkmenistan?
✅ Many programs are taught in Russian, and some at IUHD and Magtymguly University are English-medium. Basic Turkmen/Russian is helpful for daily life.

3. Can I work while studying in Turkmenistan?
✅ Part-time work may be allowed on-campus, but off-campus work usually requires special permission.

4. Are Turkmen degrees recognized internationally?
✅ Yes, degrees from top Turkmen universities are recognized in CIS countries, Russia, Turkey, and some European academic networks.

5. How much does it cost to live in Turkmenistan as a student?
✅ On average, $200–$400/month covers accommodation, food, and transportation—making it one of the most affordable study destinations in Central Asia.

🌟 Conclusion: Why Study in Turkmenistan?

Turkmenistan is an underrated but affordable study abroad destination in Central Asia. It offers:

✅ Low tuition fees & affordable living costs
✅ Government scholarships & bilateral agreements for partner countries
✅ University-based merit scholarships in medicine, engineering, IT, humanities
✅ International scholarships like IsDB, DAAD, Erasmus+, and Aga Khan
✅ A safe, culturally rich, and peaceful environment for learning

Whether you are looking for a fully funded scholarship in Turkmenistan, a cultural exchange opportunity, or an English-taught program, this country provides a unique blend of quality education and cultural heritage.

If you want a low-cost, high-value education in Central Asia, Turkmenistan is a great option to consider.

✅ Official Scholarship Links for Turkmenistan

⚠️ Disclaimer

Scholarship details, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for scholarships in Turkmenistan may change each year. Always verify information directly on official university and scholarship websites before applying. This post is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee admission or funding.

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