If you are planning to study abroad with a fully funded scholarship, one program Of Azerbaijan Government Scholarship that many students overlook—but is actually very promising—is the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program offered by the government of Azerbaijan.
From what I have seen while researching global scholarships and helping students compare options, this scholarship is particularly valuable for students from developing countries because it covers almost all study expenses and allows applicants to choose from several universities in Azerbaijan.
This guide explains eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how students—especially those from Pakistan—can apply successfully.
Overview of the Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
The Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program is a fully funded scholarship designed for international students from partner countries.
The program supports study at top Azerbaijani universities in the following levels:
- Preparatory language courses
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- PhD programs
- General medicine programs
- Medical residency
- Preparatory language courses
Who Can Apply for This Scholarship
This scholarship is open to students from:
- OIC member countries
- Non-Aligned Movement countries
- Small Island Developing States
- Countries with cultural or ethnic ties to Azerbaijan
Eligibility Requirements
Based on the official scholarship requirements, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age Limit
Applicants must be within these limits as of 15 September 2026:
- Bachelor’s / General Medicine: under 35 years
- Master’s / Medical Residency: under 40 years
- PhD: under 45 years
Academic Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Minimum 70% GPA or equivalent
- Academic transcripts
- Relevant previous degree
From experience analyzing scholarship selections, students with strong academic records and clear study goals usually have a better chance of being nominated.
Language Requirements
Programs are available in multiple languages. For English-taught programs:
- IELTS 5.0+ for undergraduate programs
- IELTS 5.5+ for postgraduate programs
Students can also submit proof of language proficiency if the program is taught in another language.
Financial Benefits of the Scholarship
One reason this scholarship is attractive to international students is the complete financial coverage.
Selected students receive:
- Residence permit in Azerbaijan
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Annual round-trip economy airfare
- Monthly stipend of 800 AZN (around $470 USD) for 10 months each year
- Annual medical insurance of 200 AZN
- Visa support
- Residence permit in Azerbaijan
Application Timeline
Students should carefully follow the official timeline because missing deadlines is one of the most common mistakes applicants make.
Stage 1 – Nomination by Home Country Authority
Submit documents through your country’s official body.
Deadline:
February 16 – April 15, 2026
Stage 2 – Online Application in Azerbaijan Portal
Nominated students must register in the SIACAS system.
Dates:
May 18 – June 1, 2026
Scholarship Results Announcement
Results are expected by:
August 1, 2026
Academic Year Starts
September 15, 2026
How Students Can Apply
If you are applying from Pakistan, the process includes a nomination step.
Step 1: Apply Through the HEC Portal
Students must apply through the official HEC portal and complete the required application.
Step 2: Submit Printed Application Documents
Applicants usually need to send documents such as:
- Academic transcripts
- Passport copy
- Medical certificate (including HIV and Hepatitis tests)
- CV
- Motivation letter
These documents are submitted to the HEC office in Islamabad according to the official instructions.
Step 3: Wait for Nomination
Only nominated students proceed to the next stage.
Step 4: Apply Through the Azerbaijan SIACAS Portal
Nominated candidates apply online and can select up to three study programs.
Documents must be uploaded in PDF format and can be submitted in:
- English
- Azerbaijani
- Turkish
- Russian
Practical Tips to Increase Your Selection Chances
From reviewing many scholarship applications, I’ve noticed a few things that improve acceptance chances:
Choose programs that match your academic background
Scholarship reviewers prefer applicants with clear academic progression.
Write a strong motivation letter
Explain why you want to study in Azerbaijan and how the degree will help your future career.
Apply early
Late applications often get rejected or delayed during nomination.
Check official updates regularly
Scholarship slots and deadlines sometimes change each year.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Many students lose opportunities because of these mistakes:
- Waiting until the deadline day
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Ignoring nomination requirements
- Uploading low-quality or incorrect files
- Missing language requirement proof
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Azerbaijan scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the program covers tuition, stipend, flights, insurance, and residence support.
Can Pakistani students apply for this scholarship?
Yes, students from Pakistan can apply through the nomination process handled by HEC.
Do I need IELTS for this scholarship?
Yes, if applying to English-taught programs, IELTS or equivalent proof is usually required.
How many programs can I select?
Nominated applicants can select up to three study programs during the final application stage.
