The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has announced a remarkable opportunity for Sri Lankan students with the opening of applications for the prestigious Azerbaijan Government Scholarships under the “Heydar Aliyev – International Education Grant Program” for the academic year 2025/26.
This international scholarship initiative, offered by the Republic of Azerbaijan, provides 03 fully-funded scholarships for Sri Lankan citizens to pursue Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs across various fields of study. The program is designed to foster global academic collaboration and support deserving students in furthering their education abroad.
Key Benefits of the Scholarship:
- Full tuition fees for the entire duration of study.
- International flight tickets (to and from Azerbaijan once a year).
- Monthly stipend of 800 AZN (approx. USD 470) for accommodation, daily expenses, and educational materials (for 10 months a year).
- Annual medical insurance allowance of 200 AZN (approx. USD 117).
- Visa and residence permit for the entire academic period.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be citizens of Sri Lanka in good health.
- Age limits apply:
- Undergraduate: below 35 years
- Master’s: below 40 years
- PhD: below 45 years (as of 15th September 2025)
- Minimum IELTS 5.0 for undergraduate and 5.5 for postgraduate studies (or equivalent TOEFL scores).
- The medium of previous education must be English.
Candidates are encouraged to explore a wide range of academic disciplines available under the program at https://studyinazerbaijan.edu.az/heydar-aliev-international-education-grant-program. However, undergraduate students are advised not to apply for medical-related degrees as they are not recognized by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC).
Application Process:
Eligible applicants must submit their details via the following online forms by 23rd April 2025:
- Undergraduate: Apply here
- Master’s: Apply here
- PhD: Apply here
- Details – Click Here
Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email and invited for a structured interview conducted by the Ministry. Undergraduate selection is based on G.C.E. A/L Z-scores, while postgraduate selection will consider academic merit.
Candidates are reminded that selection does not guarantee a scholarship; final decisions rest with the Azerbaijan awarding authority. Applicants are also advised that withdrawing after selection may disqualify them from future scholarship opportunities.
