Education
International forums and an English language competition are set to begin in Turkmenistan
25.03.2026The Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, with the support of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, is organising three international events in April: an Olympiad and two conferences. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The 5th International Internet Olympiad in English (IIOE-2026) will take place on 10–11 April for students of language and non-language specialisations at universities in Turkmenistan and abroad. Registration is now closed, and the preliminary qualifying round will take place on 1–2 April. During the Olympiad, participants will have 90 minutes to complete 10 tasks covering reading, listening and English grammar. The winners will be announced on 17 April on the institute’s website. The aim of the event is to identify young talent, increase interest in foreign languages and expand international cooperation in this field. On 16 April, the institute will host the International Scientific and Practical Online Conference ‘Youth Scientific Research’. The forum will be held in English with the participation of students and young researchers from Turkmenistan and partner universities abroad. The conference will provide a platform for the exchange of scientific ideas and the strengthening of international youth cooperation. On 23 April, the International Scientific and Practical Online Conference ‘Global and National Experience in Foreign Language Teaching: Scientific Research and New Perspectives’ will take place. It will be attended by lecturers from universities and secondary vocational institutions, school teachers, research institute staff, doctoral students, postgraduates, experts, linguists and IT specialists. They will discuss modern methods and technologies for teaching foreign languages, present research findings and exchange experiences. These events will be key highlights in the fields of linguistics and education, helping to promote the study of foreign languages, foster academic dialogue and strengthen international educational cooperation.
Educational cooperation with India was discussed in Ashgabat
24.03.2026An event marking ITEC Day 2026 was held at the ‘Ýyldyz’ Hotel on 24 March. It was organised by the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan. The event was attended by ITEC programme alumni, ICCR scholarship holders, representatives of the diplomatic corps and experts, according to IIC. The meeting was opened by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India, Bandaru Wilsonbabu. He noted that the ITEC programme, which has been in operation since 1964, remains a key instrument of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in the field of international cooperation. According to him, over 225,000 civil servants from 160 countries have undergone training since the programme began. Turkmenistan participates actively in the programme. Over 500 civilian specialists and around 100 military personnel have undergone training in India. Furthermore, more than 200 students have studied on grants from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, whilst a further 100 or so enrol in Indian universities each year on a fee-paying basis. The Ambassador called on young people to make greater use of India’s educational opportunities. Graduates of the ITEC and ICCR programmes spoke at the meeting. They shared their experiences of studying and applying the knowledge they had gained. The event concluded with a cultural programme featuring traditional dances, music and a yoga demonstration.
An international economics competition and conference will be held in Turkmenistan
24.03.2026The Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management, with the support of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, is organising an International Online Olympiad in Macroeconomics and the 3rd International Scientific and Practical Online Conference. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Olympiad will take place on 10 April on the institute’s digital platform. Students from Turkmen and foreign universities are eligible to participate — four students per institution. Participants will complete 10 tasks in 120 minutes. Registration is open until 1 April. The jury will consist of lecturers and representatives of academic institutions from the participating countries. The conference ‘Modern Trends of the Development of Financial Markets’ will take place on 24 April across three sections: financial markets and sustainable development, the role of banks, and investment activity. To participate, applications must be submitted by 10 April. The working languages are Turkmen, Russian and English. The organisers hope that the events will serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as strengthening cooperation between academics, students and lecturers from Turkmenistan and abroad.
The 6th International Mathematical Olympiad for University Students has begun in Ashgabat
24.03.2026On 24 March, the 6th International Open Mathematical Olympiad for University Students – ‘OMOUS-2026’ – kicked off in Ashgabat at the International University for the Humanities and Development. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Around 650 students are taking part in the competition: approximately 400 from Turkmenistan and nearly 250 from abroad, including Russia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and the UAE. The Olympiad is being held in Turkmen and English and will last two days. The competition programme includes individual events in Groups A and B and a team tournament for teams of four; mixed teams comprising students from different universities are permitted. The problems were provided by the universities themselves — five from each, without published solutions, 20 days before the start. The jury consists of representatives from Turkmen and international academic circles. OMOUS has been held since 2021 and attracts an increasing number of international participants each year. As part of the programme, international guests also learn about the history and culture of Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan and Belgium discussed expanding academic cooperation
24.03.2026Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, met with Karin Vanderkerken, Vice-Rector for International Policy at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Gunter Gaublomme, Director of the Brussels Diplomatic Academy. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The parties discussed prospects for academic and practice-oriented cooperation between universities in Turkmenistan and Belgium, including knowledge exchange, joint educational programmes and capacity building. Particular attention was paid to economic diplomacy, climate issues, water resource management and the energy transition, with an emphasis on linking academic expertise with the practical challenges of sustainable development. Representatives of Belgian institutions expressed their willingness to participate in specific initiatives, including educational programmes and professional development courses, emphasising the importance of the practical value of future agreements. The parties agreed to explore the launch of joint programmes in the fields of economic, climate and energy diplomacy, as well as the potential use of EU instruments to support such projects. Following the meeting, mutual interest in a sustainable partnership, academic exchanges and the organisation of joint events in Turkmenistan and Belgium was confirmed.
Turkmenistan presented a collection of works on international relations
24.03.2026The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan has published the third edition of the collection ‘Current Issues in Contemporary International Relations’. The publication marks the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence and the 18th anniversary of the university’s founding, according to the website of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The collection has been published by the ‘Ylym’ publishing house of the Academy of Sciences and includes academic papers by master’s students from the 2025–2026 academic year. The materials cover topics such as digital diplomacy, international law, economics, political communications, online journalism and Oriental studies. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of political and economic processes in the countries of East and Central Asia. The papers examine Turkmenistan’s foreign policy course, based on the principles of permanent neutrality. The publication is intended for students, researchers and specialists in the field of international relations.
Turkmen language is set to be taught in educational institutions in China
23.03.2026Turkmenistan is ready to send teachers and specialists to China to organise the teaching of the Turkmen language in educational institutions. This was stated in an interview with ‘CGTN’ by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as reported by TDH. According to Hero Arkadag, cooperation in the field of education is developing actively. Currently, more than 10,000 citizens of Turkmenistan are studying in China, whilst in Turkmenistan, the Chinese language is taught at nine higher education institutions and ten schools. A willingness to facilitate the introduction of Turkmen language teaching in Chinese educational institutions, with the involvement of specialists, was noted. The importance of cultural and scientific-educational cooperation was also emphasised. The possibility of opening Turkmen cultural centres in China and Chinese cultural centres in Turkmenistan is being considered.
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan gave a lecture at the University of Leuven
20.03.2026A lecture entitled ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ was held at the University of Leuven in Belgium, featuring Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium, blogger and polyglot Yuji Beleza, and Central Asia researcher Derya Soysal. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan spoke about the country’s development since gaining independence in 1991, emphasising its commitment to neutrality, equality and mutual respect in international relations. He noted the importance of national identity and the Turkmen language as the foundation of cultural unity and the preservation of historical memory. The motto and theme of the lecture symbolise the country’s strength and determination through the image of the Ahal-Teke horse. The students watched a video presentation on Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage, natural resources and achievements. Yuji Beleza shared his experience of language learning and the importance of intercultural communication, whilst Derya Soysal highlighted Central Asia’s growing role on the world stage and the importance of academic dialogue. The lecture took an interactive form with a lively discussion, after which participants sampled traditional Turkmen dishes. The event was noted as a platform for exchanging ideas, fostering an interest in culture and forging future links between Turkmenistan and European youth.
The IIR MFA of Turkmenistan hosted a lecture by a professor from the University of Oxford
19.03.2026On 14 March, a lecture was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (IIR MFA) of Turkmenistan with Professor Antonios Tzanakopoulos of the Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford. The event was attended by lecturers and students from the university, according to the online news site TerraNews. During the lecture, the professor spoke about current developments in international law, discussed methods of peaceful settlement of international disputes and the role of international courts in maintaining global stability. Students asked questions about international humanitarian law and the specifics of studying at the University of Oxford’s Faculty of Law. Following the visit, Tzanakopoulos emphasised the importance of academic exchanges between universities for the development of cooperation and the training of specialists of international calibre.
A Turkmen university held an online Olympiad in the discipline of ‘Strength of Materials’
19.03.2026On 18 March, the 5th Open International Online Olympiad in the subject of ‘Strength of Materials’ was held online at the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction for students from universities in Turkmenistan and other countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The competition was attended by 877 students from a number of countries, including the USA, Australia, Germany, China, Russia, Turkey and Central Asian nations, as well as specialist universities in Turkmenistan. The competition consisted of a single round: participants solved six problems in 120 minutes, with their work assessed by lecturers from foreign universities. According to the organisers, such events contribute to the development of international educational cooperation, the exchange of experience and the identification of gifted students.
A teacher from Lebap has won an international teaching competition
18.03.2026Aynur Baltayeva, a mathematics and computer science teacher at Specialised Secondary School No. 19 in the Danew etrap of the Lebap velayat, won first prize at the ‘Golden Formula’ international competition, which took place in Berlin in February. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The competition is organised by the French company EURO MEDIA STAR GROUP and brings together teachers from different countries every year. The competition is held in four categories: ‘Educational Project’, ‘Teaching Guide’, ‘Model Lesson’ and ‘Research Paper’. A. Baltayeva submitted her work in the ‘Teaching Guide’ category on the topic ‘Game-based technologies in web programming lessons: interactive learning based on chess strategy’ and took first place.
Universities in Turkmenistan and the UK are expanding their academic cooperation
16.03.2026As part of a working visit, a delegation from the International University for the Humanities and Development held a meeting with the leadership of the University of Westminster, where they discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The university rectors, Professors Andrew Lynn and Dibyesh Anand, took part in the negotiations. Professor Andrew Lynn presented the university’s research and educational activities and noted that he had previously visited Ashgabat on numerous occasions to participate in academic conferences and educational programmes. In particular, he highlighted cooperation with universities in the region as part of the British Council’s ‘Accelerating English Language Learning in Central Asia’ programme. The visit also included a hybrid meeting with professors and lecturers from the University of Westminster on the ‘Academic English’ course, during which the parties exchanged experiences on the application of modern English language teaching methods. In addition, an international conference marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence was held in the university’s conference hall. The event was attended by the management, lecturers, research staff and students of the University of Westminster, as well as a delegation from the International University for the Humanities and Development. The university’s rector, M. Kuliyeva, gave a presentation on Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and diplomacy, based on the principles of permanent neutrality. A. Chariyev, a lecturer in the Department of International Relations, spoke about the country’s historical development, its modern achievements and international cooperation in the field of education. G. Seyilbayeva, a senior lecturer at the Department of Management, presented information on the development of foreign language teaching and the university’s educational activities. Conference participants noted the significance of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, aimed at strengthening Peace and Trust and international cooperation, and also gave a positive assessment of the reforms being carried out in the country’s education system.
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