Education
Turkmenistan and Armenia are strengthening their academic ties
01.04.2026On 30 March, a meeting took place at the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan between Rector Gulshat Yusupova and Arsen Avagyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia. This was reported by IIC. The parties discussed the development of inter-university cooperation and the exchange of experience in training specialists in international relations. The importance of building human resources for foreign policy was noted. Arsen Avagyan highlighted the dynamic nature of Turkmen-Armenian relations and his interest in Turkmenistan’s educational practices. The institute’s management presented the structure of the educational process and the role of the university in training diplomats. As part of the visit, the Ambassador visited the Museum of the History of Turkmen Diplomacy. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in expanding academic ties.
Turkmenistan is preparing to launch a vocational training centre in partnership with China
01.04.2026An online meeting was held at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas to discuss the project to establish the ‘Luban Workshop’ in Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. The project is being implemented under the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 18 October 2024 in Xi’an between the International University of Oil and Gas, Xi’an Petroleum University, Hebei Petroleum Vocational and Technical University, China National Petroleum Corporation and the China Education Association for International Exchange. The participants discussed the progress of the agreements. It was noted that the centre will serve as a platform for training oil and gas industry specialists in accordance with international standards. Preparatory work is proceeding according to the approved plan. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue cooperation in the educational and scientific spheres.
Turkmenistan hosted an international online competition in theoretical mechanics
31.03.2026The 5th Open International Online Olympiad in Theoretical Mechanics was held at the State Energy Institute in Turkmenistan. Students from 121 higher education institutions across 17 countries took part in the competition, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The Olympiad, which took place from 24 to 28 March in Turkmen, Russian and English, included individual and team rounds on statics, kinematics and dynamics. The format allowed participants to demonstrate both their theoretical knowledge and their ability to work in a digital environment. Teams from Turkmenistan, China and Russia took the leading positions. Special mention was made of students from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology — Yegor Potapov, Ivan Lukin and Andrey Bakhvalov — as well as the Turkmen participants Musa Artykov, Govshut Orazgeldiyev, Dursunjemal Atayeva and Mahriban Azadova. The closing ceremony and the awarding of prizes to the winners reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s role as a centre for international educational cooperation and a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience among future specialists from different countries.
A Turkmen lecturer is teaching a course at Beijing Foreign Studies University
31.03.2026On 1 March, Didar Amanmuhammedov, a lecturer in the Department of Turkmen Language at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, began teaching students at Beijing Foreign Studies University. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Under the Memorandum of Cooperation between Magtymguly Turkmen State University and Beijing Foreign Studies University, he is delivering classes in the Turkmen language to students on the ‘Russian + Turkmen’ programme. In addition, the lecturer is giving introductory lectures on Turkmenistan. Didar Amanmuhammedov’s programme of work in China will run until 29 July.
Youth from Turkmenistan is participating in an educational program in India
29.03.2026A youth delegation from Turkmenistan, alongside representatives from other Central Asian countries, is participating in an orientation program in India from March 24 to April 2, 2026, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The visit takes place in Mumbai, Goa, and New Delhi and includes meetings with officials as well as visits to scientific, educational, and cultural sites. In Mumbai, participants visited the Bombay Stock Exchange, the Indian Institute of Technology, and several landmark attractions, including the Elephanta Caves, the Gateway of India, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum. They also held a meeting with the Governor of Maharashtra. On March 28, the delegation is in Goa, exploring the region’s historical and cultural sites. In the coming days, visits to the National Institute of Oceanography and a meeting with the state governor are planned. The program will conclude in New Delhi with meetings with Indian ministers, participation in the Mera Yuva Bharat youth initiative, and a visit to Humayun’s Tomb. The project is implemented as part of youth diplomatic exchange between India and Central Asian countries and aims to promote humanitarian cooperation in the fields of science, technology, culture, and entrepreneurship.
In Ashgabat, the winners of the OMOUS-2026 Olympiad were awarded
28.03.2026At the International University of Humanities and Development, the closing ceremony of the VI Open International Mathematics Olympiad OMOUS-2026 took place, the IIC reports. In the team competition, the most awards were won by the teams from Turkmenistan (13), Uzbekistan (10), and Russia (7). Prize-winning positions were also secured by participants from Greece, Iran, Tajikistan, and the Netherlands. In the individual competition, representatives from Turkmenistan led with 198 medals. Uzbekistan took second place with 103 medals, and Russia came third with 30 awards. The closing ceremony featured performances by the creative ensembles “Mukam,” “Mengli,” and “Dovlet,” as well as university students. The organizers noted that holding the Olympiad contributes to the development of international scientific cooperation and the exchange of academic experience.
Ashgabat is strengthening its position within UNESCO’s global education network
26.03.2026The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, met with Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education. The meeting took place on 25 March at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, according to the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The talks took place as part of events marking the launch of the Global Education Monitoring Report (GEM Report 2026). The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the field of education, including digitalisation, inclusive approaches, teacher professional development and lifelong learning. The Turkmen side emphasised that partnership with UNESCO remains one of the priority areas of international cooperation. Particular attention was paid to educational reforms in Turkmenistan, the expansion of cooperation with relevant UNESCO bodies, and Ashgabat’s participation in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. Stefania Giannini highly commended Turkmenistan’s efforts to modernise the education system, develop inclusive and high-quality education, and strengthen international cooperation. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further expand practical cooperation in the field of education.
The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the Director-General of UNESCO
26.03.2026The Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev, held a meeting with the Director-General of UNESCO, Khaled El-Enany. The meeting took place on 25 March at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, according to the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed current cooperation and prospects for collaboration in the field of education, including issues of equal access to quality education, the digitalisation of education systems and the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. It was noted that the partnership with UNESCO remains one of the priorities of Turkmenistan’s international cooperation in the field of education. UNESCO highly commended the reforms being carried out in the country, as well as its contribution to the development of international educational dialogue and the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 4. The meeting participants paid particular attention to the implementation of UNESCO programmes in Turkmenistan, the prospects for establishing a UNESCO Department of Digital Science, cooperation in the field of IT education, and the ‘Lifelong Learning’ initiative. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their readiness to expand joint educational projects.
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.
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