Education
Cooperation with ‘PETRONAS’ was discussed at Turkmenistan’s oil and gas university
28.04.2026A meeting was held at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas with a delegation from ‘PETRONAS Çarigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd’ and PETRONAS University of Technology, focusing on the development of academic cooperation. This was reported by the online newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’. The university’s rector, Bayrammyrat Atamanov, presented the university’s structure, educational programmes and achievements, highlighting the integration of modern scientific developments into the teaching process. Students and lecturers undertake online courses on cutting-edge oil and gas technologies, as well as participating in internships in Malaysia. It was noted that the Memorandum of Understanding, signed in November 2024, was the fourth agreement between the parties and is aimed at expanding cooperation in science and education. The PETRONAS delegation confirmed its interest in joint research, proposing the development of scientific projects and publications. There are also plans to continue educational programmes involving PETRONAS University professors in relevant fields.
Young engineers from Turkmenistan will compete in the World Championship in 2026
27.04.2026The ‘Young Engineer – 2026’ intellectual competition took place in Ashgabat. Around 200 school pupils and young programmers from across the country took part. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was organised by the Ashgabat City Committee of the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, the Ashgabat City Department of Education of the Ministry of Education, and the Ashgabat City Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organisation. The competition took place at the premises of the private enterprise ‘Ojar Aziýa’. Students in grades 7–12 competed in team and individual categories across four disciplines: smart production and service technologies, robotics, Scratch programming, and BattleBots robot combat. The top five in the ‘Robotics’ category earned the right to represent Turkmenistan at the ‘First Global Challenge – 2026’ World Championship. Last year, at a similar event in Panama, Turkmen schoolchildren won the ‘Skills Challenge’ category.
Educational cooperation between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan is entering a new phase
26.04.2026On 24 April, a meeting took place in Astana between Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, and Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The negotiations took place within the framework of previously reached high-level agreements and focused on developing cooperation in the fields of science and higher education. The parties discussed the current state of cooperation, prospects for its expansion, and approaches to modernising education systems, taking into account long-term socio-economic development. The Turkmen side presented the progress of the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of Higher Education until 2052, including measures to forecast staffing needs and align education with the labour market. Particular attention was paid to methods for forecasting demand for specialists, analytical tools for educational planning, and linking demographic and economic indicators with the workforce training system. Separate discussions were held on the education of Turkmen students in Kazakhstan, academic mobility, and improving the quality of graduate training. The Kazakhstani side presented its experience of modernising the higher education system, including digitalisation, quality assurance and the introduction of centralised testing with the support of international partners. The meeting also examined the prospects for the application of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in education. As a result, an agreement was reached to develop a sustainable mechanism for bilateral cooperation in the fields of science and higher education.
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium welcomed participants in an EU educational programme
26.04.2026The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels organised a meeting with Turkmen participants in a specialised European Union training programme aimed at young diplomats from Central Asian countries. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. During the visit, a meeting was held with Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Belgium. The programme participants were introduced to the practical aspects of the diplomatic service and discussed current areas and prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU. Particular emphasis was placed on Turkmenistan’s international initiatives. In particular, the discussion focused on promoting the ideas of peace and trust at the global level, as well as on the significance of the country’s policy of permanent neutrality as a key element in maintaining stability in the region and fostering constructive dialogue. The meeting took place in a businesslike and open atmosphere and concluded with an exchange of experiences. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan shared practical advice with the young professionals aimed at their professional development.
The delegation of the IIR MFA of Turkmenistan paid a working visit to MGIMO University
25.04.2026On April 21–22, a delegation from Turkmenistan, headed by Gulshat Yusupova, Rector of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, visited Moscow. During the visit, Gulshat Yusupova met with Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO University, and Andrey Sushentsov, Dean of the School of International Relations. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation under the agreement signed by the two universities in October 2017. The agenda included student and faculty exchanges, as well as joint programs in international relations and energy diplomacy. A meeting was also held with Alexander Sternik, Director of the Third CIS Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The interlocutors discussed the Turkmen-Russian strategic dialogue, noting the productive partnership in the fields of education and science. On April 22, MGIMO hosted a roundtable on academic cooperation between the two countries. It was attended by members of MGIMO’s leadership and faculty, experts, as well as students from Turkmenistan and MGIMO students studying the Turkmen language. The discussion focused on academic mobility, joint educational programs, research cooperation, and the publication of a Turkmen language textbook. Following the meeting, the parties outlined concrete steps to implement the agreements reached.
Magtymguly TSU celebrated Chinese Language Day
24.04.2026Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU) marked International Chinese Language Day, which is held annually on 23 April at the initiative of the UN. The festival was organised by the university in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, according to IIC of Turkmenistan. An exhibition dedicated to Chinese culture was opened at the university, featuring national costumes, calligraphy, paintings, decorative and applied arts, and educational materials. Masterclasses on printmaking and paper cutting were also held. Welcoming speeches were delivered by TSU Rector Orazgeldi Ovezsahedov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin, who emphasised the importance of language exchange for the development of cultural ties. Students from the Faculty of Oriental Languages organised a concert featuring songs in Chinese and Turkmen, as well as theatrical performances about Mulan and tea-drinking traditions. The event concluded with the ‘Kushtdepdi’ dance. The celebration was held to commemorate Cangjie, the legendary creator of Chinese writing. The Chinese language remains one of the oldest and is among the official languages of the UN.
The OSCE held a lecture on public speaking for Turkmen students
23.04.2026On 20 April, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat held a lecture entitled ‘The art of public speaking to promote the economic and environmental agenda’ for 50 students from Turkmen universities studying economics, finance, international relations and environmental studies. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The session was led by an international expert and a national trainer. It was designed to develop public speaking and presentation skills, with a focus on economic and environmental topics, as well as the use of effective communication formats. Participants were introduced to the basic principles of public speaking, practical techniques for holding the audience’s attention and adapting presentations to different groups of listeners, including the use of digital tools and the correct choice of terminology. During the session, students prepared group presentations, delivered talks and took part in discussions and a question-and-answer session. The event took place at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University and brought together students from several of the country’s leading universities.
Turkmenistan and Malaysia are strengthening their partnership in the field of education
23.04.2026On 22 April, Minister of Education of Turkmenistan Jumamyrat Gurbangeldiyev met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to Turkmenistan, Mohd Suhaimi bin Ahmad Tajuddin, as well as representatives of ‘Petronas’ and its University of Technology. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The main topic of the negotiations was the expansion of cooperation in training specialists for the oil and gas industry. The development of links between vocational and higher education institutions in Turkmenistan and ‘Petronas’s educational and scientific bodies was discussed. The company emphasised its commitment not only to resource development but also to the development of human capital in partner countries through the exchange of expertise and educational programmes, including vocational training and professional development courses. The parties reviewed cooperation with a number of ‘Petronas’s educational and research centres. It was noted that Turkmen students are already studying at Petronas University of Technology on scholarships provided by the company, whilst lecturers and students from a relevant university in Turkmenistan are undertaking internships there. It was also emphasised that the documents signed during the visit of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Malaysia in 2024 confirm the steady development of educational cooperation between the two countries.
Lecturers from a Turkmen university are undertaking a placement at a university in Romania
23.04.2026Lecturers from the Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technology of Turkmenistan are undertaking a training placement at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca in Romania. The programme includes lectures, seminars and practical sessions on artificial intelligence, innovative educational technologies and sustainable development, reports the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Participants are familiarising themselves with cutting-edge teaching methods and modern approaches to curriculum development. During bilateral meetings, lecturers from both universities discussed the training of specialists in the field of ‘smart’ technologies and innovative sciences. The Turkmen lecturers also visited the university’s research laboratories, which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Following the visit, meetings are planned to discuss new joint educational initiatives. These placements take place on a regular basis under the Cooperation Agreement between the two universities, signed in 2019.
Turkmen students demonstrated their knowledge in an online IT competition
22.04.2026An online competition on modern computer technologies was held at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University for students from universities across the country. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. At the end of the competition, 26 prizes were awarded: 5 first places, 9 second places and 12 third places. The winners were Dovran Akmyradov and Islam Shamadov (Magtymguly Turkmen State University), Arslan Bayramov (State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan), Emir Merdanov (Oguzhan Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan) and Begench Bayrammyradov (Y. Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas). Prizes were also awarded to students from a further 13 universities — including the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics, the M. Garryev State Medical University, the D. Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages and others. All winners were awarded certificates. The aim of the competition is to identify talented students and develop their practical skills in the field of IT.
Turkmenistan and China discussed expanding cooperation in the field of education
19.04.2026A meeting was held at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan between Deputy Minister of Education Azat Atayev and a delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Education, comprising representatives from relevant departments and the Centre for Language Cooperation. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, noting its development on the basis of previously reached agreements, including the ‘Central Asia–China’ format. China expressed its readiness to expand cooperation: to develop language training, provide scholarships, and establish joint laboratories and educational platforms within the framework of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative. Particular attention was paid to language cooperation – Chinese is already being taught in schools and universities in Turkmenistan, and work by teachers from the PRC continues. The Turkmen side advocated for deeper cooperation, including increasing the number of teachers, introducing the ‘language + profession’ format, developing the HSK exam, and the possible opening of a specialised centre. Interest was also expressed in China’s experience of administering the Gaokao exam. New areas were also discussed – artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and vocational education. Turkmenistan proposed implementing joint projects, including scientific research and the establishment of laboratories, with a focus on priority areas – from AI to ‘green’ energy. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation and continue consultations. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere.
Magtymguly TSU discussed a partnership with Xinjiang Normal University
19.04.2026A meeting was held at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University (TSU) between the university’s management and students and representatives of Xinjiang Normal University in the People’s Republic of China. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the negotiations, the parties discussed the current state of cooperation between the two universities, as well as possible avenues for its development in the field of education. Particular attention was paid to the modernisation of educational processes and the adoption of international best practice. It should be noted that from 15 to 16 April, Magtymguly Turkmen State University hosted the online International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Modern scientific research in the study of historical and cultural heritage: sustainable development of peoples and cultures’.
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