Education
Turkmenistan and Qatar sign memorandum on scientific and cultural cooperation
24.01.2026On 21 January, a ceremony was held in Doha to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Magtymguly Institute of Language, Literature and National Manuscripts of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the National Library of the State of Qatar. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The document aims to develop scientific, educational and cultural cooperation, including the study and preservation of national heritage. The Memorandum provides for the exchange of manuscripts, joint scientific projects, cooperation in the field of digitisation and the exchange of specialists. The agreement is expected to promote Turkmen and Arab cultural heritage and strengthen friendly relations between the two states.
Teacher from Turkmenistan named among the best educators in the CIS – 2025
23.01.2026Novruzalem Gurdov, a young lecturer at the Department of Horse Breeding at the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding and a member of the International Association of Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding, won the international competition ‘Best Teacher of the CIS – 2025’, which took place in Almaty (Republic of Kazakhstan). This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Following the final online stage, which was held in early January, the professional activities and achievements of the Turkmen teacher were highly praised by the international jury. The victory allowed N. Gurdov to be named one of the best teachers in the CIS countries in 2025. He was awarded a first-degree diploma and a competition badge. Commenting on the result, Novruzalem Gurdov noted that participation in the international project was a serious responsibility for him and an opportunity to represent the young teaching community of Turkmenistan with dignity. According to him, this victory strengthened his desire for further professional growth. The competition was organised by the ‘Bilim’ Republican Educational Centre in conjunction with the ‘Dobro’ International Charitable Foundation and was aimed at identifying and supporting talented specialists in the field of education in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
A Turkmen teacher completed rule of law training in Japan
23.01.2026Dovletmyrat Berdiyev, a lecturer at the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology in Turkmenistan, took part in the international seminar ‘Rule of Law’, which was held in Tokyo from 14 to 19 January. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Japanese government for the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus as part of the MIRAI programme. The seminar focused on the role of the rule of law, the modernisation of legal systems and the exchange of international experience. The programme included lectures, discussions and thematic sessions, including a special course at Keio University, where participants studied modern methods of developing legal culture. In addition to the educational part, participants visited the Keio University Museum, where they learned about the history of the Japanese education system and the scientific and cultural heritage of the university. The MIRAI programme opens up opportunities for professional growth, international cooperation and strengthening the rule of law in the countries of the region.
Turkmenistan university receives 190 textbooks from Chinese Embassy
21.01.2026The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan has donated 190 copies of educational literature on Chinese language, history and culture to the International University for the Humanities and Development. This was reported by the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’, according to Turkmenportal. The collection includes textbooks, dictionaries and thematic publications for students of different levels of proficiency. Among the books donated are Xi Jinping's four-volume work ‘The Governance of China’ in Chinese and Russian, as well as works on the political system of modern China. These include ‘The Chinese System: Governing China in a New Era’ and ‘Witness to China's Reform and Opening Up: Series of 40 Celebrities.’ A significant part of the collection consists of ‘Modern Chinese’ sets for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels with exercises and audio materials. The library also received frequency dictionaries for all six levels of the HSK exam, the Xinhua Chinese Character Dictionary, and phraseological and thematic dictionaries. A separate section is dedicated to publications on Chinese culture, including poetry, geography, traditions, tea culture, and fiction.
Turkmenistan university becomes finalist in THE Awards Asia in STEM
21.01.2026The Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology in Turkmenistan has been shortlisted for THE Awards Asia 2026 in the ‘Research Project of the Year: STEM’ category. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The university has previously been recognised by THE Awards Asia. In 2025, it was among the top eight finalists in the ‘Student Recruitment Campaign of the Year’ category. This year, the university has been recognised for its scientific research and development of STEM education. Experts noted the practical significance of its developments and contribution to the development of engineering and high-tech fields. According to the organisers, more than 500 applications were submitted in 10 categories. Eighty universities from 17 countries and territories made it to the final. The winners will be announced on 22 April in Hong Kong at a ceremony during the THE Asian University Summit. The decision was made by experts from Times Higher Education. Eight universities were selected in this category.
Schoolchildren from Turkmenistan performed successfully at the international Olympiad
20.01.2026At Ashgabat's Specialized Secondary School No. 135, which specializes in advanced English language learning, the Central Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organization held a ceremony presenting valuable gifts to schoolchildren who won the XXII International Zhautykov Olympiad. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education. Turkmen schoolchildren won 1 gold, 4 silver and 11 bronze medals. These achievements were the first results in 2026. The International Zhautykov Olympiad for schoolchildren has been held since 2005 by the ‘Daryn’ Scientific and Practical Centre under the Ministry of Education of Kazakhstan. It is held annually in physics, mathematics and computer science and has international status. From 10 to 14 January 2026, the XXII International Zhautykov Olympiad was held in Almaty. Twenty-eight talented schoolchildren from Turkmenistan took part in the competition, competing with more than 600 participants from 16 countries. Our young talents showed high results and won prizes at the international level. Turkmen schoolchildren have been participating in the Olympiad since 2010, and their success on the international arena is growing every year.
Turkmen specialists complete training course on renewable energy
20.01.2026The second stage of the 72-hour specialised course ‘Sustainable Energy Systems: Fundamentals and Applications of Renewable Technologies’ has been completed at the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan (SEIT). The first part of the programme took place from 2 to 5 September 2025, according to Turkmenportal. The course was organized as part of the project ‘EU for a green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024-2029,’ funded by the EU and the German Federal Foreign Office. The project is being implemented by GIZ. The programme was aimed at improving the qualifications of Turkmen specialists in the field of renewable energy sources. Participants studied practical methods for implementing ‘green’ energy systems, evaluating technological projects and tools for developing sustainable energy infrastructure. The training was conducted by experts from Anhalt University of Applied Sciences (Germany). Upon completion of the course, SEIT lecturers, employees of the ‘RES’ Scientific and Production Centre and specialists from the Ministry of Energy received official certificates. Dr Eduard Siemens, Director of the Doctoral Center for Engineering Sciences and Information Technologies (IWIT), Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, noted the systematic nature of the cooperation and emphasised that the programme had created a knowledge base for the effective implementation of clean technologies in Turkmenistan.
Universities in Turkmenistan and the UK expand cooperation
19.01.2026Cooperation between universities in Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom is developing within the framework of the Accelerating English Language Learning in Central Asia (AELLCA) programme. The project is being implemented on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Westminster and aims to update teaching methods and introduce inclusive approaches, according to IIC. During the second phase of the programme, a delegation of British academics visited universities in Ashgabat and Turkmenabat. Master classes and methodological seminars were held for teachers. The venues for the exchange of experience were the International University for the Humanities and Development, the Magtymguly Turkmen State University and the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute. Andrew Lynn, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Westminster, and Dr Anastasiya Bezborodova presented approaches to academic writing and modern communication methods. Issues of inclusive education and the adaptation of curricula to regional conditions were discussed separately. The visit concluded with an international conference on the role of English in the integration of science and education. It was noted that the teaching materials developed as part of the project are already being used in Turkmen universities. The next stage of cooperation will be the preparation of joint methodological publications. The parties also plan to expand academic mobility and launch new research projects.
Rules for admission to postgraduate studies in Turkmenistan for 2026 have been published
19.01.2026The newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’ has published the admission procedure for postgraduate studies in 2026. Candidates will be selected on a competitive basis, according to the IIC. Applicants must have a higher education degree, proven research skills and at least five years of work experience. There are separate requirements for medical specialists. Graduates of clinical residency programmes with at least three years of work experience in the healthcare sector, as well as doctors without residency programmes with at least five years of relevant work experience, are eligible to apply. Documents are accepted by the heads of higher education institutions and scientific organisations. Those who have received their education abroad must provide a certificate of recognition of their diploma issued by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Candidates must also provide proof of their scientific qualifications: a list of publications, inventions or research reports. All applicants are required to present their identity document and the original higher education diploma in person.
The Turkmenistan national team performed successfully at the Zhautykov Olympiad
18.01.2026Turkmen schoolchildren won 16 medals at the 22nd International Zhautykov Olympiad in Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, which took place from 10 to 15 January 2026 in Almaty. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. More than 600 students from 16 countries participated in the competition, organised by the Daryn Centre of the Ministry of Education of Kazakhstan. The Turkmenistan team included 28 schoolchildren and won one gold, four silver and 11 bronze medals. The gold medal in mathematics was won by Hemra Gurbanov, a tenth-grade student at School No. 86 in Ashgabat. Silver medals in this discipline went to Maliksha Meylismyradov (School No. 86), Myrat Ruslanov (School No. 97) and Selim Hommatdurdyev (School No. 135). Bronze medals in mathematics were won by Seyitgeldi Hojamuhammedov, Sanjar Hojaniyazov, Soyunmuhammet Geldimammedov, Begli Ishanmyradov, Kumush Nobatova and Begench Gummanov. In the physics competition, Dovlet Annamyradov won silver and Nurgeldi Annagurdov won bronze. In the computer science section, Hojamuhammet Hydyrov, Yhlas Annamyradov and Kasym Kochekov won bronze medals. This is the first major international victory for Turkmen youth in 2026.
Ashgabat discussed cooperation between universities in Turkmenistan and Iran
16.01.2026On 14 January, a meeting was held at Magtymguly Turkmen State University with the participation of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Cultural Advisor Abdolreza Abbasi, the university rector and university management. This was reported by the university's press service. The parties discussed the development of cooperation between higher education institutions in Turkmenistan and Iran. The agenda included issues related to holding a Persian language competition, participation in international events, implementation of joint cultural projects, as well as cooperation in the fields of science, education and culture. During the visit, the guests met with students and teachers of the Persian language programme. The Cultural Centre of the Islamic Republic of Iran presented the university with textbooks and books by Iranian poets translated into Turkmen and Persian.
The Third International Mathematics Olympiad for schoolchildren will be held in Ashgabat
16.01.2026The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan will hold the Third International Mathematical Olympiad for schoolchildren in Ashgabat from 8 to 13 April. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Registration for participants and team leaders will run from 15 January to 1 April. Schoolchildren and recent school leavers from Turkmenistan and other countries are invited to participate. The Olympiad will be held in an individual format in one round, with Turkmen, Russian and English as the working languages. Participants will be offered two levels of difficulty — categories A and B, with age restrictions depending on the category. The number of participants from one country is not limited. The organisers will provide accommodation, meals, transport and a cultural programme for the duration of the competition.
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