Education
More than 9,300 citizens of Turkmenistan are studying in China
27.09.2026Education remains one of the priority areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and China. This was stated on 24 September in Ashgabat by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, according to the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. According to Meredov, more than 9,300 citizens of Turkmenistan are currently studying at educational institutions in China. Interest in learning Chinese is also growing in the country. Around 1,000 students are studying Chinese at nine universities in Turkmenistan. A further 6,000 school students are learning the language at ten secondary schools. In April, a workshop led by Luban began operating at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. A teaching room for the Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine has opened at the Myrat Garryev State Medical University of Turkmenistan. The Head of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry also highlighted the development of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of culture, science, healthcare and other areas of the social sector.
A reception was held in Ashgabat to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the PRC
26.09.2026A formal reception was held in Ashgabat, organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Turkmenistan to mark the upcoming 77th anniversary of the founding of the PRC, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Turkmenistan government and the diplomatic corps. The participants noted the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan, spoke about China’s achievements in the economy, the development of green energy and innovation. He also emphasised the country’s role in maintaining the stability of the global economy against the backdrop of global challenges. Speaking on behalf of Turkmenistan at the reception was Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister. Meredov also highlighted the long-standing nature of bilateral relations and the development of trade and economic cooperation. According to the Head of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry, energy remains one of the key areas of cooperation. The two sides are also developing cultural ties, including cooperation in the field of education and the study of the Chinese language in Turkmenistan. Rashid Meredov noted that China has been Turkmenistan’s main trading partner for around 15 years. Annual trade turnover between the countries stands at around 10 billion US dollars, and exceeded 6 billion dollars in the first seven months of this year.
Teachers from Turkmenistan are undertaking training at Tsukuba University
25.09.2026Vepa Abdysetdarov and Mergen Nunnakov, lecturers at the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan, have been sent to undertake postgraduate studies at the University of Tsukuba in Japan. The programme will run until the end of March 2029, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The training is taking place as part of the ‘Global SDG Leader’ Development Research Programme, implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. At Tsukuba University, the Turkmen lecturers will study hydrogen energy and sustainable development, as well as conduct applied research aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
A lecturer from a Turkmen university took part in a conference in Almaty
25.09.2026Gyzylgul Ekayeva, a lecturer in the Department of Language Studies at the Oguz Han University of Engineering Technologies in Turkmenistan, took part in the regional conference ‘Shaping Tomorrow: C5+O.N.E. U.S.–Central Asia Regional Conference on Economic Growth’. The event took place on 23–28 August in Almaty, according to the press office of the Turkmen university. The conference was attended by over 150 graduates of the American programme ‘C5+Opening Networks in English’ (C5+O.N.E.) from five Central Asian countries, representatives of US embassies, experts and the leadership of American Councils. Participants discussed US economic cooperation with Central Asian countries, entrepreneurship, vocational training, the development of English language skills and professional networks. The programme included talks by experts, presentations of business projects, discussions and cultural events. A ‘Freedom 250’ evening was also held to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence. During the conference, Gyzylgul Ekayeva exchanged experiences with representatives from Central Asian countries and the US and established new professional contacts.
Eight citizens of Turkmenistan have enrolled at Green University
22.09.2026On 18 September, a meeting was held at the project office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan between the office director, Mergen Kepbanov, and young professionals and graduates who had been admitted to the Central Asian University for the Study of the Environment and Climate Change (Green University). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Following the selection process, eight Turkmen citizens were granted student visas and enrolled at the university. Four will continue their studies on master’s programmes, whilst another four will pursue bachelor’s degrees. The CAREC Project Office provided support to the applicants at every stage – from preparing documents to attending interviews. Mergen Kepbanov congratulated the prospective students and highlighted the importance of training specialists in the fields of ecology and climate. He also offered advice on academic development and participation in university life. The young professionals spoke about their plans and expectations for their studies.
43 students from Turkmenistan have been awarded grants to study in China
19.09.2026A ceremony was held at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ashgabat to present acceptance letters to the successful applicants for the Chinese Government’s scholarship programme. Forty-three Turkmen students received the documents, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. They will be able to study at universities in the PRC on educational grants provided by the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the PRC. Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC to Turkmenistan, congratulated the students and their parents on successfully passing the competitive selection process. At the same time, the study of the Chinese language is expanding in Turkmenistan. It is being studied by around 1,000 students at nine higher education institutions and around 6,000 pupils at ten secondary schools across the country. Currently, more than 10,000 citizens of Turkmenistan are studying at universities in the PRC. Around 350 of them are studying under inter-governmental agreements.
Turkmenistan and Korea are expanding their cooperation in the fields of education and innovation
18.09.2026As part of the official visit to the Republic of Korea by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, a meeting took place between the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, J. Gurbangeldiyev, and the Executive Director of the Institute for Global Innovation Research, Kim Kyo-shik. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the fields of education, science and innovation. Particular attention was paid to the modernisation of the education system, digital technologies and the development of young people’s scientific and creative potential. Vocational and technical education could become one area of cooperation. In particular, the parties considered the possibility of studying the Korean experience and providing further training for teachers. As part of the visit, a ‘Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Engineering, Technical and Transport Communications of Turkmenistan and the Global Innovation Research Organisation (Republic of Korea)’ was signed. The document provides for cooperation in the fields of education, scientific research and innovation, the exchange of expertise and the implementation of joint projects. The participants also discussed the application of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, as well as the organisation of expert meetings and round-table discussions on the future needs of the labour market and the training of specialists for high-tech sectors. Particular attention was paid to academic mobility and the possible establishment of joint grant and internship programmes for master’s students, doctoral candidates and early-career researchers. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their cooperation and expanding the exchange of expertise.
Turkmenistan has proposed establishing an Institute to support innovative ideas from young people
18.09.2026As part of his state visit to the Republic of Korea, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the first ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Summit, presenting initiatives to develop cooperation in the fields of science and education. The Head of State emphasised the importance of supporting young people and integrating the education systems of the Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Among the proposals were joint dual-degree programmes, academic competitions and themed contests to improve digital literacy among young people, international scientific conferences, and the expansion of research and project activities for young scientists. The President of Turkmenistan also proposed establishing an Institute to support the development and implementation of innovative ideas from young people. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the activities of the ‘Republic of Korea – Central Asia’ Cooperation Forum serve the long-term interests of the participating countries and contribute to the development of mechanisms for international integration.
Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea are set to expand their cooperation in the field of education
17.09.2026As part of the state visit by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the Republic of Korea, the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, J. Gurbangeldiyev, met with the Director of the National Assembly Library of the Republic of Korea, Hwang Jeong Geun. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of education, scientific and information activities, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Particular attention was paid to the interest shown by Turkmen youth in studying the Korean language and culture. During the meeting, proposals were put forward to expand academic cooperation and provide lecturers and students at Turkmen universities with access to the library’s digital and bibliographic resources. The organisation of a mutual book exchange, including academic publications, electronic databases and audiovisual materials, was also discussed. It is expected that this cooperation will enable the Turkmen side to gain access to materials on Korean law and public administration. In turn, South Korean researchers will be able to broaden their opportunities to study the historical and cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to implement the agreements reached in practice.
A PETRONAS professor is teaching at an oil and gas university in Turkmenistan
16.09.2026From September 14 to 17, students and young teachers at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas are taking part in online classes on the analysis and design of offshore structures. The classes are being led by a professor from PETRONAS University of Technology (Malaysia), according to the news website Turkmenportal. As part of the course, participants are introduced to modern technologies and methods used in the industry, according to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Upon completion of the course, participants will be awarded certificates from the PETRONAS University of Technology. The classes have been organised under the Memorandum of Cooperation between Turkmen and Malaysian higher education institutions. For the 2026–2027 academic year, lectures by professors from the University of Technology are also planned, both online and in person when they visit Turkmenistan. Topics will cover the oil and gas industry, artificial intelligence, chemistry and processing.
Turkmen students took part in a youth training programme in Georgia
14.09.2026Turkmen students took part in an international youth educational training programme organised by the Georgian Ministry of Education, Science and Youth from 5 to 10 September. The training took place in the town of Kvareli, located in Kakheti, according to the news website Tukrmenportal. Turkmenistan was represented in the international project by students from the International University for the Humanities and Development and the Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages. The training programme was organised with the aim of developing modern education, facilitating the exchange of experience amongst young people, expanding international cooperation and enhancing the professional skills of the participants. The programme included practical sessions, interactive seminars and cultural events designed to broaden the participants’ horizons and develop their leadership skills. Participants from various countries also explored the historical and cultural monuments, cultural heritage and national traditions of Kakheti.
Turkmen schoolchildren competed at the Mental Calculation World Championship
11.09.2026From September 5 to 7, the JMCWC 2026 Junior Mental Calculation World Championship for Children and Teenagers was held in Bielefeld, Germany. More than 100 young mathematicians from 14 countries took part in the competition, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Turkmenistan was represented at the championship by 12 school students selected following the national round. Many members of the national team scored over 2,000 points. Mekan Nurgeldiyev, a 7th grade student at Secondary School No. 41 in Turkmenabat, took third place in the Junior-1 category, scoring 2,477 points. He is a graduate of the ‘Anzan’ programme at the ‘Kämil Bilim’ educational centre. Livanur Berdiyeva, Turkmenistan’s first national record-holder in mental arithmetic, was among the top eight participants in the Senior category. The Turkmenistan team at the championship was led by Jahan Durdymammedova, a mental arithmetic teacher at the ‘Kämil Bilim’ educational centre, and Halym Annagurbanov, a mathematics teacher. Mental arithmetic competitions have been held since 2008. Last year, Turkmen schoolchildren also finished in the top ten.
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