Education
Türkmenistan’daki üniversiteler 11 hackathon ve üç startup yarışması düzenledi
27.08.2026Since the start of 2026, universities in Turkmenistan have held 11 hackathons and three start-up competitions aimed at commercialising scientific developments and fostering links between education, science and innovation. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. As a result of scientific research, the country’s universities have been granted 320 national certificates (patents). These results demonstrate a rise in scientific activity and the economic efficiency of research. Furthermore, since the start of the year, higher education institutions have organised 23 international events, including 10 competitions and 13 scientific and practical conferences. These were attended by representatives of universities, research centres and international organisations from various countries.
A Strategy for the Development of Higher Education is being implemented in Turkmenistan
26.08.2026The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and higher education institutions have begun implementing the Strategy for the Development of Higher Professional Education in Turkmenistan for 2026–2052. The document was approved by a Resolution of the President of Turkmenistan dated 17 October 2025, together with the Action Plan for 2026–2030, reports the news agency TDH. The strategy aims to improve the quality of higher education, train specialists in high demand, develop science and innovation, promote digitalisation and expand international cooperation. As part of its implementation, the regulatory framework is being improved and mechanisms are being established to analyse labour market needs. A methodology for surveying employers and a digital platform for analysing the knowledge and skills required of graduates have been developed. The university ranking system has also been updated, with the results published on the rating.bilim.tm portal. To identify promising areas for specialist training, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan has published the ‘Geljegiň hünärleriniň atlasy’ (‘Atlas of Future Professions’). Scientific research and innovation are being actively developed at higher education institutions. Since the start of the year, 11 hackathons and three start-up competitions have been held, and 320 national certificates (patents) have been granted. International cooperation is expanding. Since the start of the year, higher education institutions have organised 23 international events, including 10 academic competitions and 13 scientific and practical conferences. International accreditation of educational programmes, academic exchanges and the professional development of teaching staff also remain priorities. The strategy provides for the development of inclusive education, the use of digital resources and distance learning. Facilities for people with disabilities are being created in new teaching buildings. The development of public-private partnerships has become an important focus. The International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the country’s first non-state higher education institution, trains specialists in the fields of business, industry, digital technologies and innovation. At the same time, mechanisms for assessing the quality of education are being improved, and programmes are being developed to promote a healthy lifestyle, foster patriotism and support the cultural development of young people.
A Turkmen university has studied Finland’s experience of digital transformation
26.08.2026A delegation from Turkmenistan, comprising staff from the International University for the Humanities and Development (IUHD), undertook a working visit to Helsinki as part of the European Union’s regional project ‘Connectivity for Central Asia’ (C4CA). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The programme for the visit was organised by Laurea University of Applied Sciences and the Finnish Institute of Public Administration (HAUS). It focused on studying Finland’s experience of digital transformation, the development of IT infrastructure and the implementation of innovative solutions in public administration and higher education systems. During the trip, the leadership of the Turkmen university held negotiations with European partners and consolidated the agreements reached following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in June 2026. The parties agreed on the practical implementation of part of the project at the IUHD, which will enable international expertise to be integrated into the domestic educational environment. The initiative is in line with the objectives of Turkmenistan’s State Programme for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2028 and is aimed at training qualified specialists and strengthening academic ties.
A professor from Mexico delivered training courses for university lecturers in Turkmenistan
26.08.2026Kenneth Richter, a professor at the University of Guanajuato (Mexico), led a two-week professional development programme for lecturers at higher education institutions in Turkmenistan. During his visit, he worked in Ashgabat and Turkmenabat, according to the news agency Orient. The 20-hour course was organised for lecturers from the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology and the Seyitnazar Seydi State Pedagogical Institute. The programme focused on modern methods of teaching English and communicative practices. Professor K. Richter also held open meetings with students and members of the public. Participants discussed academic and institutional practices in Latin and North America. The visit marked the first instance of direct academic cooperation between the University of Guanajuato and higher education institutions in Turkmenistan.
A new Master’s programme has been launched at Turkmenistan’s oil and gas university
25.08.2026The Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas has launched a new Master’s programme in ‘Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry’. The programme will commence in the 2026–2027 academic year, according to the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The programme has been developed taking into account the current requirements of the oil and gas sector and the outcomes of international Erasmus+ educational projects. It is based, in particular, on the ESGCA and GDCAU projects, which focus on ESG, sustainable development and the ‘green’ transition. The programme includes two specialisations: ‘Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry (ESG Strategies)’ and ‘Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry (Sustainable Development of the Oil and Gas Industry)’. The first specialisation trains specialists in the fields of ESG strategies, the assessment of environmental and social risks, corporate governance and sustainable finance. The second specialisation focuses on the rational use of resources, reducing environmental impact, energy efficiency and the development of the ‘green’ economy. The new programme is the practical outcome of the university’s international cooperation under the Erasmus+ programme and aims to train specialists in the economics and management of the oil and gas industry with expertise in ESG and sustainable development.
Turkmenistan and PETRONAS are expanding their cooperation in education
23.08.2026On 21 August, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan attended by the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, J. Gurbangeldiyev; the Malaysian Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Mohd Suhaimi bin Ahmad Tajuddin; and a delegation from the company ‘PETRONAS Çarigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd.’, with its Head, Ismadi bin Ismail. This was reported by Turkmenportal. Following the meeting, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan and ‘PETRONAS Çarigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn. Bhd.’ signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The document provides for the development of cooperation in the field of education and vocational training, as well as the implementation of joint initiatives and projects. The signing of the memorandum coincides with the 30th anniversary of PETRONAS’s operations in Turkmenistan. Around 20 cooperation agreements have been concluded between the two countries in the field of education. With PETRONAS’s support, Turkmen students are regularly awarded scholarships to study at higher education institutions in Malaysia.
A student from Turkmenistan has won the DAAD programme
20.08.2026Aynur Dovletyarova, a third-year student at the Faculty of International Relations of the Institute of International Relations under the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, has been awarded a scholarship under the ‘Hochschulsommerkurse’ programme run by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This was reported by the press office of the Institute of International Relations under the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. As part of the programme, the Turkmen student undertook a one-month summer language course in German at B2 level at the Goethe-Institut in Bonn. The programme brought together young participants from various countries. The course included lessons on grammar and conversational skills, academic writing and the coherent presentation of ideas. Participants also studied Germany’s socio-political structure, its economy, cultural heritage and role in international relations. The programme included excursions to historical sites, museums and cultural centres. Interacting with participants from different countries helped to develop language skills and foster international connections. According to Aynur Dovletyarova, the experience she gained will form part of her future professional and academic career.
Turkmenistan is developing its education system
16.08.2026In the documents of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, education is defined as one of the key factors in the country’s socio-economic and cultural development. The main focus is on improving the quality of training, the digitalisation of education and the development of modern skills, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Electronic systems and interactive educational platforms are being introduced across the country, whilst the study of the exact sciences, engineering and IT, as well as foreign languages, is being expanded. Modern schools, nurseries and higher education institutions are being built, including in the city of Arkadag. The development of education is also linked to the upbringing of young people based on national values. The educational process combines modern teaching methods with the study of Turkmenistan’s cultural and spiritual heritage, as well as the fostering of patriotism, a strong work ethic and high moral and ethical standards. Particular attention is paid to young people as participants in scientific and innovative development. The country is creating the conditions for research activities, support for youth start-ups, innovation proposals and academic initiatives. Educational institutions are training specialists for high-tech industries and management. The concept for the development of the education system envisages a shift towards fostering critical thinking and professional competences, the expansion of digital technologies, the creation of digital libraries and distance-learning platforms, as well as the development of IT education. Key priorities remain the alignment of education with the needs of the energy sector, industry, the agro-industrial complex and the digital sector, the promotion of multilingualism, and the construction of modern educational and research institutions. The implementation of these priorities is regarded as the foundation for training qualified personnel and for the further socio-economic development of Turkmenistan.
A student from the IIR MFA of Turkmenistan attended language courses in Germany
14.08.2026Myahri Guzychiyeva, a fourth-year student at the Faculty of International Economic Relations of the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, has completed an international intensive German language course programme, ‘Hochschulsommerkurse’, in the Federal Republic of Germany. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen university. The programme is designed to improve students’ language proficiency and familiarise them with German culture, socio-political structure, economy and education system. The classes covered grammar and vocabulary, academic writing, phonetics, listening comprehension and the development of speaking skills. As part of the programme, participants visited historical and cultural sites, museums and other institutions. In this educational environment, students from around 150 countries had the opportunity to forge international contacts and broaden their knowledge of other cultures. Participation in the ‘Hochschulsommerkurse’ provided the student with an opportunity to improve her language skills and gain international academic experience.
Turkmen school students won 10 medals at the iWISE Global Final in London
10.08.2026Turkmen school students won 6 gold and 4 silver medals at the ‘iWISE Global Final London 2026’ international competition, which took place in London from 2 to 7 August. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. School students from 25 countries around the world took part in the competition. Turkmenistan was represented by 10 students selected from schools across the country. They were led by Myrat Sahetgulyev, a computer science teacher at the 1st Specialised Educational Complex in Arkadag, and Gochmyrat Bayramov, a history teacher at Specialised Secondary School No. 97 with an in-depth focus on language subjects in Ashgabat. The participants competed in three categories: line-following robot, maze-solving robot, and mini-sumo robot. Gold medals were awarded to Resulberdi Orazberdiyev, Salyh Kakalyev and Resulgeldi Geldiyev (Specialised Secondary School No. 97, Ashgabat), Selim Begmyradov (Secondary School No. 7, Ashgabat), Nurmyrat Kulov (Specialised Secondary School No. 87, Ashgabat) and Malikmyrat Annamyradov (the 1st Berdimuhamed Annayev Specialised Military School of the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan). The silver medallists were Salyh Altyev (School No. 97, Ashgabat), Rozymurat Yagshymuradov (Secondary School No. 13, Ashgabat), Ebubekir Berdiyev (Specialised Secondary School No. 3, Arkadag) and Umit Atamuradov (Specialised Secondary School No. 2, Arkadag). Five Turkmen school students were recognised as ‘Best of the Best’ and received cash prizes.
An expert’s mission on inclusive education has come to an end in Turkmenistan
09.08.2026From 3 to 8 August, Filomena Pereira, an international expert on inclusive education from Portugal, visited Turkmenistan. The week-long technical mission was organised by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan with the support of UNICEF, according to the news website Turkmenportal. The aim of the visit was to analyse the progress made in the development of inclusive education and to identify further steps. During the mission, meetings were held with representatives of the Ministry of Education, regional education authorities, teachers, professionals involved in professional development, members of interdisciplinary teams, representatives of psychological, medical and educational commissions, and higher education institutions. Following the consultations and field visits, the participants agreed on measures to expand educational opportunities for children with diverse educational needs. Particular attention was paid to the professional development of specialists, improving methods for identifying children’s individual needs, and developing a mentoring system. Representatives from the Ministry of Education and UNICEF visited pilot nurseries and schools in the Ahal and Balkan velayats, where they familiarised themselves with the implementation of inclusive education. They discussed the results, existing challenges and necessary support measures with teachers, school heads and regional coordinators. The recommendations drawn up following the mission will form the basis for further work: improving teacher training, developing a monitoring system and disseminating the experience of pilot institutions to scale up inclusive practices, according to a UNICEF press release.
The ‘Green School’ programme has been extended to 120 schools in Turkmenistan
08.08.2026The ‘Green School’ programme has been expanded to 120 schools across Turkmenistan. The initiative has been running since 2025, organised by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan in partnership with UNICEF. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Events to mark the launch of the expansion took place in Ashgabat and across all the velayats of the country, bringing together school headteachers and representatives of education authorities, UNICEF reported. The programme is structured around four key areas: school management, infrastructure and operations, teaching and learning, and community engagement. Since its launch, the programme has been implemented on a pilot basis in 20 schools, where work has been carried out to integrate issues relating to climate change, environmental protection and disaster risk reduction into the curriculum. Following the national ‘Green Skills’ competition, students and schools exceeded expectations by engaging wider communities in their activities. Building on these results, the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, in collaboration with education authorities at central and velayat levels, are preparing for the first phase of ‘Green School’ certification, which is expected to take place in autumn 2026. By the start of the new academic year, participating schools will receive teaching guides on adapting to climate change – climate education is one of the key criteria for being awarded ‘Green School’ status. There are now 120 schools in Turkmenistan taking part in the programme. The Ministry of Education and UNICEF intend to expand the programme to 500 of the country’s approximately 1,900 schools by 2030.
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