The Government of the Russian Federation has allocated 500 state-funded places at Russian higher education institutions for citizens of Turkmenistan for the 2026–2027 academic year. This was announced by Ivan Volynkin, Russia’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, in an interview with the press service of the international literary competition “Russian Glagol.”

According to the diplomat, young people in Turkmenistan continue to show strong interest in pursuing higher education in Russia. One important advantage in this regard is learning Russian from an early age, beginning at school.

Ivan Volynkin emphasised that students who speak Russian adapt more quickly to the academic environment at universities. He explained that having prior knowledge of the language required to attend lectures, study academic articles and take examinations enables young people to focus more effectively on their chosen field of study.

Russian-language proficiency is also important in students’ everyday lives. It helps them make new friends, become part of the student community and adjust more easily to a new environment.

According to the ambassador, a degree from a Russian university broadens career opportunities in a range of fields, including medicine, engineering, information technology, economics, international relations and the humanities. Students can take part in research projects, gain practical work experience and establish professional contacts that may prove valuable in their future careers. Volynkin also noted that many Turkmen students return home after completing their studies to apply their knowledge in their own country.

The interview also covered the activities of the Russian House in Ashgabat. Throughout the year, the centre organises round-table discussions, online seminars and other events focusing on admission requirements for Russian higher education institutions.

In October, the Russian House hosted an open meeting between senior students from the A. S. Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian Secondary School and representatives of several leading universities in Moscow. Such events help young people obtain detailed information about opportunities to study in Russia and the university admission process.