Studying abroad has become increasingly popular among young people in Turkmenistan. In 2026, government scholarships and international education programs offered by various countries cover most—or even all—expenses, including tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and language preparation.

Below is an overview of the most popular study destinations, international scholarship programs, and useful official resources for Turkmen students.

Turkey — One of the Most Popular Destinations

Turkey hosts tens of thousands of Turkmen students.

Türkiye Bursları

The Türkiye Bursları scholarship includes:

  • Full tuition;

  • Monthly stipend:

    • Bachelor's — 4,500 TRY

    • Master's — 6,500 TRY

    • PhD — 9,000 TRY

  • Free accommodation;

  • Health insurance;

  • One-year Turkish language course (TÖMER);

  • One-way flight ticket.

Applications are usually accepted in January–February.

Official website: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr

Russia

Russia has allocated 500 government-funded places for Turkmen citizens for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Benefits include:

  • Free tuition;

  • Monthly scholarship;

  • Dormitory accommodation (in most cases).

Popular fields include medicine, engineering, IT, economics, and oil & gas.

Official website: https://education-in-russia.com

China

Turkmen students may apply for:

  • Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC);

  • University scholarships.

Most programs include tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, and health insurance.

Official website: https://www.campuschina.org

Germany

Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees. Students only pay a semester contribution of approximately €150–350.

Major scholarships:

  • DAAD;

  • Deutschlandstipendium;

  • Konrad Adenauer Foundation;

  • Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Applicants generally need excellent academic records, language proficiency, a motivation letter, and recommendation letters.

Official website: https://www.daad.de

United Kingdom — Chevening

Chevening covers:

  • Full master's tuition;

  • Living expenses;

  • Airfare;

  • Visa support.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree;

  • At least two years of work experience;

  • IELTS or equivalent English certificate;

  • Leadership potential.

Official website: https://www.chevening.org

United States — Fulbright

Fulbright supports master's studies by covering:

  • Tuition;

  • Living expenses;

  • Health insurance;

  • Airfare.

Applications from Turkmen citizens are submitted through the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat.

Official website: https://tm.usembassy.gov

Other International Programs

General Requirements

Most scholarship programs require:

  • Turkmen citizenship;

  • Strong academic transcript;

  • Language proficiency certificate;

  • Motivation letter;

  • Recommendation letters;

  • Medical certificate;

  • International passport.

Recognition of Diplomas in Turkmenistan

Applicants should verify that the chosen university's diploma is recognized in Turkmenistan.

The Ministry of Education publishes an annual list based on:

  • QS World University Rankings;

  • Times Higher Education;

  • Academic Ranking of World Universities;

  • Moscow International University Ranking "Three University Missions".

Universities included in at least one of these rankings are generally recognized in Turkmenistan.

Official website: https://education.gov.tm

Useful Tips

  • Prepare documents 6–12 months in advance.

  • Focus on improving foreign language skills.

  • Write a strong motivation letter.

  • Use only official sources.

  • Verify diploma recognition before applying.

Good preparation, excellent academic performance, and timely applications significantly increase the chances of receiving an international scholarship.