Study abroad
Study in Turkmenistan
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Turkmenistan
Thinking about studying in Turkmenistan? The country is in Central Asia, with higher education centred on cities such as Ashgabat, Türkmenabat and Daşoguz. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.
Students interested in energy, infrastructure and agriculture may find the local context especially relevant. Teaching is often in Turkmen, so check the language of instruction and any language requirements for each course. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.
Opportunities for international students are more limited than in many countries and entry rules can be strict, so confirm every step directly with institutions and official authorities.
Why study in Turkmenistan?
Students choose Turkmenistan for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in Central Asia. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Energy, infrastructure and agriculture matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Energy, Oil & Gas, Engineering and Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Ashgabat, Türkmenabat and Daşoguz each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Turkmenistan means everyday contact with Turkmen and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
Top subjects to study in Turkmenistan
These subject areas are a useful starting point for students looking at Turkmenistan. They are editorial suggestions based on the country’s wider economy and institutions, not a ranking.
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Engineering
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Business & Management
Links to energy, infrastructure and agriculture mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Turkmenistan on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Universities in Turkmenistan
- Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World LanguagesAsgabat, TurkmenistanA university in Asgabat, Turkmenistan. Listed in the THE World University Rankings 2026 data (not ranked).Explore University
- Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of TurkmenistanAshgabat, TurkmenistanA university in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Listed in the THE World University Rankings 2026 data (not ranked).Explore University
- Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics of TurkmenistanAshgabat, TurkmenistanA university located in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Listed in the THE World University Rankings 2026 data (not ranked).Explore University
Scholarships to Study in Turkmenistan
Some international students in Turkmenistan receive scholarships or grants, but availability depends on where you come from and what you plan to study.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Turkmenistan
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Turkmenistan
The academic year in Turkmenistan commonly begins around September. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Turkmenistan
Tuition in Turkmenistan varies widely: public and private institutions, subjects and study levels can all have different fees.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Programme length also matters: a longer course or a preparatory year changes the total cost. Always use the current fees published by the institution for the year you plan to start.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Turkmenistan
Before you travel, check what kind of study permission Turkmenistan requires for your nationality and course.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Turkmenistan in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Turkmenistan
Planning your living budget for Turkmenistan early helps you avoid surprises during your first months. Costs in Ashgabat can differ noticeably from those in Türkmenabat or Daşoguz and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Turkmenistan
Is Turkmenistan a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Turkmenistan offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Central Asia and study in Turkmen (with some English-taught options). Students interested in energy, infrastructure and agriculture may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Turkmenistan?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Energy, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies. The subjects page for Turkmenistan lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Turkmenistan?
Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Turkmenistan?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Turkmenistan?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Turkmenistan.
Are scholarships available for international students in Turkmenistan?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Turkmenistan?
Ashgabat, Türkmenabat and Daşoguz are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Turkmenistan?
Many courses are taught in Turkmen. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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