Education
School students from Turkmenistan will compete in an international robotics competition
06.10.2026A team of school students from Turkmenistan will represent the country at the ‘FIRST Global Challenge 2026’ international robotics tournament, which will take place on 7–10 October in Incheon (Republic of Korea). Young engineers from more than 190 countries are expected to take part in the competition, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan will be represented at the tournament by the ‘OguzRobot’ team, made up of students from Specialised Secondary School No. 97 in Ashgabat, which offers an in-depth programme in foreign languages. The team comprises Suhan Novbatov, Orazniyaz Rejepov, Aznavur Cholukov, Arslan Babajiyev and Dayhan Gurbanov. The team members were the winners of the ‘Young Engineer 2026’ competition. Since April, they have been training at the ‘Erjeller’ computer department of the ‘Kämil bilim’ training centre. Their mentors were Myrat Sahetgulyev, a computer science teacher at the 1st Specialised Educational Complex in Arkadag, and Davut Gurbanov, a student at the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan. The ‘FIRST Global Challenge’ is organised along the lines of the Olympic Games and brings together school students from different countries every year. The theme of this year’s tournament is the development of technologies to prevent wildfires, mitigate their consequences and protect the environment. The competition is held under the motto ‘Igniting Innovation’. Turkmen school students already have a track record of success at this competition. In 2025, at the competition in Panama, the team from Turkmenistan took first place in the ‘Skill Challenge’ category.
Turkmenistan and Japan are developing cooperation in science and technology
05.10.2026From 2 to 8 October, a Turkmen delegation is on a working visit to Japan. The delegation comprises A. Ashirov, President of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan; G. Mezilov, Rector of the Oguz Han University of Engineering and Technology of Turkmenistan; and I. Orazov, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Cyber-Physical Systems. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. During the visit, discussions are taking place on the current state and prospects of scientific, educational and technological cooperation, as well as new areas of collaboration. The delegation held meetings with representatives of leading Japanese universities, research institutions and technology companies. In particular, negotiations were held with H. Koinuma, Chairman of the Turkmen-Japanese Association for Scientific and Technological Cooperation; Professors Yuji Matsumoto of Tohoku University and Kenji Itaka of Hirosaki University; and M. Yamazumi, a representative of ‘Tohkemy Corporation’. The parties reviewed the implementation of the Memoranda of Understanding concluded between Japanese institutions and the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to the development of academic cooperation with Tohoku University, including student and staff exchanges and collaboration within educational programmes. Joint scientific research, conferences and training seminars, the expansion of academic ties and the participation of young researchers in scientific projects were also discussed. Modern technologies, engineering, artificial intelligence and innovation were identified as priority areas for cooperation.
Students from Turkmenistan have won 1,040 medals at international Olympiads
04.10.2026Between January and September 2026, athletes from Turkmenistan won 554 medals at international competitions, whilst school students and university students won 1,040 medals at international subject Olympiads. This was announced by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, B. Mammedov, at a government meeting, according to the news agency TDH. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, modern teaching methods were introduced in the education sector over the course of the nine months. To mark Knowledge and Student Youth Day, educational institutions held celebratory events and held their first lessons on the theme ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’. First-year pupils were presented with laptops. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that, in the presence of the Head of State, new buildings had been opened at the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute, as well as educational institutions in the Ahal and Lebap velayats. In the scientific sphere, work continued to improve the effectiveness of research and to introduce new technologies into production. The country’s scientists were awarded the academic titles of professor, associate professor and senior research fellow. According to the Deputy Prime Minister’s report, modern methods of practical medicine were being introduced into the healthcare system. Surgeries and treatment for children were carried out using funds from the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. In September, a month-long campaign entitled ‘Road safety is the peace of our life’ took place. Having heard the report, the Head of State instructed that work in the fields of science, education, healthcare and sport should continue to be improved. The Deputy Prime Minister was also instructed to make preparations for the opening of modern medical facilities in time for Healthcare and Medical Industry Workers’ Day.
A digital guide to Japan is to be launched for Turkmen students
04.10.2026A digital ‘Information Guide’ has been created for Turkmen students and young professionals travelling to Japan for study and work placements. The platform is designed to assist citizens of Turkmenistan with their practical, administrative and cultural adaptation, according to the press office of the Turkmen university. The project was developed by students at the Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan, drawing on their experience of work placements at Japanese universities. The platform contains instructions on preparing for the trip, applying for a visa, going through airport procedures, registration, obtaining a residence card and taking out national health insurance. The platform also features resources on everyday life, education, work ethics and cultural aspects of Japan. The platform is scheduled to launch in time for the autumn intake of 2026. The project’s development is based on collaboration between Oguz Han University and Japanese universities, including the Universities of Tsukuba, Tohoku and Hirosaki.
Students from Turkmenistan took part in an OSCE training course on media literacy
04.10.2026From 30 September to 2 October 2026, the OSCE Centre held a training course in Ashgabat on enhancing media and information literacy with a view to preventing violent extremism and radicalisation. This was reported by the press office of the IIR MFA of Turkmenistan. The event was attended by students from Turkmen universities, representatives of the Magtymguly Youth Organisation, young volunteers from the National Red Crescent Society and civil society organisations. Participants learnt methods for verifying sources, identifying disinformation and critically evaluating online content, including material generated using AI. Practical sessions focused on finding primary sources, cross-referencing data, the responsible use of AI and the protection of personal data. At the end of the training, participants completed practical tasks and received certificates.
Turkmenistan is strengthening its cooperation with Malaysia in the field of higher education
04.10.2026Turkmenistan is expanding its cooperation with Malaysia in the field of higher education, including academic exchanges, joint educational programmes and the training of specialists for strategic sectors. This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. On 28 September 2026, the Malaysia–Central Asia Forum on Higher Education took place in Astana, at which Turkmenistan was represented by Berdinazar Khashirov, an official from the Ministry of Education. The Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas is collaborating with the Petronas University of Technology (UTP) in the fields of geology, oil and gas engineering, chemical technology and energy. Other Turkmen higher education institutions are developing links with Malaysian educational centres in the fields of the digital economy, cyber security, artificial intelligence, marketing and logistics. Turkmen specialists and young researchers are also undergoing training and professional development in Malaysia as part of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme. In addition, Malaysian universities are running distance-learning courses on entrepreneurship and innovation management for Turkmen students.
Teachers from Turkmenistan are taking part in a professional development programme in Tbilisi
03.10.2026Lecturers from the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan are taking part in the ‘Crossroads Diplomacy Network’ professional exchange programme, which is taking place from 29 September to 4 October 2026 in Tbilisi. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen higher education institution. The programme aims to foster professional exchange and strengthen ties between young professionals from Central Asian countries and Georgia in the fields of diplomacy, international relations and related areas. The programme includes meetings and training sessions on Georgia’s foreign policy, diplomatic practice and international cooperation. Participants are also engaged in teamwork and the development of communication skills. Representatives from the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international organisations, educational institutions and other organisations are taking part in the programme.
A scientist from Turkmenistan spoke at an IAEA meeting in Vienna
03.10.2026Kadyr Amanov, Head of the Technology Transfer Centre and lecturer in the Department of Livestock Product Processing at Turkmen Agricultural University, took part in a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. This was reported by the university’s press office. The meeting focused on the establishment of a regional network of isotope hydrology laboratories in Central Asia. Participants discussed the development of isotope hydrology methods, the management of transboundary water resources and cooperation within the GloWAL (Global Water Analysis Laboratories) network. Kadyr Amanov presented information on the scientific potential, laboratory facilities and experience of the Turkmen Agricultural University in the field of isotope hydrology.
TSU students took part in an online training course on innovative technologies
02.10.2026On 29 September, professors and lecturers from Pakistan’s National University of Modern Languages held a video conference for students of the Faculty of Information Technology at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University. This was reported by the press office of the Turkmen university. The participants discussed the application of artificial intelligence in education, mobile software testing, cybersecurity issues and robotic technologies. The training took place as part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Turkmen and Pakistani universities.
Language university in Turkmenistan has been awarded a Certificate of Honour by the Japanese MFA
01.10.2026The Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages has been awarded a Certificate of Honour by the Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The award was presented to the university in recognition of its contribution to the development of Japanese language teaching in Turkmenistan. The Certificate of Honour from the Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister is awarded to individuals and organisations that have achieved particularly significant accomplishments in various fields of international relations and have contributed to the development of friendly relations between Japan and other countries. In 2026, 159 individuals and 67 organisations were honoured with the award.
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.
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