"Distinguish Yourself with Your Education: Global Experience, National Value” an event titled was held

On March 10, an event titled “Distinguish Yourself with Your Education: Global Experience, National Value” was held at the Baku Congress Center, organized by the State Program Management Group, in partnership with the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation and the Union of Student Youth Organizations of Azerbaijan.

Aztəhsil.az reports that the event was dedicated to informing young people about the opportunities offered by the State Program, application procedures, and selection criteria. During the session, graduates of the State Program also shared their experiences with the participants.

Speaking at the event, Qadir Khalilov, project manager of the State Program Management Group, stated that the foundation of the state policy on education abroad was laid by national leader Heydar Aliyev, and this policy continues successfully today. According to him, the first phase of the program covered the years 2009–2015, and currently, the “State Program on Education Abroad” for the years 2019–2028 is being implemented. Q. Khalilov emphasized that within the framework of President Ilham Aliyev's policy of “transforming oil capital into human capital,” extensive opportunities have been created for young people to study at prestigious universities abroad.

In his speech, Jeyhun Mammadov, a member of the Milli Majlis, stated that great attention is paid to education at the state level in Azerbaijan. He noted that the establishment of new higher education institutions, the renovation of existing university infrastructure, and the expansion of international cooperation in recent years are integral parts of this policy. The deputy added that projects such as ADA University, the Azerbaijani-French University (UFAZ), and the Azerbaijani-Italian University play a significant role in the development of the country's higher education system. According to him, the opportunities created for young people to study abroad are not only a great chance but also demand serious responsibility.

Jeyhun Huseynov, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, noted in his speech that the tradition of Azerbaijani youth studying abroad has existed since the Soviet era, and this policy has continued during the period of independence. He recalled that by the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev dated April 16, 2007, the “State Program on Education Abroad” covering the years 2007–2015 was established, creating conditions for thousands of young people to study at prestigious universities. C. Huseynov added that studying abroad plays a significant role in shaping the knowledge and worldview of young people and enables them to contribute to the country's development.

Rashad Zeynalov, Chairman of the Union of Student Youth Organizations of Azerbaijan, stated that the opportunities created by the state for young people to receive quality education abroad signify great trust and responsibility. According to him, young people should bring the knowledge and experience they gain back to Azerbaijan and contribute to the country's development. R. Zeynalov noted that winning the State Program requires serious preparation and high levels of knowledge.

The main objective of the event was to encourage the participation of talented and potential young people in the program across priority specialization areas and to convey these opportunities to a wider audience.

It should be noted that applications for the State Program for the 2026–2027 academic year will be announced open on April 15. According to the newly approved list, candidates have been provided with the opportunity to study in a total of 4121 programs taught at 231 prestigious higher education institutions representing 33 countries worldwide across 15 priority specialization areas. This year, opportunities within the program have also been expanded for the field of “Culture and Art.”

According to the information, within the framework of the “State Program for 2022–2028,” a total of 1794 individuals have so far been named winners of the State Program, including 413 at the bachelor's level, 1362 at the master's level, and 19 at the doctoral level.