Students of Mingachevir State University (MSU) participating in international academic mobility programmes have begun their studies at prestigious higher education institutions in Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan during the autumn semester of the 2026/2027 academic year. Reflecting the expansion of the University’s international partnerships and the integration of its students into the global educational environment, this initiative enables young people to develop their knowledge and skills within different academic systems, gain international experience, and enhance their opportunities for intercultural communication.
As part of the Orhun Exchange Programme, implemented within the framework of the Turkic Universities Union of the Organization of Turkic States, MSU students undertaking one-semester academic mobility have already joined the educational programmes of their host universities and begun attending lectures and practical classes.
Under the programme, MSU student Gulzar Niftaliyeva is continuing her studies at Fırat University in Elazığ, Türkiye; Aygun Alizade at Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University in Adana; Polad Suleymanli at Istanbul Commerce University; and master’s student Umar Asimov at Anadolu University in Eskişehir. Among the other participants, Fatima Alizade has commenced her academic studies at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, while Turgut Haziyev has begun his studies at Kokand University in Uzbekistan.
In addition to integrating into the academic environments of their host universities, students participating in the international exchange programme gain opportunities for collaborative learning with peers from different countries, exposure to innovative teaching methods, and engagement in international academic networks. This experience contributes significantly not only to their academic development but also to strengthening their independent decision-making, adaptability, communication skills, and other essential competencies required for their future professional careers.
It should be noted that a total of 56 students from Mingachevir State University are expected to study at foreign universities under the Orhun Exchange Programme during the 2026/2027 academic year. Some students will participate in the exchange during the autumn semester, while others will join in the spring semester.
For comparison, 10 MSU students benefited from the programme during the 2025/2026 academic year. Thus, the planned number of participants for the current academic year is 5.6 times higher than in the previous year. This figure demonstrates a substantial expansion in the scope of international academic mobility at the University.
Mingachevir State University continues to prioritise expanding students’ access to international educational opportunities, promoting diversity within the academic environment, ensuring equal opportunities for personal and professional development, and integrating international experience into its educational ecosystem. The exchange of knowledge and experience gained at foreign universities creates new opportunities to enrich the academic environment, advance student-centred approaches to education, and strengthen inter-university partnerships.
The growing participation in international exchange programmes further reflects MSU’s strengthening position as an active participant not only in the regional higher education landscape but also in the international academic community, while contributing to the preparation of graduates who are better equipped to meet the demands of the global labour market and respond to contemporary academic challenges.