In our country, it is important for young people to study in prestigious universities abroad and to participate in various training courses and international experience programs. In this context, the Strategy of Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026, approved by the order of President Ilham Aliyev on July 22, 2022, is of special importance.
In the Action Plan of the Strategy, emphasis is placed on ensuring the dynamic development of cultural and creative industries (CCI) and strengthening their export potential. The Ministry of Culture is designated as the main implementing body for the development of certificate programs meeting the requirements of the CCI and a special scholarship program for studying abroad. By the decision of the Collegium of the Ministry of Culture, the Criteria for Selection of Individuals for Education, Procedures, and Regulations for Financing Education were approved as part of the Special Scholarship Program for Cultural and Creative Industries.
On October 25, a press conference was held at the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan on the conclusion of the selection stage of the scholarship program and the announcement of the candidates selected by the commission.
First of all, a video with information about the winners of the scholarship program was presented.
Aynur Karimova, Head of the Media and Communication Department at the Ministry of Culture, said that under the CCI scholarship program it is planned to finance the education abroad of 15 students per year and 60 students by the end of 2026. The scholarship program includes opportunities for studying abroad at the bachelor's and master's levels, short-term training abroad, study courses and programs (including distance learning), short-term courses and programs within the Republic of Azerbaijan.
It was noted that between August 15 and September 15 this year, announcements were made for funding undergraduate and graduate study abroad in 11 specializations: audiovisual (music, film and animation, videography and photography), fashion art, design, curating, architecture, event organization, cultural and creative management, cooperation with publishing organizations, game industry, theatre, comedy and performance, creative technologies. During this period, 26 people registered on the edu.creative.az website, 21 of whom were shortlisted for interviews. Among the candidates, 8 applied for scholarships for undergraduate studies and 13 for master's studies abroad.
Jasarat Valehov, Advisor to the Minister of Culture, highlighted the cooperation with several higher education institutions. It was noted that as of this year, the Ministry of Culture has fully digitalized the processes of student admission to music and art schools, as well as the recruitment of principals and deputy principals.
Rashad Azizov, Head of the Department of Creative Industries and Digital Development of the Ministry of Culture, pointed out that the Commission of the Special Scholarship Program for Cultural and Creative Industries, which is composed of experts in this field, has been actively working in this direction under the Ministry in order to fulfill other tasks stipulated by the Regulations for Ensuring Objectivity. The evaluation of the candidates' documents shows that they have been admitted to the top foreign universities and their chosen fields of study are also priority fields. After a thorough review of the applications, it was deemed appropriate to fund the education and living expenses of 18 candidates through the scholarship program.
The list of scholarship recipients is as follows:
1. Turkay Gasimzadeh – London Film School, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, MA Filmmaking
2. Nigar Asgarova – Musicube Academy, Federal Republic of Germany, Composition for films, games and media
3. Elmira Azizkhanli – Baden-Württemberg Film Academy, Federal Republic of Germany, International producing
4. Aynur Abdullayeva – University of Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Film studies and English literature
5. Nilufar Alakbarova – The New School, Parsons School of Design, USA, Fashion / Clothing Design
6. Shahin Alibeyli – Nisantaşı University, Türkiye, Textile and fashion design
7. Nazrin Mammadova – Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, Product and Dervice Design
8. Maryam Abdulla – LISAA School of Design, France, Graphic Design
9. Jamila Gul – New Academy of Fine Arts, Italy, Visual Arts and Curatorial Studies
10. Nuray Ibrahimli – Istanbul Technical University, Türkiye, Architecture
11. Nuray Hasanova – Yeditepe University, Türkiye, Architecture
12. Jahid Javadov – Istanbul Beykent University, Türkiye, Architecture
13. Asli Samadova – SDA Bocconi, Italy, Executive Master in Business of Events
14. Lala Sultanli – Luiss University, Italy, Global Management and Politics
15. Mammad Mahmudzadeh – Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts, Federal Republic of Germany, Theater and Orchestra Management
16. Ulviyya Farajova – MCI - The Entrepreneurial School, Republic of Austria, International Business and Law
17. Bilal Pashayev – Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, United Kingdom, Art of Filmmaking
18. Farhad Farzaliyev – Berlin University of the Arts, Federal Republic of Germany, Sound Studies and Sonic Arts
At the press conference, it was mentioned that the Ministry of Culture also supported the education and living expenses of two students who applied before the given scholarship program: Latif Latifsoy, Sorbonne University, France, Cinema and Audiovisual Studies, and Ayan Mammadova, Warsaw Film School, Poland, Faculty of Film and Multimedia/Film Directing.
Advisor to the Minister of Culture, Jahangir Salimkhanov, emphasized the importance of international education for the youth of our country. He said, "It has not always been possible for us to achieve this. However, we are delighted that the CCI scholarship program will cover the education and living expenses of some of our youth abroad. We will strive to keep in regular contact with those who have won the scholarship program.
At the end of the event, questions from the media were answered.
According to the Criteria, Procedures and Regulations for the Selection of Individuals to Study Abroad, participants in the program are required to work in institutions affiliated with the Ministry or independently, including running a business registered in the Republic of Azerbaijan. In addition, they are expected to act as trainers in master classes organized by these institutions for at least three years after graduation.
