On 1 September 2025, the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs was opened in Ashgabat. The opening ceremony was led by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
Continuing his speech, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that on this day, an additional 2,000-seat academic building and an 800-bed dormitory at the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan in Mary were also commissioned, and new secondary schools and kindergartens were opened in Ashgabat and the country’s regions.
On behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader presented the keys to new vehicles to the university’s rector, symbolizing state support for this pioneering initiative.
A modern campus for training specialists
The university, built by the private company ‘Nur bina gurluşyk’, accommodates a 9-storey main building, four academic buildings, two dormitories with 300 beds each, a conference hall, a library, a dining room, as well as indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
The university operates on a fully self-financing model, with tuition on a paid basis. It offers a two-tier education system (bachelor’s and master’s degrees) conducted in Turkmen and English. The academic structure includes a language department, a department for advanced training, and faculties of economics and management, agribusiness, digital technologies, and architecture and construction. Additionally, the university houses 14 departments and 42 specialized laboratories, such as those for breeding and seed production, building materials, supercomputing technologies, information security, and programming.
The International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs is designed to deliver practice-oriented education, equipping students to address real-world challenges in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Under the mentorship of experienced entrepreneurs and private sector specialists, students will gain hands-on skills to solve production-related problems.
The university plans to establish partnerships with leading global universities, manufacturing companies, and businesses, while also inviting foreign professors to enhance its academic offerings. This international collaboration will further elevate the quality of education and foster innovation.
The duration of study at the new university is 5 years. Students are admitted into broad educational tracks encompassing multiple fields of study rather than specific specialties. The first year focuses on intensive language training and general education subjects. By the end of the first year, students select their preferred field of study.
Starting in the second year, students study specialized and elective courses. In the third and fourth years, they undertake research and complete a practice-oriented thesis, culminating in a bachelor’s degree upon successful defense before a state examination board.
The university’s practice-oriented approach aims to address pressing issues in Turkmenistan’s industrial and manufacturing sectors. By integrating academic knowledge with practical experience, it strengthens the connection between science, education, and the labor market. This model positions the university as a key player in training highly qualified professionals capable of driving Turkmenistan’s economic and innovative growth.
The National Leader addressed the students and teachers of the university
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed the students, teachers and professors of the new university. In his speech, he emphasized the far-sighted foreign and domestic policy of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as the importance of the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth.
He stressed that these days the President of Turkmenistan is on a working visit to the People’s Republic of China, which is an important step in strengthening Turkmen-Chinese relations.
Arkadag recalled a historical fact: the ties between Turkmenistan and China go back to ancient times. In 49 BC, the ancestors of the Turkmen and the Chinese people concluded an “Oath Treaty” that established the principles of friendship and cooperation. “May our sons and grandsons be faithful to this agreement from generation to generation,” reads the historical document. These principles remain the foundation of a modern strategic partnership that develops in political, economic, and cultural domains.
The visit of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, including his participation in the SCO Summit as an honorary guest, demonstrates the commitment of both countries to centuries-old friendship.
The National Leader stressed the importance of the upcoming meeting of the Halk Maslahaty on 19 September, which will continue the tradition of national discussion. “God will help those who live in friendship, and punish those who disagree,” he quoted a Turkmen proverb, noting that the decisions taken at the meeting will be aimed at improving the well-being of citizens.
This year, Turkmenistan is preparing to celebrate the 34th anniversary of independence and the 30th anniversary of neutrality. Arkadag Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan’s neutrality status has been recognized by the international community three times, and the coincidence of the jubilee year with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations gives these events special significance.
International certificates
The International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs has been awarded several certificates:
• Certificate confirming the compliance of the quality management system in the field of management of educational activities of the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs with the requirements of the international standard ISO 9001:2015 – from the certification organization CERT international.
• Certificate confirming the compliance of the laboratory facilities with local and international standards – from the Saybolt company.
• A certificate confirming that the POLIGHT lighting equipment and furniture installed at the International University of Industry and Entrepreneurship are designed in accordance with the international standards ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018, and meet the established requirements – from the company Özlem Aydinlatma Sa. A.Ş.