NEW MASTER’S PROGRAMME IN ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY LAUNCHED AT YAGSHYGELDI KAKAEV INTERNATIONAL OIL AND GAS UNIVERSITY

Yagshygeldi Kakaev International Oil and Gas University has launched a new Master’s programme in 5.37.04.33 Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry. The programme has been developed in response to the current needs of the oil and gas sector and incorporates international approaches to economic management, ESG, sustainability and responsible business practices.

The development of the new Master’s programme represents a practical outcome of the University’s participation in international educational projects under the Erasmus+ programme. In particular, the ESGCA and GDCAU projects provided important educational approaches, learning materials and international experience that contributed to the development of the programme’s two specialisations.

The first specialisation is 5.37.04.33-01 Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry (ESG Strategies). It has been developed and introduced based on the results and educational approaches of the Erasmus+ ESGCA – “Bridging Environmental Concerns, Societal Needs and Good Governance in Central Asian Education and Employment Sectors” project.

ESGCA promotes the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into higher education in Central Asia and supports the preparation of specialists capable of responding to the changing requirements of the labour market. The specialisation enables students to develop competencies in ESG strategy development for oil and gas companies, assessment of environmental and social risks, corporate governance, responsible management and the integration of sustainability principles into organisational decision-making.

The second specialisation is 5.37.04.33-02 Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry (Sustainable Development of the Oil and Gas Industry). It has been developed and introduced based on the approaches and educational outcomes of the Erasmus+ GDCAU – “Green Deal for Central Asian Universities” project.

GDCAU focuses on promoting sustainable development and green transformation in higher education institutions across Central Asia. The project supports the integration of European Green Deal principles into educational programmes and university management, the development of research and innovation, stronger cooperation with business and the development of competencies related to sustainable development.

The two specialisations provide complementary approaches to the transformation of the oil and gas sector. ESG Strategies focuses on integrating environmental, social and governance factors into the economic and strategic management of oil and gas organisations. Sustainable Development of the Oil and Gas Industry focuses on long-term industry development, efficient use of natural resources, reduction of environmental impacts, energy efficiency and the application of green economy principles.

An important feature of the new programme is that it has moved from the development stage to practical implementation.

Based on Order No. PB-1812 issued by the President of Turkmenistan on 10 July 2026, the admission of applications for the Master’s programme in 5.37.04.33 Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry was organised from 13 to 26 July 2026. A total of up to 50 students was planned for admission, and 50 applicants submitted their documents for the programme.

Entrance examinations for the applicants were held from 2 to 4 August 2026. Following the examinations, 50 applicants were admitted to the Master’s programme by Order No. 443/2 of the Rector of Yagshygeldi Kakaev International Oil and Gas University, dated 4 August 2026.

The admitted students are to be organised into two groups according to the selected specialisations. The first group will study under 5.37.04.33-01 Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry (ESG Strategies), while the second group will study under 5.37.04.33-02 Economics and Management of the Oil and Gas Industry (Sustainable Development of the Oil and Gas Industry).

Thus, starting from the 2026–2027 academic year, Yagshygeldi Kakaev International Oil and Gas University has begun Master’s-level training that combines traditional knowledge in oil and gas economics and management with modern competencies in ESG and sustainable development.

The launch of the programme represents an important result of the University’s international cooperation within Erasmus+ and demonstrates the practical implementation of the outcomes of international educational projects in the national higher education system.

The new Master’s programme will contribute to the preparation of highly qualified specialists with comprehensive knowledge of oil and gas economics and management and the ability to apply modern ESG strategies, sustainable development principles, green economy approaches and contemporary strategic management tools in the oil and gas industry.

Yagshygeldi Kakaev International Oil and Gas University