The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan issued Order No. 392 dated December 9, 2024, on amendments and additions to the Guidelines for the Application of the Procedure for Recognition in Turkmenistan of Documents on Higher and Secondary Vocational Education Issued in Foreign Countries (previously approved by Order of the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan No. 80 dated March 29, 2019).

This order introduces significant changes to the procedure for recognizing foreign diplomas in Turkmenistan.

The key changes concern two categories of graduates:

Graduates of law specialties from foreign universities are now required to undergo three months of paid training before their diplomas are recognized in Turkmenistan. The curriculum for this course will be developed by the Ministry of Education jointly with the Ministry of Justice of Turkmenistan.

Students who, due to extraordinary circumstances, were forced to continue their studies at a foreign university remotely will have to pass a test for proficiency in electronic and distance learning technologies.

A special State Examination Commission will be created to conduct examinations for lawyers, which will include representatives of:

• The Supreme Court of Turkmenistan
• The Prosecutor General’s Office
• The Ministry of Justice
• The Ministry of National Security
• The Ministry of Internal Affairs
• The Magtymguly Turkmen State University
• The Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
• The International University for the Humanities and Development

These changes are aimed at ensuring the quality of legal education and compliance of graduates’ knowledge with the requirements of the national legislation of Turkmenistan.

The full text of the order and other changes can be found on the official legal portal of Turkmenistan (www.minjust.gov.tm).