A new master’s programme in Oil and Gas Industry Economics and Management has been launched at the International University of Oil and Gas named after Yagshygeldi Kakayev, with the first cohort of 50 students admitted this year, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan reports.
The new master’s programme was developed as a result of the university’s participation in international educational projects under the Erasmus+, the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe.
The first specialisation, “Oil and Gas Industry Economics and Management (ESG Strategies),” was developed and introduced based on the results of the Erasmus+ project ESGCA – “Bridging Environmental Concerns, Societal Needs and Good Governance in Central Asian Education and Employment Sectors.”
The ESGCA project aims to integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors into higher education systems across Central Asia and to prepare specialists who meet the evolving requirements of the labour market.
As part of the specialisation, master’s students will develop expertise in ESG strategy development for oil and gas companies, environmental and social risk assessment, corporate governance, sustainable finance, and the integration of responsible management principles into organisational practices.
The second specialisation, “Sustainable Development of the Oil and Gas Industry,” was developed based on the approaches and outcomes of the Erasmus+ project GDCAU – “Green Deal for Central Asian Universities.”
This specialisation focuses on the long-term development of the industry, the efficient use of natural resources, reducing the environmental impact of the energy sector, improving energy efficiency, and introducing green economy principles.
In August 2026, the first 50 students were admitted to the master’s programme in Oil and Gas Industry Economics and Management and divided into groups according to the two specialisations.
The new programme is designed to train specialists with comprehensive knowledge of oil and gas industry economics and management, enabling them to apply modern ESG strategies, sustainable development principles, green economy tools, and contemporary approaches to strategic management in the energy sector. ///nCa, 25 August 2026 [photo credit – Ussatnews]