Demir Bank provides $25000 scholarship for AUCA seniors
October 2, 2025
«Demir Kyrgyz International Bank» CJSC, the first international bank in the Kyrgyz Republic, and the American University of Central Asia have signed an addendum to their Memorandum of Cooperation. Under the agreement, a special Defne Akçakayaloglu Scholarship has been established by DemirBank for the top students of the university in the amount of USD 25,000.
This strategic initiative opens opportunities for talented students from AUCA’s faculties of «Economics», «Business Administration», «International and Business Law», «Software Engineering», and «Applied Mathematics & Informatics», as well as for successful students in need of additional financial support. Winners of the competition will receive the scholarship to cover their university tuition contract, and will also be eligible for prospective employment at one of the country’s leading banks.
“In 2025, Demir Bank celebrates 28 years of successful operations in Kyrgyzstan’s financial market, unwaveringly adhering to principles of sustainable development and a commitment to corporate social responsibility. Establishing this scholarship is an important step in supporting the younger generation, nurturing future leaders in the financial sector, and strengthening our partnership with leading educational institutions. This scholarship is founded in memory of Defne Akçakayaloglu, daughter of our Bank’s Chairman of the Board, Mr. İsmail Hasan Akçakayaloglu, who tragically passed away at a very young age. Defne was a bright, talented, and promising young woman who deeply valued education, personal growth, and striving for achievement. We sincerely hope that this initiative will honor her memory and inspire students toward new successes,” said Lütfullah Şevki Sarılar, General Manager of «Demir Kyrgyz International Bank» СJSC.
“The AUCA Development Office strives to create every possible opportunity to support AUCA students. We make every effort to provide students with additional platforms for self-development, exploration, and improving their strengths and skills. We aim to help students more easily adapt to professional life after university. We are deeply grateful to our long-time partner DemirBank for offering this opportunity to AUCA students. We are confident that the scholarship from DemirBank and the possibility to join the team of one of the best banks in Kyrgyzstan will help cultivate not only outstanding AUCA students, but also future leaders in finance and business,” noted Bermet Tursunkulova, Director of the AUCA Development Office.
For more information: e-mail [email protected] (AUCA Career Development Center)
About Demir Kyrgyz International Bank CJSC (DemirBank):
Demir Bank is the first international bank in the Kyrgyz Republic, operating since 1997. Over 28 years of business operations, the Bank has secured one of the leading positions in the country’s financial market, delivering high-level banking services and increasing financial inclusion in Kyrgyzstan’s economy. As of 2025, the Bank’s paid-in charter capital stands at 6 billion som, which affirms its status as a reliable partner for individual and corporate clients alike. The Bank places special emphasis on the development of small and medium enterprise lending, the implementation of modern digital solutions that enhance convenience and accessibility of banking services, and financing large strategic projects aimed at the country’s energy security and economic development.
