The Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education announced that Uzbekistan has offered 50 scholarships to Afghan students on June 9, as per to the development that was revealed following a meeting between Lutfullah Khairkhwah, the ministry’s academic deputy, and Yadgar Khoja Shadmanov, Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Kabul, Khaama Press reports.
During the meeting, discussions focused on resolving issues faced by Afghan students studying in Uzbekistan and enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries. However, the ministry did not provide specific details about the recipients of these scholarships or the selection process. Currently, 43 Afghan students are studying in Uzbekistan, according to the Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education.
The scholarships offered by Uzbekistan will be awarded at the undergraduate level, though the specific fields of study covered by these scholarships were not disclosed.
Since the Taliban assumed power, girls in Afghanistan have been prohibited from continuing their education beyond primary school. This ban has been met with widespread international criticism, but the Taliban administration has not lifted the restriction. As a result, female students have been barred from participating in the educational system within the country and face strict travel restrictions when attempting to study abroad.
This latest announcement from Uzbekistan comes amid the first phase of the 1403 university entrance exam in Afghanistan, which began on June 5, in 16 provinces. The exams are being conducted without the participation of female students due to the ongoing educational restrictions imposed by the Taliban.
In addition to Uzbekistan’s scholarship offer, Japan has also recently announced the allocation of scholarships to Afghan students. These international efforts aim to provide educational opportunities to Afghan students in the face of significant barriers within their own country.
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