President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree aimed at improving the system of higher education, science, and innovation, introducing new institutional mechanisms and internationalization measures within the sector.
The decree provides for the creation of a national university ranking system as well as the implementation of the U10 “global advanced universities” program, designed to support the development of higher education institutions with international competitiveness. It also outlines steps to position Uzbekistan as a regional education hub through expanded global cooperation.
As part of the reforms, the proposal by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation to establish a Center for the Development of Higher Education and Global Cooperation within the ministry was approved. The new structure is expected to coordinate international partnerships and support systemic reforms in higher education.
The decree introduces the “New Uzbekistan Scholarship” program, under which up to 500 international students annually will be able to study at Uzbek universities on a grant basis. These places will be allocated from unused state-funded quotas.
Starting from the 2026–2027 academic year, the “Study in Uzbekistan” platform will be launched to facilitate the admission of international students. Through this platform, universities will be able to independently determine admission conditions for foreign applicants. The platform operator will receive 2% of the first-year tuition fees for each international student contract, with funds directed toward platform development, international promotion, and staff incentives.
The decree also simplifies academic progression rules for students who have completed programs in a foreign language, exempting them from providing additional language certification when applying for the next level of education.
Institutional changes include the transformation of the Center for the Development of Digital Educational Technologies into the Center for the Development of Digital Education and Artificial Intelligence. The upgraded center will serve as a unified integrator for IT and artificial intelligence solutions across universities and vocational education institutions.
In addition, an Office for the Support of Innovative Youth Initiatives will be established under the ministry to promote scientific and innovation projects and support the implementation of new developments. The Center for Youth Innovation under the Agency for Innovative Development will also be restructured into a Startup Support Center, with responsibilities including the development of financing procedures for startup projects.
The decree further outlines plans to establish university endowment funds to support commercialization of research and participation in investment projects. A draft regulatory framework governing these funds is expected to be completed by October.
