209,000 applicants recommended for university admission in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A total of 209,000 applicants have been recommended for admission to higher education institutions in Uzbekistan following the 2026 entrance examinations, while 37.54% of participants failed to score the minimum threshold of 56.7 points. The figures were announced by First Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovations Sardor Rajabov during a press conference in Tashkent on 18 August 2026.

A total of 677,900 applicants registered online to participate in undergraduate admission testing. The examinations were conducted across 64 large-capacity venues equipped with video surveillance systems, with the testing process broadcast online.

More than 389,000 applicants scored above the 56.7-point threshold, qualifying for the competitive selection process. Of the 209,000 individuals recommended for admission, 52,800 were awarded state-funded grants, while 156,300 were admitted on a paid-contract basis.

The total admission quota for undergraduate programs in 2026 reached 201,700 places, representing an increase of 6,400 places compared to 2025. Rajabov noted that full-time enrollment places expanded significantly, with state-funded grant places exceeding 36,000. Admission quotas were structured around labor market demands, priority educational disciplines, and university capacities, with particular focus placed on information technology and artificial intelligence.

Tashkent State University of Economics, Uzbekistan State University of World Languages, and the National University of Uzbekistan emerged as the most requested institutions. Medicine, economics, philology, and English language teaching saw the highest level of applicant interest, alongside growing demand for modern technological professions.

Average passing scores increased across the board. For state-funded places, the average score rose to 134.6 points, compared to 121.8 points in 2025. For contract-based admission, the average score increased to 93.7 points from 84.9 points last year. In addition, 20,500 applicants were admitted under specific statutory quota preferences.

The proportion of applicants failing to reach the minimum threshold continued to decline, standing at 37.54% (230,935 people) in 2026. This compares to 41.9% in 2025, 43% in 2024, and 46% in 2023.

Applicants who did not secure admission were advised to consider vocational programs at technical colleges or enrollment at private higher education institutions. Furthermore, an additional selection round for remaining vacant places is scheduled in the coming weeks, allowing applicants to apply if their completed testing subjects match the available programs.