NSU Considers Opening Branch Campus in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Novosibirsk State University (NSU) is considering opening a branch campus in Uzbekistan following discussions with a delegation from the Andijan region.

The issue was raised during a meeting at NSU attended by Rector Dmitry Pyshny, a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Svetlana Sablina, Head of the Education Export Office Yevgeny Sagaidak, and Director of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies Yulia Samoilova. The Uzbek delegation was represented by medical entrepreneur Dr. Shukurillajon Khudoyberdiyev Jalilov.

Since 2017, NSU has been actively developing cooperation with Uzbekistan, maintaining partnerships with 15 leading universities in Bukhara, Denau, Jizzakh, Karshi, Navoi, Namangan, Nukus, Tashkent, Termez and Urgench. The partners are implementing joint educational programs and research initiatives, including the establishment of a consortium of researchers studying the history of Northern and Central Asian countries together with the Abdulla Qadiri Jizzakh State Pedagogical Institute.

Cooperation also extends to technical fields. NSU has signed agreements with the Tashkent University of Information Technologies and its Urgench branch, as well as with the Namangan Institute of Engineering and Technology.

For several years, enrollment of Uzbek students in master’s programs in applied mathematics and computer science has remained stable. NSU lecturers regularly travel to Uzbekistan to deliver lectures, while specialists from the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek participate in state examination commissions for thesis defenses. Currently, more than 70 students from Uzbekistan are studying at NSU across various programs.

“Developing cooperation with universities in Central Asia is an important area of NSU’s international activities. We are interested in strengthening the position of Russian education in the region and attracting prospective students,” Rector Dmitry Pyshny said.

The Andijan region, home to about 10% of Uzbekistan’s population, has shown particular interest in the project. Dr. Jalilov expressed readiness to provide comprehensive support for the initiative.

Following the visit, the parties discussed launching joint educational programs in medical fields, including general medicine and medical cybernetics, as well as training highly qualified professionals for the country’s healthcare system.

Sagaidak said NSU would study the experience of other Russian universities that have opened branches in Uzbekistan in order to prepare a roadmap for the project. Samoilova added that the first joint programs could start as early as the 2026–2027 academic year.