Uzbekistan and Japan to Establish Joint University

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Kungrutboy Sharipov and University of Tsukuba President Kyosuke Nagata signed a cooperation agreement via video conference to establish the Uzbek-Japanese Joint University.

According to the agreement, the new university will train highly qualified specialists with modern engineering and management skills and promote educational, scientific and cultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan.

The project also aims to further integrate Uzbekistan’s higher education system into the international academic environment.

The university will be established as an independent legal entity in accordance with Uzbekistan’s legislation. Its founders will be the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan and a consortium of Japanese universities coordinated by the University of Tsukuba. The Japanese side will provide academic support for the project and coordinate the educational process.

At the initial stage, the university plans to launch master’s programmes in “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation” and “Business Management”. Doctoral and bachelor’s programmes are expected to be introduced at a later stage.

Education will be conducted in English based on the Japanese higher education model. Students will have opportunities to participate in short-term educational programmes in Japan, as well as study the Japanese language and culture.

The Uzbek side will ensure the establishment of the university campus, modern educational and research infrastructure, as well as funding for academic and administrative staff. The University of Tsukuba will develop educational programmes, coordinate the work of the Japanese university consortium, attract faculty members and organise academic exchange programmes.

A preparatory office for the new university is planned to open in Tashkent in September 2026. The first intake of students for master’s programmes is scheduled for the 2028/2029 academic year.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation said the project will mark a new stage in strategic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan in higher education and contribute to training specialists in line with international standards.