Uzbekistan Launches U10 Program for Top Universities

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has adopted a presidential decree “On additional measures to improve the system of higher education, science and innovation,” introducing new mechanisms aimed at advancing the sector.

The document launches the “U10 – Global Advanced Universities of Uzbekistan” program, designed to form a network of leading higher education institutions. As part of the initiative, a system will be introduced for granting national research university status.

It is expected that 10 higher education institutions will receive this status after winning a competitive selection organized by the Agency for Innovative Development within projects to establish scientific clusters under state science programs.

Starting from January 1, 2027, a new financial incentive system for universities will be introduced based on national ranking performance. Under the approach, 20 percent of higher education institutions in each category will be assigned to the first tier, while 40 percent will be placed in the second and third tiers respectively.

From the same date, a revised system for calculating the cost of educating a student under state-funded quotas will also be implemented.

The calculation will take into account student-to-teacher ratios, the complexity of academic disciplines, infrastructure requirements, alignment with national economic priorities, and the research orientation and status of universities.

A new Center for Higher Education Development and Global Cooperation will be established on the basis of the Center for Higher Education Development Research under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. The measures are aimed at improving the education system and expanding international collaboration.

The decree also introduces the “New Uzbekistan Scholarship” program, financed from unused portions of annual state grant quotas for bachelor’s programs at public universities. The program will provide up to 500 scholarships annually for talented foreign students.

From the 2026/2027 academic year, a new digital application system for foreign students will be launched through the “Study in Uzbekistan” platform.

In addition, graduates who complete programs taught in a foreign language will be exempt from submitting language proficiency certificates when applying for the next level of education.

Further reforms include the creation of new institutional structures. A Center for Digital Education and Artificial Intelligence Development will be established on the basis of the Center for Digital Educational Technologies. At the same time, an Office for Supporting Youth Innovation Initiatives will be formed through the merger of the National Office for Innovation Implementation and Technology Transfer and the Youth Academy.