Ministry of Education and Science Announces Dates and Rules for State Grant Exams for Universities

There is a decline in interest in studying abroad among citizens of Uzbekistan. In the first nine months of 2026, 16,522 people traveled to foreign countries for educational purposes. This figure is 8.1 thousand people, or 33%, less than in the same period last year.

Changes in Popular Destinations

The list of most sought-after countries for study has changed. While Tajikistan led the way last year, Russia now holds the top spot. Previously, Tajikistan held the first position, but in the current period, it dropped to seventh place in the ranking.

According to data from the National Committee on Statistics, in January-September 2025, 5.5 thousand Uzbeks chose Tajikistan for their studies, whereas in 2026, this number decreased to 904 people.

Russia is currently the leader, with 3.8 thousand Uzbek citizens traveling there in nine months. The Republic of Kyrgyzstan is in second place with 2.8 thousand people, and the Republic of Korea is in third place, having accepted 2.1 thousand students.

Among other popular destinations, Turkey remains, chosen by 1.8 thousand Uzbeks during the reporting period. Additionally, 1.2 thousand people went to China for education, and 1.1 thousand to Kazakhstan.

European countries and the USA did not make it into the top seven most popular destinations. 784 Uzbek citizens traveled to the United Kingdom for study, 374 to Germany, and 231 to the United States. Furthermore, almost 1.3 thousand Uzbeks chose other countries for their studies.

The trend of a decrease in the number of Uzbeks leaving the country for study was observed previously as well. In the first two months of 2026, this figure was 3.9 thousand people, which is 1.2 thousand less than the previous year.

A decision has been made in Uzbekistan to grant additional time for students and applicants to pay educational contracts. The new deadline for making the first payment and completing the enrollment procedure at universities for the 2026/2027 academic year is set for November 1st.

This extension covers applicants recommended for admission to bachelor's and master's programs. It also applies to students transferring from other educational institutions, those being reinstated through transfer, or those resuming their studies after being dismissed.

According to the terms, by the specified date, at least 25% of the total annual tuition fee must be paid when using the basic contract. For those enrolling under the differentiated contract conditions, or so-called super-contract, the minimum initial payment is 50%.

The new deadline also applies to processing all necessary paperwork for official enrollment. Furthermore, the management of educational institutions has the right to grant additional payment deferrals for students studying in the second and subsequent years.

Previously, information indicated that in September, the deadline for paying university contracts was already postponed to October 15th. This deferral then applied to those entering bachelor's and master's programs, as well as transferred and reinstated students.

Graduates of the Oriental Studies program at Tashkent State University will have the opportunity to work as teachers in remote areas of Uzbekistan for two years. This program includes work in an educational institution, as well as additional funding and professional training.

Goal of Cooperation

The possibility of implementing this initiative is based on a memorandum of cooperation signed between the organization Teach for Uzbekistan (TFU) and Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. The goal of the parties is to improve the quality of foreign language education, particularly Eastern languages, in schools located far from major settlements.

Fellowship Program

Talented university graduates can participate in a two-year Fellowship program. Participants in this program will work full-time in schools, conducting lessons, while simultaneously undergoing intensive training focused on pedagogy and leadership development. This will allow young specialists not only to apply their knowledge in practice but also to improve their teaching skills.

In addition to a standard salary, participants will receive supplementary methodological and financial assistance. Upon completing the program, they will become part of the international Teach For All network, which unites representatives from over 60 countries.

It is expected that this program will significantly increase the chances of schoolchildren from remote regions to study foreign languages. Furthermore, young teachers will be involved in creating language clubs and implementing social projects, helping children broaden their horizons and apply their acquired knowledge in practice.

It should also be noted that Uzbekistan has a state award established in honor of Abdulla Avloni, which is intended to encourage the most deserving educators throughout the entire education system.