Study and find schools in Uzbekistan

Studying in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia, with 37,859,698 permanent residents on 1 July 2025, according to the national statistics committee. The capital, Tashkent, is home to most of the universities that admit international students. Uzbek is the state language and Russian is still widely used in education, while a growing number of programmes, above all at international branch universities, are taught in English.

Higher education is overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, which publishes the official list of higher education institutions. For foreign students the country offers two quite different routes: state universities that teach mainly in Uzbek and Russian, and international universities that award a foreign degree and teach entirely in English.

The education system in Uzbekistan

Universities offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes. State universities admit Uzbek citizens through a national entrance test with fixed admission quotas by field and language of instruction; international applicants follow a separate procedure set by each university. Programmes at state universities are taught mainly in Uzbek or Russian.

Three examples from our directory show the range:

• The National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, on University Street in Tashkent's Almazor district, is a large multidisciplinary university. It reports 13 faculties, about 34,000 students and 56 fields of study
• The University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) was established on 23 September 1992 and operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its bachelor's programmes cover international relations, political science, world economy and international economic relations, and international law
• Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) describes itself as Uzbekistan's first international university. It was established in 2002 with the University of Westminster in London, and its undergraduate degrees are validated by that university and taught entirely in English

International branch universities follow the system of their partner country. At WIUT, for example, students earn a British bachelor's degree with honours, and postgraduate courses carry 180 UK credits.

Admission and recognition

Foreign applicants apply directly to the university. The UWED procedure is typical of a state institution: for the 2026-27 academic year, international applicants could apply online from 1 June to 10 August 2026. They upload their passport, a school-leaving certificate or degree with transcript that has been legalised or apostilled, a photo and a language certificate, and then sit an interview with university staff.

Language requirements depend on the programme:

• Bachelor's programmes at UWED are taught in Russian and Uzbek, so applicants need a high level in one of those languages; English at B2 is an advantage
• Master's programmes at UWED are taught in English, and a B2 certificate (IELTS or equivalent) is mandatory
• At WIUT all programmes are taught in English; applicants receive an unconditional offer before the visa process starts

A degree from an Uzbek university is a foreign qualification in Spain and in Latin America. If you plan to use it at home, check the recognition procedure of your own country before you enrol. Degrees from branch universities are awarded by the partner university abroad, which can make recognition easier to document.

Student visa and residence

Most international students need a visa. According to WIUT, foreign citizens obtain visas at Uzbek embassies and consulates abroad after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the application. For a student visa, WIUT asks students to complete the online form on the ministry's visa platform and to send their passport, the receipt for the tuition fee payment and the signed student contract (unconditional offer); the university's international office then helps with the process.

Spanish citizens can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, according to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (advice valid on 7 October 2026). For longer stays, such as a degree programme, they must apply for the visa that matches the purpose of the trip at the Embassy of Uzbekistan. All foreigners who stay more than three days must be registered with the local authorities within the first three days of their stay. Hotels and landlords usually do this, and students should always carry their passport and proof of registration.

Costs

Tuition is charged per year in Uzbek som (UZS). The following fees apply to the 2026-27 academic year:

• UWED, bachelor's programmes for foreign students on a visa: 42,000,000 UZS per year
• UWED, master's programmes for foreign students on a visa: 48,000,000 UZS
• WIUT, undergraduate courses: 38,820,000 UZS per academic year
• WIUT, postgraduate courses: 54,439,200 UZS per course (180 credits)

Uzbek citizens and foreigners with permanent residence pay different, lower rates at UWED. No official source gives a typical monthly budget for students, so ask your university about accommodation in its residence halls when you apply.

Where to study

All three universities in our directory are in Tashkent, the capital and the country's main academic centre. Tashkent concentrates national institutions such as the National University of Uzbekistan, specialised universities such as UWED and international branch universities such as WIUT. Popular fields in our directory include law, economics and international relations, alongside the natural sciences, history, philology and journalism at the National University.

The historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, whose monuments are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, are popular destinations for weekend and holiday travel.

Culture and practical life

• Health insurance: the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends comprehensive travel health insurance that also covers repatriation
• Safety: the ministry advises travelling with caution; Uzbekistan is generally stable, but it lies in a seismic zone and minor earthquakes are frequent
• Money: the currency is the som; large shops accept credit cards, but the Spanish ministry recommends carrying enough cash for your basic needs
• Travel: the Afrosiyob high-speed train, built by the Spanish company Talgo, links Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara
• Language: some Russian or Uzbek makes daily life much easier, even if your programme is taught in English

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in Uzbekistan in English?

Yes. International universities such as WIUT teach all programmes in English, and UWED teaches its master's programmes in English. Bachelor's programmes at state universities are mainly taught in Uzbek and Russian.

How much does a degree in Uzbekistan cost?

For 2026-27, UWED charges foreign bachelor's students on a visa 42,000,000 UZS per year, and WIUT charges 38,820,000 UZS per academic year for undergraduate courses.

Do I need a visa to study in Uzbekistan?

Most students need a visa issued by an Uzbek embassy or consulate after confirmation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Spanish citizens can stay 30 days without a visa as tourists, but need a visa for longer stays.

Do I have to register after arriving?

Yes. Foreigners who stay more than three days must be registered with the local authorities within their first three days, and should carry proof of registration with their passport.

When do international applications open?

Each university sets its own dates. At UWED, international applicants for the 2026-27 academic year could apply online from 1 June to 10 August 2026.