Universities in Uzbekistan

Universities in Uzbekistan are overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, which publishes the official list of higher education institutions and a national university ranking. For international students there are two distinct routes: state universities, which teach mainly in Uzbek and Russian and follow national rules, and international universities linked to a foreign partner, which teach in English and award a foreign degree.

The three universities in our directory are in Tashkent, the capital: the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) and Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT). Together they show the range of options, from a large multidisciplinary university to a specialised diplomatic school and a British-validated international university.

How universities work in Uzbekistan

Universities offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes. At state institutions, bachelor's programmes have national codes and Uzbek citizens are admitted through a state exam; UWED, for example, accepted online applications from Uzbek citizens from 5 to 25 June 2026 through the national admissions platform for programmes in International Relations, Political Science, World Economy and International Economic Relations, and Jurisprudence. Foreign applicants follow a separate procedure.

• National University of Uzbekistan: a multidisciplinary university on University Street in Tashkent's Almazor district; it reports 13 faculties, about 34,000 students, 56 fields of study and 1,230 professors and teachers
• UWED: established on 23 September 1992 and operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on international relations, economics and law
• WIUT: described as Uzbekistan's first international university, established in 2002 with the "UMID" Presidential Foundation, the then Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education and the University of Westminster in London; it has grown to more than 5,000 students

At WIUT all undergraduate programmes are accredited by the University of Westminster, and graduates receive a British degree. Its bachelor's programmes include BA (Hons) International Relations and Law, BSc (Hons) Economics, Computer Science, Finance and Business Information Systems, and BA (Hons) Commercial Law and Business Management. Postgraduate courses carry 180 UK credits.

Admission for international students

Foreign applicants apply directly to the university. At UWED, international applications for undergraduate and master's programmes in the 2026-27 academic year were open online from 1 June to 10 August 2026. Applicants upload a passport, an education document with transcript (legalised or apostilled), a photo and a language certificate; after a document review, they have an interview and submit a motivation letter in English and a CV.

Language requirements depend on the programme. UWED's bachelor's programmes are taught in Russian and Uzbek and require a high level in one of those languages, with English at B2 counted as an advantage. Its master's programmes are taught in English, and a B2 certificate (IELTS or equivalent) is mandatory. At WIUT, all academic programmes are delivered entirely in English.

Visa and registration

Foreign citizens obtain visas at Uzbek embassies and consulates on the basis of a confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. WIUT explains the steps for its students: fill in the online form on the ministry's visa platform, send the university a scan of the passport, the receipt for the tuition fee payment and the signed student contract (unconditional offer), wait for the ministry's confirmation and then collect the visa at the consulate. Where there is no Uzbek embassy or consulate in the country of departure, a visa can be obtained at Tashkent International Airport.

Spanish citizens can stay 30 days without a visa for tourism, according to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (advice valid on 7 October 2026); for longer stays they must apply at the Embassy of Uzbekistan. All foreigners must register with the local authorities within the first three days of their stay.

Costs and funding

Tuition is charged in Uzbek som (UZS). For the 2026-27 academic year:

• UWED, bachelor's programmes for foreign students on a visa: 42,000,000 UZS
• 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 pay different rates. Universities such as UWED list scholarships, a dormitory and Erasmus+ partnerships on their websites; ask the international office what is open to foreign students.

How to choose a university in Uzbekistan

• Language: Uzbek or Russian at state universities, English at international universities and in some master's programmes
• Degree: a national degree or a foreign degree awarded by a partner university, which can be easier to document when you seek recognition at home
• Field: UWED for international relations, economics and law; the National University for sciences and humanities; WIUT for business, economics, law and computing
• Cost: compare annual fees in UZS and what the visa process requires, such as proof of payment
• Support: a dormitory or accommodation office and help with visas and registration

Frequently asked questions

Can I study at a university in Uzbekistan in English?

Yes. WIUT teaches all programmes in English, and UWED's master's programmes are taught in English with a mandatory B2 certificate. Bachelor's programmes at state universities such as UWED are taught in Russian and Uzbek.

How much does a university degree in Uzbekistan cost?

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

When do international applications open?

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

Do I need a visa to study in Uzbekistan?

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