Uzbekistan Unveils U10 Flagship University Initiative
Uzbekistan will launch the U10 Flagship Global Universities programme, designed to elevate the country’s top higher education institutions. The initiative was presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev as part of broader reforms in higher education, science and innovation.
Selection and funding of top universities
Under the programme, ten leading universities will be chosen through a competitive process and granted the status of national research universities. Each selected institution may receive up to 150 bn soums ($12.3 mln) in state funding to develop scientific infrastructure and establish research clusters.
These clusters will involve not only local institutions but also international universities, research organisations and businesses.
Performance-based support
From 2027, government support will be tied to performance in national rankings. Evaluations will consider teaching quality, research output, international cooperation, digital development and graduate employability. State grants will also be revised to account for programme complexity, economic needs and university ranking rather than student numbers alone.
To attract foreign students, the programme will introduce the «New Uzbekistan Scholarship,» enabling 500 international applicants each year to study at state universities for free.
University rankings system
In March, the Ministry of Justice approved procedures for ranking state and private universities. The Quality Assurance Agency will classify universities into four main areas: applied disciplines, medicine, social and human sciences, and creative and sports fields.
Rankings will use 25 criteria, including surveys of students, faculty and international experts, with participation from at least 20% of each institution’s community.
This initiative is part of Uzbekistan’s long-term plan to strengthen the country’s global competitiveness in education and research.
