New Uzbek–French University to be established in Tashkent

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved the creation of the Uzbek–French University. The corresponding decree was signed on 26 November.

During the president’s state visit to France in March, the two countries signed an agreement to establish the joint university. Its founders are the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space of France.

A consortium of French universities, formed at the initiative of the French side, will take part in creating and running the university. At the initial stage, the consortium will include the Université de Poitiers, the Université de Rennes, the Université Le Havre Normandie, and Université Lumière Lyon 2.

The French universities are expected to help organize the university’s academic activities, develop curricula, syllabi and teaching materials, and participate in student admissions and the selection of teaching staff.

They will also be responsible for identifying funding sources to support student and faculty mobility to France, simplifying access to academic databases for students, and assisting in the accreditation of the university’s educational programs in France.

Administrative and financial decisions, including admissions parameters and procedures, contract fees, and graduation certification, will be made by a board of trustees formed on a parity basis by the Uzbek and French sides.

The joint university will operate in accordance with Uzbekistan’s legislation and the recommendations of the French university consortium. In the initial phase, the institution will train master’s students, with bachelor’s and doctoral programs to be introduced gradually, along with preparatory courses for university admission.

The educational process will be funded through targeted state grants and tuition-based contracts. Graduates will receive two diplomas: one from the Uzbek–French University and one from the respective French university within the consortium, provided the program has received accreditation in France. Diplomas issued by the joint university will be recognized in Uzbekistan.

The rector of the university will be appointed on the recommendation of the Ministry of Higher Education. Academic and research activities, including the development of educational programs and ensuring the quality of training, will be managed by the first vice rector, who will be appointed by the French side.

Funding sources for the university include:

•       state budget resources covering up to 30% of students admitted on the basis of state grants;

•       tuition fees from contract-based education;

•       extrabudgetary funds of higher education institutions;

•       grants, charitable donations and other sources not prohibited by law.

The president instructed the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Justice to draft, approve and register the university’s charter, organizational structure and budget by January 2026.