Uzbekistan sharply increases university admissions for 2026–2027 academic year

Uzbekistan has substantially expanded admissions to higher education institutions for the 2026–2027 academic year, with more than 234,000 places allocated for full-time bachelor's programs, including over 36,000 funded by the state.

Photo: Kun.uz

According to Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Kongratbay Sharipov, the government has approved 36,023 state-funded scholarships for the upcoming academic year. Total admissions to full-time undergraduate programs will exceed 234,000 places.

The minister said this year's admission campaign will prioritize engineering, information technology, teacher education and agricultural disciplines in line with the country's workforce needs.

Admissions to full-time bachelor's programs have increased steadily over the past three years. The intake stood at 127,995 students in 2024 before rising to 148,400 in 2025. For 2026, the figure has been raised to more than 234,000 places.

The expansion reflects the government's efforts to widen access to higher education while training specialists in fields considered critical to Uzbekistan's economic development.