Uzbekistan is going through a big “Higher Education Transformation” right now, and by 2030 it wants to have three times as many international students as it does now. In the past, most state grants were only available to citizens. However, for the 2026–2027 school year, several well-known international scholarship programmes will be available, especially in the areas of Medicine, Environmental Science, and Tourism.
Here are the most important funding opportunities that are currently available or will be available soon.
1. The ICESCO-Uzbekistan Scholarship Programme
This is the best fully-funded way for students from ICESCO member states to get to school. It was started with the help of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation.
- • Status: Applications are now open.
- Due date: May 15, 2026.
- • The Prize:
- Full Tuition: No fees at all.
- Monthly Stipend: To help with basic living expenses.
- • Housing: Free housing for students is provided.
- Health care: Getting public health insurance.
- • Programmes that are highlighted:
- Tashkent State Medical University has three spots for a Bachelor’s degree in General Medicine.
- • Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies: 2 spots for a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Sustainable Management.
2. Scholarships for the Silk Road International University of Tourism
This university is in the historic city of Samarkand, and it gives out special grants to international students to help promote the region’s cultural heritage and tourism.
- • Deadline: August 31, 2026.
- The Award: Gives state grants to international students to help pay for their tuition in Archaeology, Museology, and Hospitality Management Master’s and Bachelor’s programmes.
- • Portal: The studyin-uzbekistan.uz portal is where most applications are sent.
3. Scholarships for International University Branches
Several top global universities have branches in Uzbekistan, and they offer their own merit-based scholarships to international students.
- Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) gives “Full Tuition Fee Waivers” to the best international applicants based on how well they do on their entrance exams.
- Webster University Tashkent offers a variety of merit-based financial aid packages to students from Central Asia and other places.
- Akfa University and Central Asian University give special grants to international students who want to study Medicine or Engineering.
4. El-Yurt Umidi Foundation (Specific Context)
The foundation’s main purpose is to help Uzbek citizens study abroad, but it is also becoming more involved in helping researchers from different countries share their work.
- 2026 Trend: When international PhD students work with Uzbek research centres, they may be able to get local research grants or lower-cost access to labs through partnership agreements between their home university and the Foundation.
5. Important Strategy for Uzbekistan in 2026
If you want to win a scholarship in Uzbekistan this year, keep these things in mind:
- The “Study in Uzbekistan” Central Portal: The government has set up a single portal (studyin-uzbekistan.uz) to make it easier for people from other countries to apply. Before anything else, look here for “State Grants” (Stipendiya) that are specific to your university.
- Legalisation of Documents: Your diplomas and transcripts must be officially translated into Russian or Uzbek. Most universities also need an electronic apostille or consular legalisation by 2026.
- Medical Requirements: Like in Kazakhstan, you will need a health certificate and proof that you are not HIV-positive to get your student visa (the “S-1” category).
6. A breakdown of costs and funding for 2026
- Cost of Living: Uzbekistan is very cheap; $300 to $500 a month is usually enough for food, transportation, and a comfortable way of life.
- Housing: University dorms are very cheap (usually $20–$50 per month), so even a small monthly allowance can cover most of the costs.
- Language: Most scholarships are for programmes taught in English, but knowing some basic Uzbek or Russian will greatly increase your chances of getting a government-funded research grant.