Uzbekistan, Japan sign agreement to establish joint university in Tashkent

The agreement was inked by Uzbekistan's Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Kongratbay Sharipov, and Kyosuke Nagata, President of the University of Tsukuba.

The new university will train highly qualified specialists with advanced technical and managerial skills while strengthening educational, scientific and cultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan. It is also expected to support the further integration of Uzbekistan's higher education system into the international academic community.

The university will be founded jointly by Uzbekistan's Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and a consortium of Japanese universities coordinated by the University of Tsukuba. The Japanese university will also oversee academic and educational activities and coordinate the consortium's work.

Initially, the institution will offer master's degree programs in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, as well as business management. Doctoral and bachelor's degree programs are planned for later stages.

Teaching will be conducted in English and follow the Japanese higher education model. Students will also have access to short-term study programs in Japan, along with Japanese language and culture courses.

Under the agreement, the Uzbek side will be responsible for establishing the university campus, providing modern educational and research infrastructure, and financing academic and administrative staff.

The University of Tsukuba will assist in developing academic programs, coordinating the consortium of Japanese universities, recruiting faculty members and organizing academic exchange programs.

According to the implementation plan, a preparatory office for the university will begin operating in Tashkent in September 2026, while the first intake for master's programs is scheduled for the 2028–2029 academic year.

The ministry said the project is expected to elevate strategic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan in higher education and contribute to the development of a workforce trained to international standards.