President Mirziyoyev okayed the establishment of an Uzbek-French University in Tashkent. The deal on establishing the university was inked in March during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's state visit to Paris.
Founded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Uzbekistan, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Space of France, the university will offer programs in engineering, science, engineering, French language and literature, bioinformatics, transportation services and renewables.
A bilateral board of trustees has been formed to make decisions on administrative and financial matters, student admission and assessment parameters, contract amounts, and other issues.
A consortium of French universities - the University of Poitiers, the University of Rennes, the University of Le Havre-Normandie, and the University Lumière Lyon 2—will contribute to the university's activities. The members may change at the request of the French side.
Representatives of these French universities participated in the first forum on university cooperation between Uzbekistan and France in Tashkent in May, where the organization of the new university was discussed.
The creation of a consortium of Uzbek universities, including Tashkent State Technical University, the National University of Uzbekistan, the Uzbek State University of World Languages, and the Tashkent State Transport University, is scheduled for March 2026.
The signing of an agreement with the consortium of French universities is expected in May.
The university will offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, as well as preparatory admission courses. Tuition is planned to be based on a fee-paying contract. While, no more than 30% of all perspective will be eligible for a state scholarship.
The university is due to be registered by January. Enrollment will begin in the 2026-2027 academic year. Admission requirements and deadlines are planned to be published in May.
Graduates will receive a diploma from the joint university. A diploma from a French university included in the consortium may also be awarded. The diploma will be recognized in both countries.
The university rector will be appointed by Uzbekistan, and the first vice-rector by France. Recruitment, including visiting teachers, is scheduled for August of next year.
The university will be temporarily located in part of the main building of Tashkent State Technical University, free of charge.
Following renovations in 2026–2027, the university will receive the building of the Academic Lyceum of the Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature.
Students will be able to complete their studies in the existing buildings until May 2027.
