​ CoHE President Özvar: “International University of Turkic States was established in Uzbekistan”

January 31, 2025 / Istanbul

Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education, announced that the two-year effort to establish a joint university between Türkiye and Uzbekistan has successfully concluded. He stated, “With the will and determination of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the ‘International University of Turkic States’ will be opened in Uzbekistan.”

Speaking at the “Regional Meeting on Turkish Higher Education Vision Towards 2030” at Istanbul Medeniyet University, Özvar shared that Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has issued a decree for the establishment of the university in Tashkent. “Our discussions with Uzbek authorities have reached a positive outcome, and as of today, the university has officially been established. I extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed,” he said.

Özvar explained that the university was established through a memorandum of understanding between the Council of Higher Education and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation. He continued:

“Türkiye-Azerbaijan University, which was established in Azerbaijan based entirely on a model created by Türkiye, has also been adopted by Uzbekistan. Following this model, the International University of Turkic States has been established.

In the initial phase, Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Middle East Technical University (METU), Hacettepe University, and Ege University will launch programs and departments under this university. A large campus has been allocated, and its buildings are already prepared. The university will start education in Tashkent this year. In the coming years, we plan to expand the number of universities in both Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.”

Özvar also noted that the programs of the Health Sciences University in Uzbekistan are progressing as planned.

The International University of Turkic States will follow the academic curricula of Turkish higher education institutions and will offer education in line with international standards. The university will provide programs in various fields, including engineering, construction, logistics, information technologies, healthcare, agriculture, food engineering, as well as economic and social sciences.

Education at the university will be based on joint programs in collaboration with leading higher education institutions, particularly those in Türkiye. Scholarships will be available for students from both member and observer countries of the Organization of Turkic States. Graduates will receive diplomas from both the university and its partner foreign higher education institution. Additionally, a board of directors will be established to oversee the university’s development and operations.

"Talks Are Also Ongoing with Turkmenistan"

Özvar emphasized that the International University of Turkic States will serve the entire Turkic world, stating, “We are in discussions with Turkmenistan. Our goal is to expand our universities there with a similar approach.”

He continued, “We will keep sharing Türkiye’s expertise and high standards in higher education with the world. With this vision, the Council of Higher Education and our universities are preparing for the future with even greater confidence.”

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