Institutional Policy Framework for Women’s Educational Access
Navoi State University (NSU) operates in full alignment with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Approval of the Concept for the Development of the Higher Education System until 2030” (No. DP–5847, October 8, 2019), which establishes equal access to quality higher education as a national priority.
In accordance with this policy, the university has institutionalized several mechanisms to ensure that women not only gain admission but also successfully complete their studies through continuous mentoring, financial support, and social guidance.
Navoi State University pays the tuition fees (https://lex.uz/docs/-6156799?ONDATE2=07.04.2023&action=compare ) of all master’s degree female student and government scholarships (https://lex.uz/uz/docs/-5640194) (https://lex.uz/uz/docs/-5899498?ONDATE=07.03.2022%2000 )are also available for all the students. Moreover, from 2021 “Teacher-student” scheme has been implemented in order to further improve the education of students studying at institute. Our assigned female professors conduct individual work and group discussions with each student and closely study their living conditions and problems.
Financial Support and State-Funded Tuition Reimbursement
As mentioned above, In alignment with national initiatives to promote equal access to higher education for women, the Government of Uzbekistan has extended the application deadline for state-funded reimbursement of tuition fees for female master’s students until September 30, 2025. This policy allows women admitted to or currently studying in master’s programs on a basic contract basis to have their tuition fully covered by the State Budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
At Navoi State University, this initiative is being implemented through the university’s Registrar’s Office and Department of Postgraduate Studies, where eligible students receive guidance on application procedures. The measure significantly reduces financial barriers and reinforces institutional commitment to gender equality by empowering women to pursue postgraduate education and scientific careers.
Expansion of Recommendation Quotas for Female Applicants
In 2025, major progress was achieved with the expansion of the recommendation quota (tavsiyanoma) system for women. According to official data published on the UzBMB platform (mandat.uzbmb.uz), the number of special recommendation places for women doubled from 2,000 to 4,000 nationwide.
This policy innovation allowed a larger number of women—particularly those from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups—to gain admission to higher education institutions, including Navoi State University.
Although the system does not automatically guarantee admission, it substantially increases women’s chances of entering universities and directly contributes to achieving SDG 5 by removing long-standing gender and financial barriers to education.
State-Funded Grants for Women in Higher Education
Further strengthening these efforts, a Presidential Decree (2025) tasked the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovations and the Committee on Family and Women with allocating 4,000 state-funded study grants exclusively for women across Uzbekistan.
These grants are available for both bachelor’s and master’s levels and aim to:
Ensure gender balance in university admissions;
Reduce the economic gap in educational access;
Encourage women’s participation in science, technology, and leadership programs.
This initiative complements broader national programs offering international scholarships and joint degrees for both male and female students, promoting gender-inclusive academic mobility.
The university follows national regulations in providing stipends and grants, which include:
-Stipends for students studying on a state grant basis;
-Stipends for students studying on a tuition contract basis;
-Special stipends for recipients of the Presidential State Scholarship, as well as other prestigious scholarships such as Beruniy, Ibn Sino, Navoiy, Ulug‘bek, Imam al-Bukhariy, Bobur, Pahlavon Mahmud, To‘lepbergen Qaipbergenov, Ibroyim Yusupov, and Islam Karimov scholarships;
-Stipends for students with Group 1 and Group 2 disabilities;
-Stipends for orphans and students deprived of parental care who are fully supported by the state.
Additionally, each academic program offers state-funded grant places, which are awarded to students who achieve the highest entrance examination scores. These competitive grants allow talented and high-achieving applicants to study on a full scholarship basis.
NSU also has a dedicated Department for Working with Talented Students, which actively supports and mentors students in applying for and securing prestigious scholarships, including the Presidential and Alisher Navoi stipends. This department organizes special preparatory programs, individual consultations, and academic mentoring to maximize student success in national scholarship competitions.
Through these stipends and grants, NSU fosters academic excellence and social equity, providing opportunities for all students — regardless of socio-economic background — to access quality higher education and realize their full potential.
Grant opportunities at NSU
“Qiz bola – millat kelajagi” (A Girl is the Future of the Nation) Grant Program
Under the framework of a State Grant supporting women’s education and creativity, Navoi State University actively participates in the “Qiz bola – millat kelajagi” contest, which highlights the role of young women in shaping the nation’s future.
In the latest edition, 200 female students from the university took part, and 35 participants were recognized as winners based on five thematic categories:
“Orzu va hayot” (Dream and Life)
“Oilada tenglik — bu…” (Equality in the Family Is…)
“Men millat kelajagini tarbiyalayman” (I Nurture the Nation’s Future)
“Mening orzularim” (My Dreams)
These students were awarded certificates, honors, and grants for their creative essays and social projects.
This initiative strengthens women’s self-confidence, leadership, and academic motivation.
“Eng Yaxshi Ijtimoiy Tashabbus” (Best Social Initiative) Competition
Supported by the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan and organized in collaboration with various ministries and agencies, the “Best Social Initiative” competition recognizes women who contribute to social development and community well-being.
In the Navoiy State University stage, participants competed in four categories:
Best Socially Active Government Organization
Best Socially Active NGO
Best Socially Active Entrepreneur
Best Socially Active Citizen
Winners were awarded diplomas and commemorative prizes for their civic engagement and leadership.
Through this program, female students and staff are encouraged to propose and implement innovative social initiatives addressing education, health, and community empowerment.
“Zulfiya” State Award for Talented Women
Based on Presidential Decree PF-2326 (June 10, 1999), the Zulfiya State Award is one of Uzbekistan’s highest honors for talented young women aged 14 to 30.
Each year, a three-stage national competition is held to identify outstanding female leaders in science, literature, education, arts, and social work.
The regional selection for Navoiy region took place on November 26, at School No. 22 in Navoiy city, with participation from Navoi State University Rector, Professor Mukhiddin Kalonov, who encouraged the nominees and highlighted the importance of women’s active role in building the “New Uzbekistan.”
Recipients of the Zulfiya Award gain national recognition, mentorship opportunities, and support for further study and community projects — making it one of the most prestigious female talent and scholarship programs in the country.
Navoi State University has actively supported the national gender equality agenda through various academic and social programs.
An applied seminar titled “An Educated Woman is the Reflection of Society” was organized for female professors, doctoral students, undergraduates, and students. The event focused on:
Promoting women’s leadership and scientific potential;
Encouraging social and entrepreneurial engagement;
Sharing success stories and mentorship practices.
Speakers emphasized that the country’s recent economic and educational reforms have opened new horizons for women, especially with the transformation of Aloqabank into the “Youth Bank,” a key state initiative to support young people and women entrepreneurs.
Women’s Economic Empowerment through Youth Banking Initiatives
Under the new Presidential Decree on Youth and Women’s Empowerment (2025), Aloqabank has been transformed into the “Youth Bank”, a national platform for youth and women’s entrepreneurship.
The government allocated USD 200 million to fund innovative business projects, providing:
Microloans up to 100 million UZS for self-employed youth;
Soft loans up to 5 billion UZS for young entrepreneurs creating jobs and establishing educational centers;
At least 30% of total funding reserved for women-led businesses.
Additionally, Youth Business Incubators have been established across regions to support startups for 6-month to 3-year periods, and the “Aloqa Venture” Fund offers investments ranging from USD 50,000 to 1 million for scaling promising innovations.
Abdulla Avloniy State Scholarship at Navoi State University
In accordance with the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF–162, dated September 10, 2025 (lex.uz link), the Abdulla Avloniy State Scholarship has been established for female students of pedagogical higher education institutions. This prestigious state scholarship is aimed at encouraging talented and active female students in the field of pedagogy, fostering creativity, and promoting excellence among future educators.
Navoi State University (NSU) actively participates in the implementation of this presidential initiative. The Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology and other related departments have integrated the Abdulla Avloniy State Scholarship into their annual student achievement and scholarship system.
Each academic year, the university identifies and recommends one outstanding student from its pedagogical programs who demonstrates:
Excellent academic performance (all grades “excellent,” with up to 25% “good” marks);
Active participation in educational, creative, or community-oriented projects;
Commitment to the teaching profession and leadership in social initiatives.
Through transparent selection procedures, the university’s Academic Council and Scholarship Commission nominate eligible female students for consideration under this national scholarship framework.
Presidential Scholarship for Master’s Students at Navoi State University
According to the decision of the Board of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the selection procedure for the Presidential State Scholarship starts in January each year.
This prestigious state scholarship recognizes outstanding female master’s students across the country for their exceptional academic performance, research achievements, and leadership potential.
Navoi State University (NSU) actively participates in this national competition every year. The university’s Graduate Studies Department and Academic Council organize the nomination and preparation of eligible master’s students in accordance with the official regulations and evaluation criteria set by the Ministry.
In the 2024/2025 academic year, several talented NSU master’s students from diverse fields — including natural sciences, pedagogy, engineering, and humanities — submitted applications for the competition. Among them, female researchers demonstrated remarkable success, advancing to the final stages and representing the university at the national level.
Selection Process
In this year’s competition:
124 master’s students nationwide submitted applications from various specializations;
57 candidates, including representatives from NSU, advanced to the final interview stage, where they presented their academic and research achievements;
The winners were selected through secret voting by the Special Selection Commission.
This rigorous, merit-based selection process ensures transparency and fairness, rewarding students who exhibit academic excellence and innovative research potential.
The Presidential Scholarship plays a key role in advancing women’s participation in graduate education and scientific research.
Through national-level recognition and financial support, the program:
Encourages female master’s students at NSU to pursue research in science, technology, education, and innovation;
Promotes equal access to competitive state scholarships and leadership opportunities;
Strengthens the visibility of women in academia, inspiring younger students to follow their example.
Some of our winners of State Scholarships
Navoiy State Scholarship Winner from Navoi State University
A talented student of Navoi State University, Rahmatullayeva Nargiza Baxtiyorovna, studying in the 4th year of the “Primary Education and Sports Pedagogy” program, has been awarded the prestigious Navoiy State Scholarship.
This notable success reflects her dedication, academic excellence, and active engagement in educational and creative work.
Special recognition is extended to her scientific supervisor, Dr. Ernazarova Manzura Saparboyevna (Doctor of Philosophy in Pedagogy, DSc), whose guidance and mentorship played an invaluable role in achieving this accomplishment.
Navoiy State Scholarship Winner – Faculty of Physics and Mathematics
A talented student of Navoi State University, Omonboyeva Meruyert Erkin qizi, a 4th-year student of the Mathematics Education program at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, has become a laureate of the prestigious Navoiy State Scholarship.
Her success stands as a shining example of academic excellence and dedication to scientific study.
This remarkable achievement has been made possible thanks to the broad opportunities created for youth in Uzbekistan, the continuous support of the university and faculty community, and the invaluable guidance of her scientific supervisor, Professor Ixtiyor Ramazonovich Kamolov.
Navoiy State Scholarship Winner – Preschool Education Program
Abdurahmonova Kamola Erkin qizi, a 4th-year student of the Preschool Education program at Navoi State University, has been awarded the Navoiy State Scholarship for her outstanding academic performance and active participation in educational and creative activities.
This remarkable success was achieved under the dedicated guidance of her scientific supervisor, Dr. Ra’no Haydarovna Davlatova (Doctor of Philosophy in Pedagogy, DSc), whose mentorship and professional support played a key role in her student’s accomplishment.
