Uzbekistan sees surge in international students choosing medical studies

Uzbekistan has seen a sharp rise in international students, particularly in the field of medicine, with their numbers doubling in the past year. Many are drawn to Uzbekistan’s unique blend of cultural connections, affordable education, and extensive hands-on medical training opportunities. Kun.uz spoke with three international students — Kalash from India, Mehran from Egypt, and Hyunjeong from South Korea — about why they chose Uzbekistan for their medical education.

Cultural and Historical Connections

Kalash Dwivedi, a fourth-year student at Tashkent Medical Academy, initially studied in Ukraine but transferred due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. When exploring options, he found Uzbekistan’s historical ties with India — dating back to the time of Babur — particularly meaningful. “Our cultures are closely linked, which helped me feel connected here,” Kalash explained.

For South Korean student Hyunjeong Kang, now in her third year at Tashkent Medical Academy, Uzbekistan’s medical programs appealed because they’re offered in English, unlike in South Korea. “Friends recommended Uzbekistan, saying the medical education here is good. I also liked that there are many Koreans here with whom I can connect,” she shared.

Meanwhile, Egyptian student Muhammad Mehran chose Uzbekistan for its religious affinity, noting, “There are many Muslims here, which made it feel like a good fit for me culturally and religiously.” In addition, Uzbekistan’s medical education costs were significantly lower than in Egypt, where high admission scores and costs create barriers for many aspiring doctors.

Affordable Education and Living Costs

Uzbekistan’s medical programs remain relatively affordable. According to the Ministry of Higher Education, annual tuition for a bachelor’s degree in medicine in Uzbekistan ranges from 10.5 million to 12 million UZS (roughly $850 to $950). For comparison, public universities in India charge between $180 and $1,000 annually, with private medical schools costing up to ten times more. In South Korea, public medical tuition runs between $3,000 and $6,000, while private institutions charge up to $10,000. Egypt’s public universities charge between $4,500 and $8,000.

Students say their living costs in Uzbekistan are also manageable. Kalash and Mehran each spend around $100 per month, with Kalash noting, “In Tashkent, prices aren’t much different from Delhi’s.” Hyunjeong spends about $300 monthly but finds living in Uzbekistan still cheaper than in Korea.

Hands-On Medical Training

Practical experience is a significant draw for international students. “I considered Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, but I felt Uzbekistan offered the best practical training,” said Kalash, noting the opportunities to work with patients throughout the course. Hyunjeong echoed this sentiment, stating that Uzbekistan’s approach allows her to gain real-life experience in general surgery.

Warm Hospitality and Language Support

Students report positive interactions with locals, who are often willing to help with language and day-to-day challenges. Kalash noted that Uzbek and Hindi share similar words, which has made learning the language easier. “Living here for six years, I think I could learn 70–80% of the language,” he said.

Hyunjeong, who has been in Uzbekistan for three years, now speaks Uzbek fluently and finds the local support invaluable. Mehran, still learning Uzbek, said he has also been won over by the country’s cuisine, especially osh (pilaf), which he is learning to make with friends.

Rising Interest from International Students

According to Uzbekistan’s Statistics Agency, 10,800 foreign students enrolled in Uzbek universities for the 2023/2024 academic year, twice as many as the previous year. Indian students, in particular, are leading this trend, with 5,733 enrolled, followed by students from Pakistan and Turkmenistan. Most of these students are in medical programs, reflecting Uzbekistan’s growing appeal as a destination for affordable, quality medical education.