Accessible Education for International Students from low-income countries

TSUULL provides a high-quality academic environment tailored to the needs of international students. All study programs are aligned with international educational standards and delivered by qualified faculty experienced in teaching diverse student groups. International students receive academic advising, individual consultations, and access to digital learning platforms, e-libraries, and open educational resources. This supportive academic ecosystem ensures that students can successfully adapt and excel in their studies.

One of TSUULL’s strongest advantages is its comprehensive financial support system for students from low- and lower-middle-income countries. Many international students benefit from fully funded programs that cover tuition fees, study materials, and academic expenses. These support mechanisms help remove financial barriers and guarantee equal access to education regardless of socio-economic background. TSUULL’s funding schemes reflect its mission to promote inclusiveness and educational equity.

The University provides safe, comfortable, and modern housing options for international students. Dormitories are equipped with essential amenities, including internet access, shared kitchens, study rooms, laundry services, and recreation areas. The campus is designed to create a welcoming, supportive environment that makes it easier for students to adjust to life in a new country. These facilities ensure that international students feel at home throughout their academic journey.

TSUULL’s psychological and counseling services play an important role in supporting international students during their adaptation period. The center offers personal counseling, adjustment workshops, stress-management training, and well-being programs. Students can receive professional support as they navigate cultural differences, academic pressures, and personal challenges. The Student Union and volunteer groups also provide continuous social support and community engagement.

Special language programs in Uzbek and English are offered to help international students integrate quickly and participate fully in academic life. These courses strengthen communication skills and make the learning process more comfortable. In addition, TSUULL organizes cultural seminars, orientation sessions, and activities that help students understand local traditions, history, and university culture. Such initiatives make the integration process smooth and enjoyable.

International students at TSUULL enjoy an active and diverse campus life enriched with sports competitions, cultural festivals, international friendship clubs, and educational excursions. These activities encourage social interaction, cross-cultural dialogue, and personal development. By offering a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, the University ensures that international students build strong friendships and feel included in the campus community.

In 2024, 20 Afghan bachelor-level students ,13 doctoral students (10 male and 23 female) and 12 bachelor-level students from Pakistan (7 male and 5 female) have been enrolled in full-time degree programs at TSUULL. The decisions regarding both admission and the provision of comprehensive financial support were made jointly by the University Council , Admission Office, University Youth Parliament, Student Union, Board of Trustees and Gender Equity Committee. These collective decisions were based on a thorough review of the documents submitted by the students, including official proof of income level, family composition certificates, social vulnerability status documentation (such as orphan or disability certificates), residence verification from rural or conflict-affected areas, and confirmation of refugee or asylum seeker status, where applicable.

TSUULL provides complete financial coverage for these students, eliminating all major study-related expenses:

• •  Free accommodation in the university dormitory throughout the study period
• •  Full visa and residence registration support, including payment of all administrative fees
• •  Health insurance and legal documentation assistance
• •  Free Uzbek language preparatory course and ongoing advisory support

Beyond financial assistance, TSUULL has established a comprehensive support ecosystem for Afghan and Pakistan students, including:

• •  Academic mentorship and tutoring by TSUULL faculty
• •  Peer mentoring programs for cultural adaptation
• •  Dedicated academic advisor from the Office of International Relations
• •  Inclusion in all student clubs, language projects, and cultural events

These measures foster not only academic success but also psychological well-being and social integration.
TSUULL’s Afghan and Pakistan  Student Support Initiative has had measurable impact in promoting educational equity and poverty reduction:

Country	Level of study	Total students	Male	Female	% of supported cohort	Primary vulnerability category	Support coverage	Expected duration
Afghanistan	Bachelor’s	20	12	8	44.4%	Conflict-affected regions; refugees	100% (full)	4 years
Afghanistan	Doctoral	13	10	3	28.9%	Orphans; low-income backgrounds	100% (full)	3 years
Pakistan	Bachelor’s	12	7	5	26.7%	Low-income; rural and remote areas	100% (full)	4 years
TOTAL	—	45	—	—	100%	—	—	—

 
In accordance with a Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, an Educational Center for the Training of Afghan Citizens was established under the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with its official location in the Termez district of Surkhandarya region 
The Center operates as a state educational institution with legal entity status and delivers programs in higher education, secondary specialized and vocational education, as well as professional retraining and advanced training courses.
The Center functions as an official branch of TSUULL. Afghan students enrolled in the Center study on the basis of our university academic standards and curricula. Courses are delivered by TSUULL academic staff, and the Center makes full use of the University’s educational, methodological, digital, library, research, technical and administrative resources.
Upon successful completion of their studies, graduates of the Center are awarded official diplomas of Alisher Navo’i Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature.
Since 2020 to the present day, the Center has prepared:

• •  more than 500 Bachelor’s degree graduates, and
• •  more than 200 Master’s degree graduates.

All students have been educated entirely free of charge, with full coverage of tuition fees and related academic expenses, reflecting the University’s firm commitment to SDG 1, SDG 4, and SDG 10.