Uzbekistan
1 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Experience history in the making in the unique cross-cultural land of Uzbekistan! Home of the ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Tashkent, this warm and hospitable nation provides researchers a unique opportunity to experience a rapidly changing part of Central Asia.
Over the last century, Uzbekistan was stagnant and isolated due to the constraints of communism and Soviet rule, and a further lengthy period of conservative rule. With the 2016 election of President Mirziyoyev—and his re-election in 2021—a modernizing of the nation is underway. Reform and reconstruction is happening at lightning speed across the country, foreign investment is welcome, and the economy is rapidly growing. The government is regularly seeking advice and assistance from the United States.
As the most populous country in Central Asia, Uzbekistan offers a dynamic experience for Fulbright Student Researchers. The country is opening up for new political relationships, and interest in foreign investment is strengthening the economy. Reform of the education sector in areas such as curriculum development, research, and internationalization creates an enthusiastic environment for work with visiting American counterparts. The government and educational institutions are seeking to become an “English Speaking Nation” and educational institutions are greatly demanding native speakers in their classrooms. Students see new opportunities in their rapidly developing country, and are eager and innovative. Fulbright Student Researchers have the opportunity to provide invaluable assistance to their host institutions, and to help shape the future of a nation.
Additional information about Uzbekistan and the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent can be found on the Embassy's Facebook, Twitter, and website.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The academic year at most of Uzbekistan's universities runs from September to July and is divided into two semesters. The first semester starts in early September and lasts until late January, including a two-week winter break and a winter exams session at the end. The second semester runs from mid-February to mid-June. This semester ends with a few week-long summer exam session, followed by an eight-week summer break.
Orientation
Candidate Profile
Applications are welcome from articulate and flexible graduates who demonstrate a high level of maturity. Applicants should consider submitting a proposal that includes teaching English language courses and/or other sustained cultural outreach activities in addition to their research/study, as this will create a stronger partnership with their host institution. Candidates from all majors are welcome to apply. Candidates with degrees in IT, STEM, business, or tourism are strongly desired. Some previous teaching/tutoring experience is preferred.
In many cases Fulbright participats may be the only American in their host region, requiring independence and resilience. The educational system and school or university environment may not be as organized as a U.S. institution, so flexibility is necessary. While Uzbekistan is known for its warm hospitality, some communities have not had extensive experience interacting with foreigners or people of color. Additionally, Uzbekistan can be significantly more culturally conservative than U.S. society, as is evidenced by the criminalization of same-sex relationships throughout the country.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Uzbekistan is in the heart of Central Asia and continues its role as a crossroads of cultures, art, and languages. Although Uzbekistan has undergone rapid changes and development since 2016, traditional culture still abounds throughout the country. Fulbrighters are able to immerse themselves in the old towns of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities while still enjoying the convenience of a high-speed rail system and affordable domestic flights. Life is comparatively quiet in the regions, and more dynamic in cities like Tashkent, Namangan, and Samarkand. Fulbrighters enjoy exploring the local culture, learning local languages (Uzbek is the dominant language throughout the country but Tajik, Karakalpak, and Russian are spoken in various areas), and of course learning to cook plov, Uzbekistan’s famous national dish. Uzbekistan has very low levels of crime, allowing visitors to feel safe during their time in the country.
Eligibility
6 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Proficiency in Russian or the Uzbek language is recommended and may be required to conduct research. Language proficiency commensurate with the nature of the proposed project is expected prior to commencing the grant. Researchers without adequate language skills should be prepared to pay for a professional translator. Grantees are provided with a stipend to study a local language while in-country.
Foreign Language Proficiency Level by Grant Start
If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Required, applicants must have the following proficiency level by the start of the grant period. If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Recommended, applicants are encouraged but not required to have the following level by the start of the grant period.
Language proficiency commensurate with the nature of the proposed project is expected prior to commencing the grant.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Applicants may indicate their preference for host institution affiliation in their applications. The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent will seek the most appropriate placement.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Grantees wishing to be placed at the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan should be aware of a requirement to pay for tuition. The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent recommends an alternate placement at higher education institutions under the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of Uzbekistan.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Single grantee outside Tashkent/Samarkand: $1,850
Single grantee in Tashkent/Samarkand: $2,450
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Excess baggage fees
- Language training allowance
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
Base amount of $1,500 is intended to cover baggage fees, in-transit costs, and relocation expenses. Round trip travel is included as a grant benefit and grantee flights are coordinated and pre-approved by the Fulbright program's approved travel agency.
Research allowance: $1,500 (included in 1st grant payment)
In-country travel allowance: $1,000 (included in 1st grant payment)
Language study: Up to $1,500 in costs allowed, paid as reimbursement.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
- 1-2 bedroom apartment rent in Tashkent/Samarkand range between $550-$700 monthly, utilities included
- 1-2 bedroom apartment rent outside Tashkent/Samarkand range between $350-$450 monthly, utilities included
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Student Researchers may have to stay in a hotel for a few days at the start of their program to review apartment options available for rent on a month-to-month basis in their host city. The host institution and/or Embassy may assist in identifying acceptable options. Students should be prepared to pay a one-time realtor fee and a monthly residential registration fee.
Research Clearance and Visa Information
Clearance from the Republic of Uzbekistan is required for all Fulbright assignments. The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent applies for all necessary clearances. After the affiliation is confirmed by Uzbekistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the host institution will be able to request a visa. The detailed procedure for obtaining visa and project clearance will be communicated to grantees upon selection.
As the clearance process takes at least a month, interested applicants should contact the embassy well in advance of the grant start date. Projects regarding subjects that are socially, culturally, or politically sensitive may be denied clearance. Depending on the area of research, some Student Researchers may face challenges obtaining clearance from the government or support from their host institution. Researchers at state libraries, museums, or special archives usually require further clearances from related ministries and could experience additional delays obtaining clearance. Candidates are encouraged to explore these requirements in advance.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
The Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of Uzbekistan: http://www.edu.uz/en