The El-yurt Umidi Foundation and the Australian college UTS College have signed a cooperation agreement regarding scholarship programs for students from Uzbekistan. The first six recipients of these scholarships will begin their studies at the college at the end of 2026.
UTS College has become the first educational institution in Australia offering university-level programs to sign such a cooperation agreement with the country of Uzbekistan.
A delegation from the El-yurt Umidi Foundation visited UTS College in Australia. The delegation included First Deputy Director Davron Abdurashidov, Head of the Department of International Academic Cooperation and Protocol Shandorbek Samaridinov, and Chief Legal Counsel Bakhtiyordjon Kushmurodov.
On behalf of UTS College, the meeting was attended by CEO Morwenna Shahani and Executive Director for Student Recruitment Peter Harris. The parties discussed creating opportunities for talented scholarship recipients to study in Australia, acquire skills demanded by the labor market, and apply their knowledge for the development of Uzbekistan after graduation.
Special attention was paid to the prospects for further partnership, student support, and the development of educational trajectories that align with the future needs of the country for qualified specialists. The El-yurt Umidi Foundation is responsible for international scholarship programs and professional training; currently, the organization has sent over 2200 scholars to 45 countries. Australia will be a new destination within this program, with the first six students forming the foundation's initial group of scholars for study in the country.
The basis of the cooperation is a memorandum of understanding between UTS College and the El-yurt Umidi Foundation. This document provides for joint work within scholarship programs, campus tours, guidance on educational paths, and assistance with application submissions. Furthermore, the parties intend to implement joint educational initiatives and capacity-building programs.
CEO of UTS College, Morwenna Shahani, expressed hope for successful cooperation with the foundation and for the admission of the first group of Uzbek students. She stated: 'We are delighted to partner with the El-yurt Umidi Foundation and eagerly await the arrival of our first students into the UTS College community. They face an exciting academic year during which they will develop confidence, abilities, and an understanding of the next steps necessary to successfully navigate the challenges of the modern world.'
According to Peter Harris, Executive Director for Student Recruitment at UTS College, this partnership aims to prepare graduates in line with the future needs of Uzbekistan's workforce. He noted: 'Together we can create a structured educational path that allows students supported by the Foundation to receive international education and continue their studies toward a UTS degree.'
The first scholars will study on the UTS College campus in central Sydney. Students will have access to modern facilities, academic support, language programs, career counseling, as well as sports and social events. For over 30 years, UTS College has helped international students prepare for further university studies, laying the foundation for their academic and personal development.