Uzbekistan has introduced new licensing requirements for private higher education institutions, according to Resolution No. 403 issued by the Cabinet of Ministers, titled “On Additional Measures to Improve the Quality of Non-State Educational Services in the Republic.”

Under the new resolution, applicants seeking to establish a private higher education institution must submit a comprehensive concept of the proposed university. This document must include the institution’s name, legal status, governance structure, staffing, primary academic and research areas, admission parameters, quality assurance mechanisms, tuition fees with detailed justifications, a five-year strategic development plan, and other relevant information.

In addition, the applicant must establish an initial charter capital of no less than the equivalent of 2 million USD, which must cover the physical infrastructure and software directly related to the educational process of the proposed higher education institution. This capital must be increased proportionally as the number of enrolled students grows.

Applicants are also required to deposit 350,000 USD into a commercial bank account as a financial reserve to ensure the institution’s financial sustainability.

The total area of the university’s facilities (physical premises) must be at least 5,000 square meters. While ownership of the buildings is not mandatory, institutions may operate under a lease or free-use agreement valid for a minimum of five years.

Furthermore, newly established institutions must reinvest at least 80% of their net annual profit into the development of core educational activities during the first five years, and at least 50% in subsequent years.

The resolution will come into effect three months after its official publication. In addition, private higher education institutions already in operation must bring their activities into compliance with the new licensing requirements by January 1, 2026.