International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan

In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-68 dated April 21, 2025, “On measures to further strengthen guarantees of citizens’ right to freedom of conscience and to advance reforms in the religious and educational sphere to a new stage,” the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan has been renamed. The Academy has been designated as a basic state higher education and scientific research institution specializing in the training of specialists in Islamic studies and religious studies, as well as in the development of curricula, teaching aids, and textbooks.

The main tasks of the Academy are:

(a) training specialists in Islamic studies, religious studies, psychology of religion, Islamic economics, source studies, international relations, and other in-demand fields;

(b) introducing advanced pedagogical technologies, the latest achievements of science and technology, as well as educational programs developed based on the experience of leading foreign higher education institutions into the educational process;

(c) conducting scientific research on ensuring freedom of conscience and interfaith tolerance, combating radicalization, extremism, and terrorism, as well as the foundations of state policy in the religious sphere;

(d) preparing and publishing scientific and popular science literature in the religious and educational field, as well as placing and regularly updating educational resources on the internet;

(e) developing high moral and ethical qualities in students, strengthening a sense of patriotism, responsibility for the fate of the homeland, and dedication to their profession, and improving the effectiveness of the educational and upbringing process and spiritual-educational work;

(f) close cooperation with scientific research and educational institutions operating in the religious field both in our country and abroad.

Graduates of the Academy currently work successfully in almost all ministries and agencies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, major international organizations, as well as leading local and foreign companies. Their achievements largely reflect the significant contribution of the Academy. Each graduate not only possesses knowledge and skills but also embodies the unique culture, traditions, and upbringing of the Academy, serving as a role model for young people.

Foreign students are admitted to the Academy on an interview basis as an exception. Instruction is conducted in Uzbek and Russian. It is planned to establish English-language classrooms in the near future.

Visa procedures
Registration for residence and visa application process

Issuance of visas, preparation of visa invitations and temporary registration for residence for foreign citizens is carried out by mutual agreement of higher educational institutions with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of the Republic of Uzbekistan, upon submission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Visas for foreign citizens are issued by the embassy or consulate of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the candidate’s home country.

Visas for citizens of countries where there is no embassy or consulate of the Republic of Uzbekistan can also be issued at the international airport in Tashkent.

Application Process

Foreign citizens can apply for the programs of IIAU through the official website – www.apply.iiau.uz.

The foreign citizens applied electronically are allowed to provide the original copy of required documents when they come to have the interview.

Required Documents:

1. Application
2. Bachelor’s Degree: Certificate/Diploma of Secondary Education
3. Master’s Degree: Bachelor‘s degree or equivalent
4. Doctoral Degree (PhD, DSc): Master‘s Degree and abstract and officially certified list of publications (for applicants who want to enroll to the Doctoral programs
5. All degrees (certificates of completion/diplomas with transcripts/mark sheets) obtained outside the Republic of Uzbekistan will be notarized translation into Russian or Uzbek;
6. Medical certificate, indicating the absence of medical contraindications for study in the Republic of Uzbekistan;
7. A current passport or a residence permit in the Republic of Uzbekistan;
8. Six photos of 3.5x4.5 sm.

ABOUT THE SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP IN THE NAME OF MAHMUDKHOJA BEHBUDI

The scholarship is awarded in accordance with the requirements of the REGULATIONS approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 502 dated August 24, 2020 and the minutes of the meeting No. 5 of the Council of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan dated October 29, 2020.

The special scholarship was established at the Academy to encourage students who are conducting research and have shown special activity in the field of studying the life and work of Mahmudkhoja Behbudi, highlighting his activities, conducting scientific research and promoting his work.

The procedure and criteria for awarding a special scholarship named after Mahmudkhoja Behbudi:

A special scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students of the 1st-3rd cycle and master's degree students who meet the following criteria:

a special scholarship is awarded to conduct research in the field of studying the life and work of Mahmudkhoja Behbudi, highlighting his activities, conducting scientific research and promoting it;

showing special activity in the field of wide promotion of literature and reading;

participation in conferences (competitions) on literature and reading;

availability of published works (works).

Applicants submit the following documents to the faculty for initial consideration:

extract from the test book (mastery indicator);

letter of recommendation from the department;

creative (scientific) work, its annotation and review (if any);

mentor's comments;

Materials on the promotion of the life and work and activities of Mahmudkhodja Behbudiy (mass media, social networks, etc.);

Scientific articles of individual authorship published in national and international journals on the study of the life and work and activities of Mahmudkhodja Behbudiy, a document confirming active participation in conferences (original copy);

a document confirming participation in international or national exhibitions, biennials, festivals, symposiums, competitions and other prestigious events in their field and achieving results (if any).

The competition will be held in two stages

Stage 1: Test dedicated to the life, work and activities of Mahmudkhoj Behbudiy;

Stage 2: Interview

A special scholarship is awarded to students annually, starting from September 1, for one academic year

The amount of the special scholarship is determined in accordance with paragraph 2 of Appendix 2 to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan No. 59 dated January 31, 2020.

For further information, contact International Students Office:

+99871 244 95 93

E-mail: intstudents@iiau.uz 

In order to work with foreign students, the Academy has established a Foreign Students Office, which helps in the adaptation of foreign citizens to study at the Academy, from drawing up their documents related to their arrival in Uzbekistan and registration for accommodation, as well as the educational process of foreign students and living in the Republic.

The conditions and opportunities created by the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan for all students are equally valid for foreign students.

Foreign students are always supported to get acquainted with the cultural traditions of Uzbekistan (organization of sightseeing trips, visits to museums and other places).

Foreign students actively participate in all spiritual and educational events organized at the Academy, as well as in the theater studio.

Today, International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan has signed about 40 memorandums and agreements with prestigious higher education institutions, scientific research centers and international organizations of European, African and Asian countries.

More than 10 foreign professors are conducting lessons at the academy. They have been involved from Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Sweden, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Morocco, India, Japan, and Malaysia so far.

Foreign applicants are accepted to the academy on the basis of interviewing. Lessons are conducted in Uzbek and Russian languages. Currently, 38 foreign students are studying at the academy. They are citizens of Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Afghanistan. By 2023, 14 foreign citizens received diplomas of International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan. 

In cooperation with Sahid University, a new Tourism Research Center has been established at this university. 

The activities of the Academy on international cooperation mainly include the following areas: 
- cooperation with foreign higher educational institutions, scientific research centers and international organizations;
- organizing foreign trips of academy authority, employees, professors, teachers and researchers;
- organization of events such as international conferences, seminars and webinars;
- participation in international grant projects;
- involvement foreign professors and teachers in the academic process of the academy;
- working with foreign students, doctoral students and researchers.

The Academy’s Youth Union organization provides Uzbek language courses for international students.

Address: 11 A. Qodiriy Street, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Telephone: +998 71 244 95 93.

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