As of June 2025, a total of 1,145 students from Tajikistan are studying at universities in Uzbekistan, making them the third-largest group of international students in the country, according to Uzbekistan’s National Statistics Committee.
Uzbekistan currently hosts more than 9,500 foreign students — a 17.3% increase over the past year. The largest contingents come from India (2,780 students) and Turkmenistan (2,622). Other notable countries of origin include China, South Korea, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, the U.S., Afghanistan, and Turkiye.
Where else do Tajik students study?
According to the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan, as of the 2024–2025 academic year, over 41,200 Tajik students are studying abroad.
The majority are reportedly concentrated in five key countries.
Russia remains the top destination, with 33,178 students — over 80% of the total. This dominance is attributed to widespread Russian language proficiency, historical and cultural ties, and intergovernmental education agreements and quotas.
China ranks second, hosting around 2,900 Tajik students. The country offers scholarships and emphasizes technical and engineering fields, often through programs in Chinese and English under regional cooperation initiatives like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Kazakhstan also remains a popular choice, with 970 Tajik students enrolled, followed by Turkiye, where about 900 Tajik citizens are pursuing higher education. Turkiye’s appeal lies in its affordable education, cultural affinity, and scholarship opportunities.
Another 3,252 Tajik students are studying in countries such as India, Germany, the U.S., South Korea, and others that offer international academic programs and scholarships.
