Fulbright Scholar Award

Multiple Disciplines

Uzbekistan

Application Deadline
closed
Award Code
25114-UZ
Activity Type
Teaching
Teaching includes classroom teaching, as well as giving guest lectures, workshops, and seminars, and engaging in other related activities. Classroom teaching is typically at the undergraduate and graduate level, and courses may be designed by the scholar or prescribed by the host institution and may be taught or co-taught by the scholar. The teaching load varies by award, as well as the host institution. Scholars may also consult on building research capacity, advise graduate students, and assist with thesis advising.
Teaching/Research
A combination of teaching and research as described above. Refer to the award description for any specifications on percentages of time that should be devoted to teaching vs research.
Degree Requirements
Ph.D. (or other terminal degree) not required
Career Profile
Higher Education Administrators and Executives
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of administrators or executives with a focus on the international dimensions of their campuses.
Mid-Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than seven, and less than 13, years.
Professionals
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in a particular profession.
Senior Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than 13 years.

Number of recipients

Up To
3
Award Start Period
September 2026 or February 2027
Award Length
4 months or 10 months
Flex Option
No
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Accounting/Finance
Agriculture
Architecture
Biochemistry
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Communications
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Criminology/Criminal Justice
Economics
Education
Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Environmental Studies
Geology
Information Sciences/Systems
International Relations
Journalism
Law
Library Science
Marketing
Mathematics
Media Studies
Medical Sciences
Neuroscience
Nursing
Nutrition
Pharmacology
Physics
Political Science
Public Administration
Public Health
Public Policy
Social Work
Statistics
Tourism
Urban Planning/Studies
American Studies
Scholars selected for this award can choose to
Advise and/or mentor students
Assist in faculty, curriculum, and/or program development
Conduct a research project designated by the host institution
Conduct a research project of the applicant’s choosing
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses designated by the host institution
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses of the applicant’s choosing
Conduct a professional and/or artistic project

In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities‎.

Award Activity

For teaching awards, the grantee will teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses. The number of courses will be agreed upon by the scholar and the host institution. The grantee may also be asked to assist in professional development activities for faculty, or with curriculum development for the department. For teaching/research awards, the grantee will spend 70 percent of their grant period teaching and 30 percent conducting research independently. This is subject to further discussion with the host institution. There may be opportunities for several guest lectures at other universities, including institutions in other regions of the country.

Additional important information for types of awards:

Teaching Grants:

Fulbright U.S. Scholars to Uzbekistan will be expected to teach within the framework of the country’s higher education system. This means teaching 9 classes (of 80 minutes each) per week during a semester. Each class consists of lecturing, student-faculty interaction, lab work, or other activities, for a total weekly teaching load of 12 hours in the classroom. This time does not include additional hours per week required, such as for office hours, lesson planning, attending regular faculty/staff meetings, or holding faculty workshops.


Applicants must include a breakdown of their proposed courses in their application. An example is outlined below:
·         Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: eight (80 minute) classes 
·         Friday: one (80 minute) class

Teaching/Research Grants: 
Scholars will be expected to teach 70 percent of the time, and work on personal research or projects 30 percent of the time. This means teaching 6 classes per week during a semester. Each class lasts 80 minutes and consists of lecturing, student-faculty interaction, lab work, or other activities, for a total weekly teaching load of 8 hours in the classroom. Scholars should be aware that approval for research, and access to certain facilities, libraries and archives may need additional governmental approval. Applicants should obtain as much information regarding research institutions in advance and be prepared to facilitate these permissions independently.


Applicants must include a breakdown of their proposed course(s) in their application. For example, six (80 minute) classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 

Locations
Location Selection: Applicant may propose an appropriate host
Locations Detail

Applicants are welcome to propose any institution in any city of Uzbekistan. The U.S. Embassy gives preference to placing scholars in public Uzbek universities over foreign branch campuses. Please note that most placements may need to be cleared by the government of Uzbekistan.

The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent maintains good relationships with universities across the country and is willing to advise applicants about specific institutions and locations. 

Award Length and Period

4 months to 10 months

An award can commence in September 2025 or February 2026. The academic year consists of two semesters. The start and end dates of each semester may vary slightly depending on the university, but fall courses typically begin in early September and end by late December. The spring semester typically starts by mid-February and ends by the end of June.

Areas of Interest

While all of the disciplines above will be considered, host institutions are especially in need of environmental, medical, and STEM expertise. University faculty and higher education administrators with expertise in research and publication, curriculum development, and transition to a credit based system are highly encouraged to apply.

All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).

Citizenship/Residency Requirement
Dual citizens of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Invitation Requirement
A letter of invitation is optional.
Invitation Requirement Additional Information

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy will work with universities and applicants to find the best and most appropriate match between the expertise of scholars and the needs of prospective hosts.

Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient. However, feasibility of conducting the project must be demonstrated in the project statement
Additional Language Requirement

The ability to teach in Russian or Uzbek is useful but not required. Due to a governmental and country-wide focus on improving skills in the English language, native English-speaking teachers are in high demand. More universities are beginning to offer courses in various disciplines taught in English. Graduate students and/or faculty may help interpret at some institutions, but the quality and availability of the interpreting staff may vary. Most universities have an English language faculty as well as some administrators who are proficient in English.

For teaching/research projects, language proficiency sufficient to complete the research is required. For applicants without local language proficiency, the feasibility of conducting the research must be demonstrated in the project statement.

Additional Comments

Uzbek universities have previously been regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education, but the government is now giving more autonomy to universities. Frequently, universities seek help from U.S. faculty on improving curriculum to make their universities more competitive and modern, and to create courses that make their students more employable. Scholars with curriculum design experience are welcome. Uzbek universities are also very interested in American teaching methodologies, and faculty training workshops are often requested.

Because a top-down system of education had previously been in place for over sixty years, the universities are not used to receiving foreign scholars and creating comprehensive programs for them. Fulbright Scholars will need to take initiative and offer programming to their hosts. Please note that information about curricula, class schedules, and other specifics related to teaching at local educational institutions may not be available prior to the program start, therefore it is important for scholars to be willing to work with last-minute schedule changes, and possibly have a nonstandard work schedule (for example, local institutions work six days a week).

Due to low internet speeds and intermittent connection at educational institutions, especially outside Tashkent, scholars should not rely only on internet-dependent tools for teaching, such as online platforms or assignments; rather, they should be prepared to use “pen-and-paper” methods.

Adequate housing in Uzbekistan, in general, is not a problem. Scholars will be able to select from a variety of options (an apartment or a house with a yard or garden) by using the services of a housing agency. The host institution may also provide assistance in locating suitable housing.

Dual nationals of the U.S. and Uzbekistan are not eligible to apply as Uzbekistan does not recognize dual citizenship and considers any dual national to be solely a citizen of Uzbekistan. 

You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.

Award Allowances

Stipends are calculated within this range based on a number of factors including a participant’s grant activity, location in the host country, number of dependents, and home institution position.

Teaching or Teaching/Research Award Monthly Allowances
$4640
$5460
Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee

Round-trip, Fly America Act compliant international travel for the grantee will be arranged by an agency designated by IIE.

Additional Travel and Relocation Allowances are estimated at $2,900.

Flex grants: Round-trip travel for each segment of the grant. Dependent travel will not be provided.

Estimated Book and Research Allowance

$1,500 books and educational materials allowance. Materials to be donated to the host institution (or other entity) upon grantee's departure.

Do you offer additional dependent benefits
Yes

Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependents. These amounts range from $200/month to $450/month.

In addition, travel is provided for up to two dependents, arranged by an agency designated by IIE.

Up to $6,000 per child (up to two) or $12,000 per family for accompanying dependent children in grades K-12 is reimbursed for one semester, upon submission of receipts.  Up to $12,000 per child (up to two) or $24,000 per family for accompanying dependent children in grades K-12 is reimbursed for two semesters, upon submission of receipts. Amount may be adjusted for shorter grant periods. Reimbursement is based on actual cost of tuition and fees only or homeschooling materials.

Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.

Special Award Benefits

South and Central Asia Fulbright Regional Travel Grant

With additional funding provided by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, during their grant period, Fulbright Scholars in the South and Central Asia (SCA) region may apply for a regional travel grant to engage in a variety of activities at academic institutions or non-profit organizations in eligible SCA countries (Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). Activities that U.S Scholars may engage in include: faculty and student lectures, graduate or faculty seminars, conferences, curriculum development, public lectures, panel presentations, needs assessment, or some combination thereof. Scholars in the arts may be invited to give master classes or recitals, participate in exhibitions or workshops, or consult with cultural institutions. Activities may not include research. This grant will cover travel to and from the destination and lodging may be offered by the hosting institution. Scholars may only apply for this grant once they are in country on their Fulbright grant, and as funds are limited, may only participate in one Regional Travel Grant during their Fulbright grant.

Before traveling to another country on a Regional Travel Grant, it is important to confirm trip details with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section or Fulbright Commission in that country.

South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference

With funding provided by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the U.S.-India Educational Foundation (the Fulbright Commission in India) invites eligible Fulbright grantees in the South and Central Asia region to attend the annual South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference in India (usually held in February or March). The conference is an opportunity for Fulbright U.S. Scholars and U.S. Student Researchers who are on their Fulbright grants in the SCA region at the time of the conference to gather to discuss each other’s work, network, and share their experiences as international exchange participants. 

Financial assistance to attend the conference is provided as an additional Fulbright grant benefit.

Please refer to the figures above for an estimate of total monthly Fulbright award benefits. Benefits may include a monthly base stipend, living and housing allowances, and additional one-time allowances. Benefits may vary based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent), the city of placement, the type of award (teaching, teaching/research, or research), and the number of and duration of stay of accompanying dependents. Research-only or Professional Project grantees receive a standard stipend that is not adjusted for academic rank. In most cases, dependent benefits will not be provided to Flex grantees, or to grantees pursuing grants less than four months (or a semester) in length.

Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State reserves the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.

Uzbekistan

What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?

Home of the ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan provides scholars a unique opportunity to experience a rapidly changing part of Central Asia. 

Following the 2016 election of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has begun implementing a wide-ranging reform agenda focused on economic and social development. Uzbekistan is a rapidly changing country as foreign investment increases and the country's economy rapidly expands. To help support this reform agenda, the government regularly seeks advice and assistance from foreign partners including the United States.

As the most populous country in Central Asia, Uzbekistan offers a dynamic experience for Fulbright Scholars. As part of the reform agenda, the education sector has also seen increased focus and funding in areas such as curriculum development, research, and internationalization. Educational institutions and partners are eager to work with visiting American counterparts. In an effort to increase Uzbekistan's exposure on the international stage, the government and local institutions are seeking to make Uzbekistan an “English Speaking Nation,” with the goal that recent graduates will be proficient in both Uzbek and English. Students see new opportunities in their rapidly developing country, and are eager and innovative. Fulbright Scholars will provide invaluable assistance to their host institutions and will be given an opportunity to contribute to the country's continued development.

Additional information about Uzbekistan and the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent can be found on the Embassy's Facebook, Twitter and website.

Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.