Education knows no borders. Today, talented young people have more opportunities to receive high-quality international education.
Samarkand International University of Technology actively supports global educational initiatives and strengthens international cooperation, providing students with new academic prospects.
As part of the State Program for Poverty Reduction for 2022-2026, implemented in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 158, dated September 11, 2023, “On the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy”, SIUT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gimcheon High School on May 13, 2024.
To fulfill the objectives outlined in the MoU, SIUT launched a social project offering Samarkand school students from low-income families (registered in the “Iron Register” social support program) the opportunity to study in South Korea.
Following a rigorous selection process, five outstanding students were chosen from over 30 applicants: Mavlonbek Rabbimov (Urgut district), Rabbim Ravshanov (Ishtikhan district), Ozodbek Yuldoshev (Oqdaryo district), Umrbek Yuldoshev (Kattakurgan district), and Shohimardon Sharofov (Urgut district). These five students were awarded a grant from the Chairman of the SIUT Board of Trustees, Bakhtiyor Fazilov, which fully covers their tuition, accommodation, and financial support.
From July 2024 to February 2025, SIUT organized a special preparatory program for them, focusing on mathematics, English, and Korean language studies.
On February 27, 2025, three students will depart for South Korea and begin their studies at Gimcheon High School on March 1. The remaining two will join them in September 2025.
This initiative directly reflects the priorities outlined by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during a videoconference with youth on February 14, 2025. In his address, the President emphasized that education is the key to reducing poverty and that every low-income family should have at least one child receiving higher education.
On February 21, 2025, SIUT welcomed an official delegation from Gimcheon High School, led by Vice Principal Mr. Lee Seung-min. The delegation included faculty members Moon Ki-young, Han Ji-seok, and Kim Tae-soo.
On February 22, a formal meeting took place at the Samarkand Regional Administration with Acting Hokim Adiz Boboyev, the SIUT delegation led by Rector, Professor Yusuf Abdullaev, and representatives from Gimcheon High School, alongside the selected students.
During the discussions, officials confirmed that, under the signed agreement, students from low-income families in Samarkand region would be allowed to study in South Korea for three years free of charge.
Adiz Boboyev emphasized: “Uzbekistan and South Korea share a long history of friendship. Collaboration in education benefits both nations, and we are always eager to expand such initiatives”.
Vice Principal of Gimcheon High School, Lee Seung-min, added: “This program provides Samarkand youth with an invaluable opportunity to receive high-quality education in South Korea. We are always ready to welcome talented students from Uzbekistan”.
SIUT Rector, Professor Yusuf Abdullaev, noted that a new selection process will be held in May this year as part of the social project, providing schoolchildren from low-income families in Samarkand region with the opportunity to receive a quality education abroad.
Five students received official certificates from the Samarkand Regional Governor’s Office following the meeting, marking the beginning of their educational journey in South Korea.
Established in 1931, Gimcheon High School is one of South Korea’s most prestigious schools. It currently enrolls students from China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and several other countries. Uzbekistan school students will join their ranks for the first time in history in 2025.
Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA