Misinterpretation of decree: Ministry confirms language rule still applies

Reports circulating on social media claiming that the requirement for a foreign language certificate for admission to master’s and doctoral programs in Uzbekistan has been abolished are inaccurate. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovations has officially denied these claims.

The Ministry clarified that Presidential Decree No. PF-114, dated July 19, 2025, titled “On Measures to Bring the Popularization of Foreign Language Learning in the Republic of Uzbekistan to a Qualitatively New Level,” is being misinterpreted. Specifically, it noted that the fourth subparagraph of paragraph 6 in Resolution No. PP-5117, adopted on May 19, 2021—which initially introduced the requirement for a foreign language certificate for graduate admissions—has been repealed.

However, the removal of this particular provision does not mean the complete cancellation of the language certificate requirement. The Ministry emphasized that Presidential Decree No. PF-81, dated May 24, 2024, “On Improving the System of Admission to Higher Education Institutions and Placing State Orders,” still mandates foreign language proficiency certificates for admission to graduate-level programs.

According to this decree, applicants must present national or international certificates verifying their foreign language proficiency at the following minimum levels:

•  For foreign languages – at least level C1;
•  For the fields of humanities, biological and related sciences, mathematics and statistics, business and management, law, service, social and behavioral sciences, journalism and information, and information and communication technologies – at least level B2;
•  For all other fields, including cultural and sports specialties – at least level B1.

In light of this, the Ministry reminds the public that the requirement for certified language proficiency, as established by Decree No. PF-81, remains in force. The Ministry urged the public to disregard widespread misinterpretations of the latest decree.

It is also worth noting that the admission process for state higher education institutions’ master’s programs for the 2025–2026 academic year is currently underway. Applicants can submit their documents via the my.edu.uz platform until July 30.