Uzbekistan to Establish International Fashion Academy in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan will establish a state-run International Fashion Academy in Tashkent under the Agency for the Development of the Light Industry. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the decree establishing the new higher education institution on 16 October 2026 (PP-378).

The academy will be established on the basis of a joint educational programme run by the Tashkent Institute of Textile and Light Industry and the Paris International Fashion Academy. Students currently enrolled in the programme will continue their studies at the new institution and receive diplomas from the academy upon graduation.

The academy will begin operations in the 2026/2027 academic year. Student admissions will be conducted under the general procedure established by current legislation.

In addition to the joint programme, the academy will be authorised to independently offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes.

Starting in the 2027/2028 academic year, the institution plans to introduce a dual education system focused on training specialists in line with the needs of companies and organisations in the textile, garment, knitwear, leather and footwear industries.

The academy will also develop clothing designs commissioned by various organisations and public services.

Another area of activity will be the development of national brands.

From the 2027/2028 academic year, graduates of technical colleges that train specialists for the light industry will be eligible to enter the third year of bachelor’s programmes. Applicants must successfully complete their studies and achieve an average grade no lower than the threshold set by the academy.

Further study will be available on a fee-paying contract basis.

The decree also provides for multiple-entry visas and registration at the place of stay, in accordance with established procedures, for foreign specialists, administrative staff of the academy, their family members and international students.

If necessary, visa and registration periods may be extended following applications submitted by the academy.

A 400-bed dormitory will be built for the academy’s students. The project will be implemented through a public-private partnership, with the facility scheduled to enter service by the end of 2028.

Until construction is completed, students transferred from the Tashkent Institute of Textile and Light Industry to the academy will be allowed to use the institute’s dormitory in accordance with established procedures.