Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V
In accordance with UCA’s International Treaty and Charter, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V has assumed the role of the Chancellor of the University of Central Asia (UCA). He is the eldest son of UCA’s Founding Chancellor, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, and succeeded him as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims on 4 February 2025. His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is also the Chair of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
A founding Trustee of UCA since 2017, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V has been actively engaged in the University’s governance and strategic direction, while advocating for education, economic development, and social progress. His Highness worked closely with his late father for over three decades, serving on the boards of many agencies of AKDN. He has been particularly concerned with AKDN’s drive to protect the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change, an area of increasing significance to Central Asia.
His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V meets regularly with leaders of government, international organisations, and civil society to advance AKDN’s efforts in education, the preservation of cultural heritage, as well as sustainable economic development.
His Highness was educated at Phillips Academy Andover and graduated in 1995 from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature. He has two sons: Prince Irfan (b. 2015) and Prince Sinan (b. 2017).
His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, 1936-2025
His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family.
Aga Khan IV established the University of Central Asia in 2000 in partnership with the governments of the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. UCA has an internationally recognised standard of higher education and enables the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future.
The staff and volunteers of the University of Central Asia offer our condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Ismaili community worldwide. As we honour the legacy of our founder, Prince Karim Aga Khan, we continue to work with our partners to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the world.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Alumni Spotlight
The University of Central Asia (UCA) graduate Darika Urgazieva recently shared her inspiring journey in an interview with limon.kg. She reflected on her transformative experience at UCA, emphasising how the university equipped her with the skills and confidence to excel professionally and contribute meaningfully to her community.
Alumni Speak
"The most valuable thing UCA has given me is an understanding of what I truly enjoy doing in life. Majoring in Computer Science taught me the most essential skill of our era, in my view—the ability to learn quickly, which is key to succeeding in various fields."
Aydana Kubatova, Computer Science, Alumna, Class of 2024
Alumni Speak
“UCA provided the perfect environment to explore my passions in Communications and Media, hone my skills, and make a lasting impact. UCA isn’t just a place to study — it’s a place to thrive and discover your potential”
Rustam Pallaev, Communications and Media, Alumnus, Class of 2024
Alumni Speak
"UCA gave me an incredible opportunity to receive a high-quality education from leading professionals without having to leave my country. One of the most memorable experiences was my exchange semester in Norway, where I studied Business Administration."
Khonum Vafodorova, Global Economics, Alumna, Class of 2023
Alumni Speak
"I cherish every moment spent at my alma mater, surrounded by people from across Central Asia. Balancing research, gaining hands-on work experience, participating in national sports tournaments, organising student clubs, volunteering, and attending hackathons—all while studying Communications and Media—was only possible at UCA. It’s truly an exceptional place to experience student life."
Assylbek Assylkhanov, Communications and Media, Alumnus, Class of 2023
Alumni Speak
“As a Computer Science graduate from my university, I had the opportunity to explore a wide range of fields within the discipline, from software engineering to network systems. My passion for Data Science was sparked by courses in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, which provided a solid foundation for my future master’s studies and professional work.”
Shahnoza Dodikhudoeva, Computer Science, Alumna, Class of 2023
Alumni Speak
"The depth of UCA's academic programme has equipped me with skills necessary to succeed at the graduate school, whereas heavy focus on Central Asia and its development focus has brought forth the clarity to my professional plans and aspirations. Above all, UCA has given me life-long friends and wonderful mentors I cherish greatly."
Suyuna Dadybaeva, Communications and Media, Alumna, Class of 2021
Alumni Speak
“My dynamic undergraduate studies have equipped me with the versatility to pursue a Master's degree in Urban Management, building on my background in Environmental Sciences.”
Hangoma Kokulova, Earth and Environmental Science, Alumna, Class of 2022
Alumni Speak
“The people at UCA—especially the faculty—make it an excellent environment for developing key skills and capabilities essential to understanding the behaviour of economic agents. Above all, the programme taught me to think critically and ask important questions."
Safdar Jan, Global Economics, Alumnus, Class of 2021
Alumni Speak
“UCA taught us how to be compassionate and responsible, not only to yourself and your families, but towards your community and the world. My faculty, student life team and classmates have left a huge impact on my life, and these five years have certainly shifted my perspective of the future.”
Munira Malakbozova, Global Economics, Alumna, Class of 2021
A Development University
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations.