Education That Transforms Lives
The University of Central Asia (UCA) is an internationally chartered university dedicated to advancing the sustainable development of mountain societies through education, research, innovation, and regional engagement. UCA works to improve the resilience, prosperity and quality of life of mountain communities across Central Asia and beyond.
Founded in 2000 as a private, not-for-profit and secular institution, UCA was established through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and His Late Highness the Aga Khan IV. The Treaty was subsequently ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents of the founding states serve as Patrons of the University, and His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is the Chancellor.
UCA's mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain regions, through internationally recognised education, applied research, innovation and the preservation of cultural heritage. Today, UCA combines undergraduate and emerging postgraduate education with research, policy engagement and professional learning to address the opportunities and challenges facing mountain societies in a rapidly changing world.
With campuses in Khorog, Tajikistan, and Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, and learning centres across the region, UCA serves as a platform for regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and leadership development. Through its School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), Graduate School of Development (GSD), and School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE), and with the wider support of the Aga Khan Development Network, UCA brings together students, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and community leaders in a shared endeavour to strengthen the future of Central Asia's mountain societies.
“By creating intellectual space and resources, this University (UCA) will help turn the mountains that divide the nations and territories of Central Asia, into links that unite its peoples and economies in a shared endeavour to improve their future well-being.”
His Late Highness the Aga Khan IV, Chancellor, University of Central Asia, Astana, Kazakhstan, 31 August 2000
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