The University of Central Asia (UCA) celebrated a major milestone on 20 June with the graduation of its sixth cohort of undergraduate students at the University’s residential campuses in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, and Khorog, Tajikistan. The occasion also marked the University’s 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter century of advancing education, research, and development across Central Asia.
As the University of Central Asia celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 and brought its Silver Jubilee year to a close, the Naryn and Khorog campuses came together for the annual Awards Nights—a cherished tradition held on the eve of Graduation that recognises the outstanding achievements of students and the vibrant community that supports them.
What began as a simple act of gratitude has quickly become one of the University of Central Asia's (UCA) newest, distinctive traditions. Since 2024, graduating students from UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) have marked their final months on campus through the Graduating Class Gift Campaign, an initiative that channels student generosity into scholarships for the students who follow them.
This year, the Class of 2026 raised USD 3,450 from 183 donors, representing a 13 per cent increase in funds raised and a 25 per cent increase in donor participation over the previous year.
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For Communications and Media graduate Ayana Supueva, university life became an opportunity to lead, create meaningful initiatives and inspire others—whether by organising one of Naryn's largest youth events, mentoring young people, or sharing stories that reached millions online.
Shahnoza Fazlonshoeva grew up in a hazard-prone area of Tajikistan, and witnessed firsthand how closely people's lives are connected to the environment around them. This experience inspired her to pursue a degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Central Asia.
As a student at the University of Central Asia's Naryn Campus, Alfia Zholdosheva became a driving force behind some of the university's most impactful student initiatives, from leading Enactus UCA and organising TEDxUCA to launching Shamdan, a youth empowerment initiative that reached hundreds of young people across the Naryn region.
When choosing a university, Yasmina Alibekova was drawn to the University of Central Asia's mission of contributing to the development of the region through education, research, and community engagement. Throughout her years at UCA's Khorog Campus, Yasmina became deeply involved in student leadership and community-building initiatives.
When choosing a university, Yasmina Alibekova was drawn to the University of Central Asia's mission of contributing to the development of the region through education, research, and community engagement. Throughout her years at UCA's Khorog Campus, Yasmina became deeply involved in student leadership and community-building initiatives.
