University of Central Asia Welcomes the Class of 2030 at Naryn and Khorog Campuses

On 1 September, The University of Central Asia’s (UCA) School of Arts and Sciences (SAS)- offering a unique undergraduate programme that cultivates interdisciplinary knowledge and skills- welcomed its newest batch of students- the Class of 2030. The beginning of the 2025–26 academic year was marked with traditional bell-ringing ceremonies held simultaneously at the University’s Naryn (Kyrgyz Republic) and Khorog (Tajikistan) campuses. It brought together incoming students, returning cohorts, faculty, staff, distinguished guests, and community representatives. The Class of 2030 will benefit from a research-based curriculum that combines a liberal arts and sciences education and an outstanding faculty.

In line with tradition, students signed the Legacy Book, wrote letters to their future selves for the Time Capsule, and joined a symbolic community of learners committed to academic excellence and service.

The guests at the Naryn campus included Mrs. Aidana Imanalieva, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Naryn Oblast; Mr. Zhainak Nedmatuulu, Mayor of Naryn City; Mrs. Mirzat Mutalipova, Deputy of the Naryn City Council of Deputies; Professor Tilek Isabekov, Rector of Naryn State University; and Mrs. Kanykey Zhunusova, Director of the Naryn Regional Media Centre. 

“The University of Central Asia has become a centre of education and culture of international standard in Naryn, creating opportunities for youth, new jobs for residents, and contributing to the region’s development. We remain grateful to His Late Highness Aga Khan IV for founding this world-class institution, whose graduates will serve Kyrgyzstan and all of Central Asia,”- shared Mrs. Aidana Imanalieva, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Naryn Oblast

The ceremony in Khorog was attended by several distinguished guests, including Mr Ahmadsho Muolifshoev, Deputy Head of the Education Department of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) who expressed confidence that UCA graduates will contribute meaningfully to the development of Tajikistan. Other guests included the representatives of the Pamir Biological Institute, and the Institute of Humanities of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Badakhshan newspaper.

The audience from both campuses also heard a video message from UCA’s Rector, Professor Christopher J Gerry, who emphasised UCA’s mission to improve the quality of life of mountain societies in Central Asia and the importance of partnership, humility, and mutual respect in academic life. This was followed by the presentation of Awards to students who had achieved the highest merit in their respective classes (the Dean’s List) as well to faculty for Excellence in Teaching.

The ceremonies concluded with the ringing of the bell, a symbol of new beginnings, growth, and shared commitment to knowledge and service.