Undergraduate programmes

Discover Undergraduate Studies at UCA

The University of Central Asia offers four undergraduate programmes at its residential campuses in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, and Khorog, Tajikistan. Taught in English, the programmes combine a strong academic foundation with practical learning, international academic partnerships, and opportunities to gain professional experience through paid internships. Students benefit from a close-knit campus community, dedicated faculty, and an education designed to prepare them for meaningful careers and further study.

Explore undergraduate programmes

Important Dates

15 October 2026

Applications open

15 February 2027

Application deadline

06 March 2027

Admissions test

01 April 2027

Interviews and financial aid application form

Why study at UCA?

Expand all

UCA offers an English-medium undergraduate education that combines academic excellence, practical experience, and a close-knit residential campus community. With international academic partnerships, dedicated faculty, and professional experience opportunities, students develop the knowledge and skills to pursue careers and further study.

Small classes and dedicated faculty

With a 1:9 faculty-to-student ratio, UCA offers a close-knit learning environment where students benefit from individual attention, direct engagement with faculty, and meaningful academic support.

Practical experience and career preparation

UCA undergraduate students are required to complete 1,440 hours of professional work experience through the Co-operative Education (Co-op) Programme. Across three consecutive summers, students gain hands-on experience with companies, public institutions and development organisations, applying classroom knowledge to real projects in fields such as IT, research, communications, finance and environmental science.

Residential campus experience

UCA’s campuses in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, and Khorog, Tajikistan, bring students together in diverse residential communities. Campus life includes academic, cultural, and extracurricular activities alongside study.

Interdisciplinary learning

UCA’s broad-based liberal arts and sciences education connects learning across disciplines. Students build critical thinking, analytical, and technical skills alongside knowledge in their chosen field.

A regional perspective with global relevance

UCA’s programmes connect the challenges and opportunities of Central Asia with wider global perspectives. Students build knowledge they can apply in the region and beyond.

How to Apply?

Expand all

Create your online account, submit the application and required documents, then complete the admissions assessment and interview. SAT scores and IELTS/TOEFL results may be accepted in place of the relevant tests; shortlisted applicants can also apply for financial assistance.

Step 1. Complete EduGate registration, if applicable

All applicants (except citizens of Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus) applying to programmes offered at UCA's Naryn Campus (Kyrgyzstan) must also register on the Government Education Portal, EduGate.

Applications from applicants who are required to register on EduGate but fail to do so will not be considered. The EduGate registration fee is separate from UCA's admissions test fee.

Step 2. Create your personal account

Create an applicant account in UCA's online application system.

Step 3. Complete the application form

Complete all required sections of the online application form.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information provided in the application is accurate and complete.

Applications containing incorrect or invalid information (for example, a date of birth in the future, incorrectly entered grades, or other inaccurate information) will not be considered.

Step 4. Upload the required documents

Upload all required supporting documents according to the admissions requirements.

Required documents:

A clear copy of your passport or national ID card.

Photograph: One current photograph on a white background, taken within the last three months.

Academic Transcripts: For international applicants only.

Step 5. Submit your application

Review and submit the completed application before the application deadline on 15 February, 2027 at 18:00 (GMT +6).

To avoid technical issues caused by a surge in applications near the deadline, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

There is no application fee to apply to UCA.

Step 6. Take the UCA Admissions Test

The UCA Admissions Test will take place on 6–7 March 2027. Invited applicants will receive further instructions, including their test-centre location, from the Admissions Office.

The Admissions Test fee is USD 15.

Applicants taking the test online are additionally required to pay a USD 38 online proctoring fee. This fee is charged directly by the external proctoring service and is not a fee charged by UCA.

Step 7. Attend an interview, if invited

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview as part of the admissions process. The Admissions Office will provide details and instructions to selected applicants.

Step 8. Apply for financial aid

Applicants seeking financial assistance should submit the completed application and all required supporting documents by the stated deadline. Details about the application process and deadline will be communicated to shortlisted applicants who successfully complete the admissions test.

Admission Requirements

Expand all

Review the academic qualifications, English and mathematics proficiency requirements, and supporting documents needed to apply to UCA.

Eligibility

Applicants should be in their final year of secondary school or have already completed their secondary education at the time of application.

Documents Required for Application

To apply, applicants are required to provide:

A valid passport or other government-issued identification document
One recent passport-style photograph on a white background.

International applicants, except citizens of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, are also required to upload their academic transcript as part of the online application. Applications submitted without the required transcript will not be considered.

Admissions Test

The UCA Admissions Test assesses applicants’ English-language proficiency and mathematical skills, including reading comprehension, sentence meaning, quantitative reasoning, algebra, and statistics.

Sample tests are available here:

Applicants invited to the UCA Admissions Test should bring the following to the test venue:

Personal Application Number
Original passport or other government-issued photo ID

The Admissions Test fee is USD 15.

Applicants who choose to take the Admissions Test online are additionally required to pay a USD 38 online proctoring fee for the proctoring platform.

Admissions Test Exemption

Applicants may submit valid IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English results instead of taking UCA's English language admissions test.

Please note: Applicants who submit an accepted English language test result are exempt only from the English language component of UCA's Admissions Test. They are still required to take the Mathematics test, for which the USD 15 Admissions Test fee applies.

English Language Test	Preparatory Programme	Direct Entry
IELTS	6.0–6.5	7.0 and higher
TOEFL iBT	79–95	96 and higher
TOEFL cBT	212–241	242 and higher
TOEFL pBT	548–588	590 and higher
Cambridge English Test	B1	C1

SAT Score Requirements

Applicants may submit SAT scores instead of the relevant UCA Admissions Test components.

Subject	Preparatory Programme (PP)	Direct Entry (DE)
Maths	500	600
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing	500	550

Subject

Preparatory

Programme (PP)

Direct Entry (DE)

Maths

500

600

Evidence-Based

Reading & Writing

500

550

Applicants submitting SAT scores should use the University of Central Asia code 7834.

SAT results may be submitted as a scanned or official electronic version by email to admissions@ucentralasia.org, or submitted in person/by mail to:

University of Central Asia Central Administration Office
125/1 Toktogul Street
Bishkek, 720001
Kyrgyzstan

Important: If an applicant submits SAT scores and also takes UCA's Admissions Test, only the UCA Admissions Test results will be considered.

Tuition and financial aid

UCA’s financial aid programme ensures that admission is based on merit, and the ability to pay fees is not a consideration during the selection process.

The total annual cost of studying and living at UCA is $8,000, covering tuition, learning materials, accommodation, meals, and access to modern facilities.

Financial aid can be up to $6,500 and includes various internal and external grants and long-term instalment payment plans. Its size is determined individually and depends on the financial situation of the family.

Full scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to meritorious students from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

These include:

Exceptional academic achievements in UCA’s admissions test,
1st place award in Republican Olympiads in all subjects,
Gold Certificate winners for the General Republican Testing (ORT).

Relevant certificates and other documents should be submitted by shortlisted candidates to UCA’s Admissions Office.

As a Computer Science graduate, 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, Senior Data Analyst at Qatar Airways

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, Media Assistant at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana.

UCA gave me a strong academic foundation and analytical skills that have become key to my future studies and academic career. The supportive environment and the many opportunities to present, work in teams, and take on responsibility really shaped my confidence and the way I work today.

Khizer Zakir, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Alumna, Class of 2022, Geospatial Data Scientist & PhD researcher

I will forever cherish my time at the UCA. It not only strengthened my academic and professional life, but also helped me find meaning and direction. In the safe and supportive environment of the UCA, I was able to open my mind to new ideas and see the world from a broader perspective. The university equipped me with valuable skills and gave me the ambition to work in the development sector and contribute to the betterment of my community. UCA helped me discover who I want to be and the impact I want to create.

Faryal Nayab, Global Economics, Alumna, Class of 2025, Graduate Student in Development Studies at York University, Canada

When I applied to UCA, many people wondered why I went to study in the remote town of Naryn. But I knew that the quality of education there would be at a high level, and UCA exceeded all my expectations.

Iskender Berdiev, Computer Science, Alumnus, Class of 2021, Software Engineer at Google

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 lifelong friends and wonderful mentors I cherish greatly.

Suyuna Dadybaeva, Communications and Media, Alumna, Class of 2021, Policy Associate at United Nations

My experience at UCA played a foundational role in shaping my career trajectory in environmental sustainability. UCA gave me not only technical knowledge, but also the confidence and leadership skills needed to work across cultures, disciplines, and international programmes.

Sadaf Sutaria, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Alumna, Class of 2021, Packaging Analyst at Bunzl North America.

UCA taught us how to be compassionate and responsible, not only to ourselves and our families, but towards our community and the world. My faculty, student life team, and classmates have left a huge impact on my life, and my time at UCA has certainly shifted my perspective on the future.

Munira Malakbozova, Global Economics, Alumna, Class of 2021, Graduate Studies in International Public Policy at the University of Tsukuba

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

Find answers to common questions about applying to UCA, financial assistance, programmes, and student life.

Is it possible to apply based on the results of the ORT?

To be admitted, you must submit an application and pass our internal exams.

What are the employment prospects?

UCA graduates have broad employment and further education prospects. They work for international and regional companies such as the Aga Khan Foundation, the World Bank, and the OSCE, and continue their education at prestigious universities abroad, and implement their own projects and startups.

What opportunities are there for internships and exchanges?

UCA provides students with extensive opportunities for practical experience, including mandatory internships during their studies, participation in research projects, and academic exchanges with international partners. Students can participate in semester-long exchanges at universities in Asia, Canada, and Europe (such as the University of Cambridge), participate in summer schools and cultural programs, and take joint online courses with international students.

Is it possible to transfer from another university?

Unfortunately, we do not offer transfers from other universities.

If you plan to change universities, you must pass the UCA internal entrance exams and enroll in your first year.

Does UCA issue an international diploma?

UCA awards two diplomas: a national diploma from the country where the campus is located (Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan) and a UCA diploma. The university is currently in the process of obtaining international accreditation, and the issued documents confirm the completion of higher education and allow graduates to continue their studies or build careers abroad.

In which countries is UCA's diploma recognised?

A UCA diploma is accredited in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, meets international academic standards, and paves the way for graduates to pursue master's degrees and employment worldwide.

Is it possible to enroll after 9th grade?

No, you cannot enroll after 9th grade. To study at UCA, you must have completed the full course of high school and have a transcript available by the time of admission.

Is it mandatory to live on campus?

Yes, on-campus housing is mandatory. This ensures full immersion in the academic and English-language environment, and creates optimal conditions for studying, socialising, and participating in extracurricular activities.

Contact admissions

Still have questions about applying to UCA? Our Admissions team is available to assist prospective students throughout the application process. Please contact us by email or WhatsApp.

Admissions Email