The University of Central Asia’s (UCA) first undergraduate campus opened its doors in 2016 in Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic, and welcomed the future class of 2021.

UCA was founded in 2000 by His Highness the Aga Khan and the presidents of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan. Aiming to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, the university also helps preserves the region’s rich cultural traditions and heritages as assets for the future.

Nestled in a rural mountain community, UCA immerses students in a fully residential campus environment. This encourages students from across Central Asia to exchange ideas and learn from each other, promoting diversity and pluralism. More than half of the undergraduate students are women.

Meet a few members of UCA’s Class of 2021 below:

Jyldyz - Major: Communications and Media Studies

I would choose the University of Central Asia over and over because of its uniqueness, how it cares for students and for making a difference in the community.

The five years I have spent at UCA were full of various initiatives, internships and extracurricular activities. I was on the Dean’s list for academic achievements four years in a row. Outside of the classroom, being a leader and serving the community were also a necessary part of my journey.

During the preparatory programme, I started teaching English to secondary school students on weekends. Being a volunteer teacher for five years is one of the ways I gave back by helping others access education.

In 2019, I spent five weeks in Auburn, Washington state along with 88 participants from developing countries in the Women’s Leadership Programme. This intense programme strengthened my leadership skills and interest in independent gender studies.

UCA taught me how to be strong and brave… and I am fully ready to start a new chapter of my life.

Murodali - Major: Computer Science

I feel lucky to have had an opportunity to obtain my undergraduate degree at UCA.

It was an extraordinary experience, studying in Naryn. Even though it’s remote and isolated, I never felt cut off from the rest of the world. I learned so much and gained a multitude of life skills.

During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to participate in a range of conferences held by the University. In my junior year, I volunteered at the Digital Transformations conference organised by UCA and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Bishkek. There, I met a range of experts in the field of digitisation and various governmental heads. At the second part of the conference, held at the Naryn campus, I was able to participate at a hackathon, presenting my project focused on improving the learning experience of children with dyslexia.

I am confident my chosen programme and the University are equipping me with the necessary skills and experience to accomplish my future aspirations.