← All news
News Arts and Humantieis

Tashkent Metropolitan University Opens Applications for UPM–TMU PhD Program in Educational Studies

By Anvar Umarov , Head of Marketing and PR Unit
TMU and UMP

Tashkent Metropolitan University (TMU) has opened applications for the UPM–TMU PhD Program, a collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) that gives candidates from Uzbekistan access to doctoral study at UPM's Faculty of Educational Studies (FPP). The PhD degree is awarded by UPM, and successful candidates enrol as full UPM postgraduate students.

The main distinguishing feature of the collaboration route is a shorter physical stay in Malaysia. International PhD students at UPM normally spend around one semester on campus at the start of their studies.

Candidates admitted through the TMU collaboration are expected to spend approximately three to four weeks at UPM during the first semester. This makes the program more accessible to working educators, administrators and researchers who cannot relocate for an extended period.

"Many educators and education managers in Uzbekistan want to earn a doctorate from an internationally recognised university, but they can't leave their jobs and families for a full semester abroad. This collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia addresses that barrier. Candidates earn a UPM degree under UPM's academic standards, and TMU supports them from their first document to their arrival in Malaysia. We expect this program to help build a new generation of education researchers who will apply their work here, in our schools and universities," said Bekhzod Djalilov, President of Tashkent Metropolitan University.

Seventeen fields in education and related disciplines

  • Applicants may choose from 17 PhD fields offered by FPP, including:
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Psychology
  • Educational Technology
  • Guidance and Counselling
  • Human Resource Development
  • Teaching of English as a Second Language (TESL)
  • Technical and Vocational Education
  • Sports Science
  • Health Education and Communication

The program takes a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years, depending on the candidate's research progress.

How the collaboration works

UPM retains full academic authority over the program. It reviews applications, makes admission decisions, assigns supervisors, approves research proposals, examines theses and awards the degree.

TMU identifies and supports candidates in Uzbekistan, guides applicants through the UPM online application and registration systems and coordinates the shortened first-semester stay. Admission is decided individually by UPM and is not guaranteed.

Requirements and how to apply

Applicants should hold a master's degree and an IELTS score of 6.5 or above (or an accepted TOEFL equivalent). The preliminary application package must be submitted via https://forms.gle/YUKmpPQKKQa6pSJb9 by 20 October 2026. It should include:

  • a research proposal
  • notarised bachelor's and master's diplomas and transcripts, with English translations where necessary
  • the English-language certificate
  • a health declaration
  • a 3×4 cm photograph
  • financial statement from the bank or workplace about their salary

A one-time TMU collaboration fee of USD 1,000 applies. It is separate from UPM tuition, which is paid directly to UPM according to its official international postgraduate fee schedule.

The full Applicant Information Handbook, including fees, visa (EMGS) procedures and frequently asked questions, is available athttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1M4iLafIJW3Zps616UhVMepJOsCqmI9Cq/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101197555064877202321&rtpof=true&sd=true.

TMU identifies and supports candidates in Uzbekistan, guides applicants through the UPM online application and registration systems and coordinates the shortened first-semester stay.

Related articles