Which countries are students choosing to study in the most?

In the first quarter of 2026, 5,862 Uzbekistan citizens traveled abroad for educational purposes. This figure is 21.2 percent lower compared to the same period last year.

According to the National Statistics Committee, Russia remains the most popular destination among Uzbek youth. In the first three months of this year, 1,241 citizens went to this country to study.

South Korea was recorded in second place, with 1,131 Uzbeks traveling there for education. Kyrgyzstan took third place with 1,059 students.

Additionally, 424 citizens traveled to China, 423 to Turkey, 381 to Tajikistan, and 292 to the United Kingdom for studies. The number of those who went to other countries totaled 911.

Experts attribute the decline in educational migration to rising costs of studying abroad, changes in admission rules, and the expansion of higher education opportunities within Uzbekistan.