UCA Central Asian Faculty Development Programme Doctoral Scholarship for the 2025-2026 Academic Year (Full Tuition + Stipend)

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About UCA Central Asian Faculty Development Programme Doctoral Scholarship

Programme Overview

The CAFDP Doctoral Scholarship is available to outstanding candidates from UCA’s founding states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan. It supports PhD applicants in a wide range of subjects relevant to UCA's strategic goals.

UCA is Central Asia’s sole regional university with fully residential campuses in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan and Khorog, Tajikistan with further operations in Tekeli, Kazakhstan. UCA’s Graduate School of Development, based predominantly in Bishkek, with smaller offices in Dushanbe and Khorog, leads the University’s research and development initiatives, and plans to introduce UCA’s first postgraduate programmes in 2025-26.

Fields of Study

The scholarship is available for PhD studies in subjects that align with UCA’s research and education interests and expertise at the School of Arts & Sciences and the Graduate School of Development.

• School: University of Central Asia (UCA)

Benefits of UCA Central Asian Faculty Development Programme Doctoral Scholarship

The CAFDP Doctoral Scholarship may cover:

• Full or partial university tuition fees (paid directly to the host university).
• Annual stipend (sufficient for the student).

Additional support from UCA:

• Annual Research Allowance.
• Travel expenses to and from the host country at the start and conclusion of the studies.
  
  Note: Please note the scholarship does not provide any support or funding for any dependents or family members.

UCA Central Asian Faculty Development Programme Doctoral Scholarship Requirements

All applicants will first be required to meet the eligibility criteria that includes:

• Citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan
• Higher education degree with excellent academic records from a recognised university.
• Official admission letter from the host university for a PhD programme in a UCA-relevant discipline.
• Interest in PhD programme in departments reflecting UCA fields of interest, outlined above.
• Interest in a career within academia, including research and teaching.
• Demonstrated competency in chosen discipline.
• Demonstrated commitment to undertaking employment with UCA in teaching and/or research following the completion of the CAFDP programme.
• Relevant professional or academic experience is strongly preferred.
• Excellent English language skills: IELTS score of 7.5 (with a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component) or TOEFL score of 110 (with 25 in each element).

 

Conditions

Scholarship recipients will be required to work at UCA, in an agreed teaching and/or research role, for a period corresponding to the length of study at the host university.

Eligible fields of study include Earth, Climate and Environmental Sciences, Computer and Data Sciences, Media and Communications, Development Economics, Climate Economics and Public Policy, Cultural Studies, Cultural Heritage and Society. Other fields may be considered based on UCA’s needs. Where appropriate, preference will be given to research topics engaging with theoretical or applied work especially pertinent to the Central Asian region.

It is expected that the research undertaken will also have direct relevance to Central Asia and that fieldwork would therefore normally be expected to be undertaken in Central Asia during the 2nd or 3rd year of the doctoral programme.

Application Date and Process

To submit your expression of interest please send the following documents in English to [email protected] no later than Monday 12 May 2025 (midnight, GMT+6): 

• CAFDP Application form.
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume (3 pages maximum).
• Admission letter from the host university confirming acceptance into a PhD programme.
• All items relevant to the eligibility criteria listed above including a personal statement outlining your short and long-term career goals, field of study and research interests, reason for applying to the CAFDP, and what makes you a good candidate for CAFDP. (3 pages maximum).
• A short research proposal (3 pages maximum) if the course chosen is entirely or predominantly research-based or equal taught/research based.
• A copy of your passport.
• Academic Transcripts and Diplomas.
• A detailed budget breakdown indicating all programme costs, funding secured to date, and the amount being requested as part of the application.

Applications will be reviewed by the UCA selection committee and shortlisted applications will be invited for an interview.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact: [email protected].

Application Deadline

12 May, 2025

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