Rowan, Nordic University Boost Academic Ties in Central Asia

• Rowan University and Nordic International University sign a landmark partnership, launching the Rowan University Center in Tashkent to expand U.S. standard education across Central Asia.
• New dual-campus pathways introduced, including Master’s programs in computer and data science plus a 1+3 U.S. bachelor’s track, enabling students to begin studies in Uzbekistan and complete degrees in the United States.
• The collaboration strengthens global career readiness, offering U.S. faculty exposure, internships, research ties, and employment opportunities in the U.S., positioning it as a model for regional international education initiatives.

The United States' Rowan University and Nordic International University of Uzbekistan have inked an agreement targeted at greatly expanding international education opportunities across Central Asia, with special attention to joint-campus academic pathways and global career preparation.

This partnership, sealed with the very recent opening of a Rowan University Center at Nordic International University in Tashkent, is intended to give students curricula that meet global standards in such subjects as information technology, data science, and business management, preparing them to pursue diplomas for competitive jobs in today's global job market.

Leadership at Rowan University traveled to Uzbekistan to inaugurate the centre, meeting with high-ranking officials such as the country's Minister of Higher Education, representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Investment, and the U.S. Ambassador, marking the diplomatic and educational importance of the partnership. The opening of this centre expresses both parties' wish to provide competitiveness for professions on an international level through the implementation of international education standards in the local higher education circle.

At the core of this partnership are two major academic pathways that create bridges between studying in Uzbekistan and advanced degrees within the United States. For postgraduate students, Master's degree pathways in computer science and data science allow students to initiate their studies at Nordic International University before continuing on at Rowan to complete their degrees. For undergraduates, a 1+3 bachelor's format gives students the opportunity to spend their first year in Tashkent before continuing the next three years at Rowan-a structure designed to help students transition into international academic environments while developing proficiency in hot technologies and disciplines.

This dual-campus approach not only supports academic growth but also expands opportunities for students to interact with distinguished U.S. faculty members, engage in internships and practical training, and experience professional first encounters in a wide range of locations. Such exposure is intended to prepare graduates for the level of competence and assurance to be successful in both regional and global job markets. Graduates from these programs will also have the opportunity to seek employment in the United States, further enhancing the international mobility and employability of participating students.

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The Rowan University Center in itself is seen both as a symbolic and practical milestone in international cooperation in education within Central Asia. Its opening, on October 25, 2025, was attended by senior figures from government, academia, and the international diplomatic community represented by representatives from the ministries of Uzbekistan and the U.S. Embassy. This has demonstrated the common vision for expanding access to American-style education, joint research programmes, innovation, and promoting academic excellence. Dr. Ali Houshmand, the President at Rowan, spoke about this collaboration during his speech, as a way to support the preparation of globally competent professionals and strong connections between the two educational systems.

Through this partnership, Nordic International University is underpinning its mission to open the door to global education for the youth of Uzbekistan and beyond. This partnership aims at combining the strong sides of both institutions through internationally recognized diplomas and engaging students in the standard of U.S. education. Students get early preparation in Central Asia and advanced study abroad, thus receiving academic knowledge, global perspectives, and practical skills that meet modern labor market requirements.

Besides the academic track, the agreement also opens up prospects for extended exchanges not only of students and teachers but also for scientific collaboration on projects. In so doing, it will contribute to long-term improvements in education. Equally committed to improving education standards and encouraging innovation, both universities see this partnership as potentially serving as a model for similar international education initiatives in the region, for the benefit of students seeking careers on the global stage, from science and technology to business and beyond.