06.11.2026

Bukhara State University demonstrates its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 10 through initiatives promoting educational inclusion, equal opportunities, student welfare, and the reduction of barriers experienced by disadvantaged and underrepresented groups.

Its publicly documented activities encompass accessible admission arrangements, disability support services, adapted campus infrastructure, psychological counselling, academic assistance, gender inclusion initiatives, and targeted professional development opportunities.

The university's official website and public communications provide an accessible evidence base for several of these initiatives.

The institution's contribution to SDG 10 is particularly evident in the areas of accessible learning facilities, disability support services, and educational assistance for students with additional needs.

The university can further strengthen its institutional evidence by publishing consolidated 2025 monitoring statistics, approved policies, committee mandates, and annual programme reports.

These additions would make its contribution to reducing inequalities more transparent, independently verifiable, and aligned with the evidence requirements of the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2027 methodology.

10.6.1 Non-discriminatory Admissions Policy

Have an admissions policy which is non-discriminatory or that details and explains the logic for any appropriate positive discrimination policies in admissions

Equal Right to Education (Article 4 of the Labour Code):

This article guarantees equal rights to education for everyone in Uzbekistan, regardless of factors such as gender, race, nationality, social status, or religion. It ensures that individuals, including foreign nationals and stateless persons residing in Uzbekistan, are entitled to equal educational opportunities. This commitment to non-discrimination aligns with the principles outlined in 10.6.1, which requires universities to have non-discriminatory admissions policies.

Admission Process (Resolution No. 393 of the Cabinet of Ministers, June 20, 2017):

The resolution specifies that admission to higher education institutions, whether on grants or fee-paying contracts, is based on equality and standardised rules. The selection process is conducted through a competitive testing system, where those with the highest scores are admitted on state grants first, while the remaining applicants are considered based on their test scores for the fee-paying contract slots. This process ensures fairness and equal opportunity for all applicants, in line with the 10.6.1 requirements.

Thus, the university's non-discriminatory admissions practices ensure that all applicants have equal chances, regardless of their background.

10.6.2. Access to University — Tracking Applications from Underrepresented Groups

Evidence Description

Bukhara State University (BSU) promotes equitable access to higher education through dedicated admission arrangements, student support mechanisms, and the monitoring of participation among students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds.

The university's official admission portal provides information on additional admission quotas for applicants with disabilities, disadvantaged women, and children without parental care. These arrangements are intended to reduce structural barriers and improve access to university education for applicants requiring additional support.

Furthermore, BSU maintains institutional records relating to the participation of students with disabilities. According to the university's publicly available information published in May 2026, 222 students with disabilities were enrolled within a total student population of 18,544.

This demonstrates the university's capacity to identify and report the enrolment of students with disabilities. The official admissions arrangements provide an additional foundation for monitoring access among applicants from underrepresented groups.

To demonstrate full compliance with the indicator, these arrangements should be accompanied by the university's 2025 disaggregated application and admission statistics.

10.6.3. Access to University — Recruitment of Underrepresented Groups

Evidence Description

Bukhara State University implements inclusive education initiatives aimed at improving access, participation, and educational opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds.

The university supports accessible admission procedures and provides information on additional admission opportunities for applicants with disabilities and other eligible disadvantaged categories.

Its official admission framework includes dedicated provisions intended to enable eligible candidates to compete for additional state-funded university places.

Alongside these admission arrangements, BSU actively promotes inclusive educational participation through engagement with disability organisations, accessible learning initiatives, and targeted academic support.

The university has also publicised the introduction of short-term professional development courses based on programmes developed by the International Inclusive Hub. These courses are designed to strengthen professional skills, facilitate social integration, and support the personal development of young people participating in inclusive education.

The combination of inclusive admission arrangements, cooperation with disability organisations, and dedicated educational support initiatives demonstrates the university's commitment to broadening access for underrepresented groups.

A formal 2025 recruitment action plan covering students, academic staff, and employees would provide stronger evidence of planned institutional recruitment measures.

 10.6.5. University Diversity Officer

Evidence Description

Bukhara State University maintains institutional structures dedicated to advancing equal opportunities, gender inclusion, student welfare, and access to education for individuals with diverse needs.

The university's Women's Affairs Advisory Council serves as an identifiable institutional body supporting the rights, interests, academic development, and professional participation of women within the university community.

The council promotes women's engagement in education, research, university activities, and institutional development.

Its institutional role is publicly documented, including the university's announcement dated 5 March 2026 identifying Lobar Khaydarova as Chair of the Women's Affairs Advisory Council.

In parallel, the university undertakes disability inclusion activities involving academic representatives, the Information Resource Centre, and student support personnel.

These activities demonstrate the involvement of designated university structures in implementing inclusion-related initiatives.

To establish full compliance with the THE diversity officer indicator, the university should provide an official regulation, administrative appointment, or committee mandate confirming responsibility for diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights across the institution during 2025.

10.6.6. Support for Underrepresented Groups

Evidence Description

Bukhara State University provides a comprehensive range of academic, psychological, and social support measures designed to enhance educational participation and student well-being, particularly among students with disabilities and individuals facing additional educational barriers.

The university's student support arrangements include psychological counselling, individual academic consultations, tutorial assistance, supplementary educational resources, and personalised support measures.

According to the university's official academic assessment and student support information, psychological services, academic tutors, curators, and other responsible personnel are available to help students address academic and personal difficulties.

Students with disabilities benefit from specialised educational arrangements intended to improve access to learning opportunities and facilitate their participation in university activities.

The university's inclusive education information additionally identifies supplementary lessons, volunteer assistance, adapted educational materials, and social adaptation activities as available forms of support.

In November 2025, university representatives also reviewed the individual educational and social needs of a student with disabilities, demonstrating direct institutional engagement with student welfare and accessible education.

Collectively, these initiatives provide publicly documented evidence of academic guidance, counselling, student assistance, and inclusive support arrangements.

10.6.8 Disability Support Services at Bukhara State University

Bukhara State University (BSU) is committed to ensuring equal educational opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for students with disabilities in accordance with SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities. The University provides support through inclusive educational initiatives, adapted learning resources, individual assistance, extracurricular activities, and cooperation with disability advocacy organisations.

To strengthen student engagement, BSU organised a “Leadership and Youth Dialogue”, enabling students with disabilities to discuss their educational needs, challenges, and suggestions directly with university leadership. The University also regularly assesses student living and learning conditions. During an official visit to student dormitories, Rector Obidjon Khamidov and regional authorities met with a student with disabilities to discuss personalised educational support, rehabilitation opportunities, and social integration. BSU continues to improve inclusive infrastructure, psychological and pedagogical assistance, and adapted educational resources.

The University actively promotes inclusive sports through its Para Powerlifting Club, where 12 students with disabilities receive professional training. Notably, student Bunyod Safarov won second place at the Uzbekistan Para Powerlifting Championship, demonstrating the positive impact of inclusive sporting opportunities.

BSU also organises awareness-raising activities, including exhibitions of assistive technologies such as Braille books, electronic reading devices, talking clocks, and mobility aids. The “Compassion, Care and Opportunity for All” exhibition, organised with disability advocacy organisations, further promoted social inclusion and community engagement.

Additionally, BSU hosted the international conference “Organisation of Inclusive Education: Challenges, Solutions and Prospects”, bringing together experts from Uzbekistan, the United States, and Russia to exchange best practices in inclusive education. The University also observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to raise awareness of disability rights, equality, and accessibility.

Through these initiatives, Bukhara State University demonstrates its commitment to reducing inequalities, strengthening disability support services, and ensuring that students with disabilities have meaningful opportunities for academic achievement, personal development, and full participation in university life.

10.6.9. Disability Access Scheme

Evidence Description

Bukhara State University supports access to higher education for persons with disabilities through targeted admission opportunities, specialised academic assistance, accessible educational resources, and inclusive professional development initiatives.

The university's official admission information recognises additional state-funded admission opportunities for eligible applicants with disabilities.

Such arrangements are designed to reduce barriers to university entry and facilitate educational participation for individuals who may otherwise experience disadvantages within conventional admission processes.

Alongside admission-related support, the university provides supplementary academic instruction, adapted learning materials, volunteer assistance, and individual educational support for students with disabilities.

The university's inclusive education initiatives also include specialised professional development opportunities.

The official university Telegram channel reported the organisation of short-term training courses based on programmes developed by the International Inclusive Hub.

These courses are designed to strengthen the professional skills of young people participating in inclusive education and support their social and professional integration.

The university's accessible learning resources and support arrangements complement these initiatives by helping students with disabilities participate more effectively in academic activities.

Together, these measures constitute evidence of targeted educational access and support mechanisms.

For full compliance with the reporting-year requirement, the submission should include documentation confirming which targeted schemes were operational during 2025, including the programme objectives, responsible personnel, and participation records.

10.6.9 Mentoring

Bukhara State University (BSU) promotes equal opportunities through academic mentoring, professional guidance, and initiatives supporting women's leadership and personal development. The University encourages female students to develop their academic potential, leadership abilities, entrepreneurial skills, and career aspirations through interaction with experienced academics and professionals.

The University's academic mentoring tradition provides opportunities for students to receive guidance in research, academic development, and professional growth. Female academics also contribute to mentoring activities, including the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research. In addition, the University's Women's Affairs Advisory Council and academic staff organise motivational training sessions and discussions aimed at strengthening female students' confidence, independent decision-making, social participation, and future career planning.

Through the “Qizlarjon” Club and other student engagement initiatives, BSU creates opportunities for young women to exchange experiences, develop communication skills, and interact with university specialists. These activities complement the University's broader efforts to encourage women's participation in education, research, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

By promoting mentoring relationships, academic guidance, and women's empowerment, Bukhara State University contributes to reducing gender inequalities and supporting the academic and professional development of female students.

10.6.9 Other targeted support

Bukhara State University (BSU) is committed to providing targeted support for students with disabilities by promoting equal opportunities, social inclusion, and active participation in university life. The University organises inclusive sporting, intellectual, and cultural activities designed to strengthen students' confidence, personal development, and sense of belonging.

One of these initiatives is the traditional “Friendship” sports competition, organised for students with disabilities. The programme includes chess and checkers tournaments, providing opportunities to develop strategic thinking, communication, and social interaction. Participants who achieve outstanding results are recognised with medals, diplomas, and commemorative gifts from the University Student Sports Club.

BSU also organised the “Resilient Youth” forum, bringing together students with disabilities from higher education institutions across Bukhara Region. The programme featured table tennis, arm wrestling, chess, checkers, and creative exhibitions, encouraging broader participation in sporting and cultural activities.

Furthermore, the University conducts inclusive intellectual competitions, including the “Zakovat” quiz competition, alongside disability-focused sporting events. University leadership actively supports these initiatives through direct engagement with participants and recognition of their achievements.

Through these targeted programmes, Bukhara State University contributes to SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities by strengthening social integration, promoting student well-being, and ensuring that students with disabilities have opportunities to participate meaningfully in university and community life.

10.6.10 Disability Accommodation Policy

Have a reasonable accommodation policy or strategy for people with disabilities, including adequate funding.

Bukhara State University is dedicated to ensuring that students with disabilities have access to necessary accommodations and resources to support their education and well-being. The university’s initiatives include both infrastructural improvements and engaging extracurricular activities designed to foster inclusivity and provide targeted support for students with special needs.

One such measure is the ongoing construction of a new student dormitory within the Agronomy and Biotechnology Faculty. This dormitory, designed to meet the diverse needs of students, including those with disabilities, reflects the university’s commitment to providing appropriate and accessible living spaces. During his visit to the faculty, the rector, Obidjon Hamidov, inspected the construction site and gave further directives to ensure that all facilities, including the heating system and greenhouse projects, are fully operational and accessible.

Additionally, in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), Bukhara State University organises events such as the “BukhSU Party” concert held at the university’s dormitories. These events aim to engage students with disabilities and provide them with a meaningful and inclusive experience during their free time.

Moreover, a special cultural and educational concert titled “Modesty is a Girl’s Virtue, Dignity is a Boy’s Pride” was held in collaboration with the Natural Sciences Faculty and the Faculty of Art Studies. The event, designed to foster moral and ethical development, featured renowned scholars and artists, including Filology Doctor G.S. Yunusova and Art Faculty Lecturer X. Mustafayev. This event was part of the broader “Ustoz va Shogird” (Mentor and Student) tradition, encouraging students, including those with disabilities, to learn from the wisdom and experience of the elders and mentors, promoting intergenerational mentorship and personal growth.

These initiatives demonstrate Bukhara State University’s proactive approach to ensuring that students with disabilities are not only accommodated in terms of infrastructure but are also actively included in the cultural, educational, and social life of the university. The university continues to develop policies and strategies that guarantee equitable access and opportunities for all students, particularly those requiring additional support.