Chungnam National University to launch Korean-language program in Uzbekistan

Chungnam National University/ File: The Korea Times

According to The Korea Herald, one of South Korea’s leading higher education institutions, Chungnam National University (CNU), is set to introduce a Korean-language education program in Uzbekistan. The Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea announced that, together with the university, it has opened a Korean language education center in Tashkent. This step is considered the initial phase of the university’s planned campus project in Uzbekistan.

According to reports, on April 14 Chungnam National University signed a memorandum of understanding with the Uzbek government and local higher education institutions — including Tashkent Perfect University and Bukhara Innovation University. Under the agreement, the university will operate in a franchise format under the name “Chungnam National University in Tashkent” (CNUT).

CNUT is scheduled to begin operations in the second half of this year. All classes at the university will be conducted in Korean. The newly established Korean language centers will help students develop the language proficiency required for the university’s academic programs.

Under the project, students will complete the first two years of their bachelor’s degree in Uzbekistan following Chungnam National University’s curriculum. Those who achieve at least Level 4 on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) and meet the university’s other requirements will be able to continue their third and fourth years in South Korea. Graduates will receive a Chungnam National University degree.

The Korean Ministry of Education also stated that a working group consisting of experts and university representatives has been established to facilitate the operation of Korean universities abroad. The group is addressing issues related to finance, staffing, and accounting standards faced by universities operating overseas.