# Westminster International University in Tashkent

Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT; Uzbek: Toshkent xalqaro Vestminster universiteti) is an international university in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It was founded in 16 January 2002 by the Umid Foundation [uz], the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of Uzbekistan, and the University of Westminster in London. The university admitted its first students in 2002, enrolling 120 students. It is considered the first international university in Uzbekistan and the first internationally accredited institution in Central Asia.
The university has been described in International Education: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary Issues and Systems as "successful in attracting students with high academic credentials".

## History

WIUT was founded in 2002 by the Umid Foundation [uz], the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of Uzbekistan, and the University of Westminster, with a dedication to providing internationally recognized higher education in Uzbekistan. Its founding followed earlier governmental initiatives in Uzbekistan, such as the establishment of the Malaysian Faculty of Business Management in 1994 and the Umid Foundation in 1997, which provided full scholarships for Uzbekistani students to study abroad. The institution opened in 2002 in a historic building in Tashkent that was constructed in 1911. Originally used as the 2nd Women's Gymnasium during the Russian Empire, the building was later donated to the Aviation College during the Soviet period and was renovated to accommodate WIUT. The university's courses are designed and validated by the University of Westminster. The first classes began in the same year WIUT opened, with 120 students.

## Academics

WIUT offers pre-foundation, foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs, all validated by the University of Westminster. The majority of students at the university study economics or business subjects.
WIUT is organized into several schools, including Business & Economics, and Law, Technology, & Education. These schools are further divided into smaller academic departments focusing on specific subject areas.
WIUT is only university in Uzbekistan and Central Asia which offers English Law Degree. WIUT Law degree is qualifying Law degree in Uzbekistan.
The university operates a study exchange program called the "Student Exchange Programme" with the University of Westminster in London. Additionally, students can transfer their studies to the University of Westminster.

### Teaching and learning

WIUT follows a semester system, with the first semester usually beginning in September and the second semester ending in mid-June.

## Diplomatic Academy of London

The Diplomatic Academy of London (DAL) is a graduate department of diplomatic studies at Westminster International University in Tashkent that offers programs of study in London on the campus of the University of Westminster. It offers graduate diplomas, both M.A. and Ph.D., in affiliation with the University of Westminster. It was originally established in 1988 by the Commonwealth of Nations as a program of study for diplomats from smaller member-nations of the Commonwealth. By 1992, it had evolved into a graduate department of diplomatic studies for foreign students studying at University of Westminster that was directed by Nabil Ayad with it offering both M.A. and Ph.D. diplomas through that university. The department was later absorbed into Westminster International University in Tashkent.
It should not be confused with the similarly named London Academy of Diplomacy which was a different institution that operated from 2010-2016.

## Notable alumni

* Gayane Umerova, art critic and curator