Published 28 September 2026
What changes in Uzbekistan’s OAK process on 1 January 2027
Presidential Decree PF-98 of 26 May 2026 assigns different start dates to changes in research attestation. Applicants should distinguish the rules used in 2026 from those taking effect on 1 January 2027.
Procedures removed in 2027
From 1 January 2027, OAK will stop registering dissertation topics and publishing defence announcements. Discussion at a lead organisation, mandatory printing of the abstract and a separate certificate of practical implementation are removed. Routine scientific examination by an OAK field expert council and OAK confirmation of the academic council’s decision are also discontinued.
Language examination and council duties
The foreign-language qualifying examination is removed in the general route, while the decree expressly excepts independent applicants. Academic councils become responsible for fair examination, detecting copied work and substantiating their decisions. OAK retains selective review and may annul a council decision with reasons.
Applying the correct timetable
A shorter procedure does not award a degree automatically or remove the need for credible research results. Check the defence date, the transitional rule in paragraph 7 and the current regulations before filing. Changes scheduled for January 2027 should not be presented as already governing an autumn 2026 defence.
Verification sources
- Presidential Decree PF-98 on research training and attestationSource: Lex.uz national legislation database; instrument dated 26.05.2026.
- OAK — explanation of the transitionSource: official Uzbekistan OAK website; published 23.06.2026.
Prepared from official OAK and Lex.uz publications. Principal source: Presidential Decree PF-98 on research training and attestation.