IT Park University graduates its first cohort: 80% already employed in Uzbekistan’s leading IT companies

The first graduation ceremony of IT Park University students took place at IT Park Uzbekistan — a milestone marking the beginning of a new chapter in the university’s history. This day signified not only the culmination of academic studies but also the validation of the core principles upon which ITPU was founded — practicality, boldness, and a readiness for transformation. Of the 75 graduates, more than 80% have already received employment offers from companies such as EPAM, IT Park, TBC Bank Uzbekistan, Payme, Alif, and Beeline.

Established in 2022 at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, IT Park University has, from its inception, become a key institution for the training of a new generation of IT specialists. The university operates under a hybrid educational model, with instruction delivered in English and a strong emphasis placed on practical training and real-world projects. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in high-demand areas, including software engineering, cybersecurity, DevOps, artificial intelligence, and IT project management. Through its partnership with EPAM, students have the opportunity to undertake internships at the company’s European offices. The university admitted 248 students in its inaugural year; today, it is home to 409 students.

Official ceremony

The graduation ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Digital Technologies, IT Park, EPAM Uzbekistan, faculty members, and the families of graduates. University leadership, mentors, and students shared reflections on the institution’s evolution and its initial results — conveyed not only in figures but also through personal transformations.

Rustam Karimjonov, First Deputy Minister, delivered an opening remark:

"We are witnessing how an initiative launched merely two years ago is already yielding tangible results. Over 80% of IT Park University graduates have secured employment with the country’s leading IT companies. This is compelling evidence that we are moving in the right direction — building an ecosystem where education is closely integrated with industry and driven by outcomes.”

Dmitry Yarmak, Head of EPAM Global Education, also offered his congratulations. He noted that graduation marks a critical milestone and expressed his appreciation to IT Park University for establishing a platform where future professionals are nurtured. He extended special gratitude to the parents and students who placed their trust in this entirely new educational institution.

The ceremony also featured a video message from Arkadiy Dobkin, President and Chairman of the Supervisory Board at EPAM. In his address, he emphasised that ITPU is no longer simply a university, but a phenomenon shaping the future of Uzbekistan’s digital landscape.

“Sixty percent of graduates are already employed, many of them within EPAM,” he stated. He encouraged graduates to remain engaged members of the community, to contribute to the continued development of Uzbekistan’s digital infrastructure, and expressed his gratitude for their role in this shared journey.

Conferral of diplomas

The diploma awarding ceremony was accompanied by addresses from invited guests:

Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, underscored the significance of this occasion for the country:

“Applause to each of you — you have accomplished a great deal, and this is just the beginning of a bright future. This achievement has been made possible by the strong leadership of our President. From the outset, we understood that without investment in education, we could not hope to achieve such ambitious targets as $5 billion in exports. The real impact begins when students engage in real-world projects from day one,” he remarked.

Bokhodir Ayupov, Director of IT Park University, emphasised the importance of practical approach to education. According to him, the establishment of the university was conceived not as a project, but as a mission:  

“We sought to establish not just another university, but the right kind of university — a place where instructors are not only theoreticians but also engineers, architects, and designers who solve real-world problems every day.” He added that the success of the graduates affirms that bold ideas succeed when supported by belief.

Renat Akhtyamov, General Director of EPAM Uzbekistan, reminded the graduates of the importance of continuous personal development:

“The IT industry evolves by the week, and sometimes by the day. To remain competitive, one must commit to lifelong learning. Your ability to grow and adapt will define your success in the future.”  

Special awards and recognition

Special awards were presented to students who demonstrated excellence not only in their studies but also through their engagement in campus life, leadership, and social initiatives. The “Bridge Builder Award” and the “Student Leadership & Sustainability Award” were conferred upon Roman Kolesov and Sarvar Ilyasov.

The “IT Park University Spirit Award” and the “Campus Life Contributor Award” were presented to Ziyodullo Baykhanov and Rukhshona Bobojonova. Diyora Dadadjanova received the “Social Impact through Innovation Award”.

Roman Kolesov, a graduate of the inaugural cohort, delivered a speech on behalf of the students. He reflected on his personal impressions, noting that, beyond acquiring professional knowledge, students had also developed vital skills in teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.

Grants for top students

Upon completion of the academic program, grants were awarded to the top ten students. These grants serve as recognition not only of academic excellence but also of the recipients’ contributions to the student community.

For students who completed the academic term with distinction, tuition expenses under their contractual agreements were fully covered.

Closing and atmosphere

At the conclusion of the ceremony, all graduates took to the stage and, following tradition, tossed their academic caps into the air.

Admissions now open

The master’s program, launched in 2024, includes specialisations in solution architecture, cloud technologies and DevOps, data engineering, and artificial intelligence. In 2025, new tracks were added in IT project management and information security.

Since its establishment, the university has provided students with access to international experience, including internships at EPAM offices in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Spain, and Georgia. The faculty includes over 50 experts, many of whom combine teaching responsibilities with active roles in IT companies — ensuring that the academic process remains aligned with industry demands.

Applications for bachelor’s and master’s programs are open until 18 September 2025 via the following link: https://itpu.uz/ru

This inaugural graduation stands as a significant milestone in the advancement of IT education in Uzbekistan. IT Park University has demonstrated that it is possible to establish a next-generation educational institution in the country — one that is practice-oriented, international in scope, and closely aligned with the requirements of a rapidly evolving digital economy.