UWED and American University Launch 1+1 Dual Degree Program in International Studies

On 27 August 2026, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) and American University (AU), Washington, D.C., held an online signing ceremony for a new 1+1 Dual Degree Program in International Studies/International Relations, marking another important milestone in the development of academic cooperation between the two universities.

The ceremony was attended by Sodiq Safoev, Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, and David Marchick, President of American University, as well as representatives of both universities.

The new program is aimed at expanding opportunities for students to receive an internationally oriented education by combining the academic expertise and resources of UWED and American University. Under the 1+1 format, students will complete part of their studies at UWED and continue their academic program at American University in Washington, D.C.

The signing builds on the universities’ rapidly developing partnership. In February 2026, UWED and American University launched a dual degree program in Economics, and the new agreement expands this cooperation to the field of International Studies and International Relations.

The two institutions are also currently working on developing cooperation in the field of Law, with the intention of formalizing this direction in the near future.

During the ceremony, the parties emphasized that cooperation between UWED and American University is expected to extend beyond dual degree programs. Priority areas for further collaboration include faculty and academic exchanges, student mobility, joint research, professional training and capacity-building programs, executive education, as well as expanded cooperation at the undergraduate level.

The development of cooperation between UWED and American University also reflects the broader strengthening of Uzbekistan–United States relations, particularly in education, science, human capital development, and people-to-people exchanges. Partnerships between universities contribute to building sustainable academic and professional ties and creating new opportunities for future generations of specialists in both countries.

UWED also expressed its appreciation to the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan for its support in promoting academic and educational cooperation and strengthening institutional ties between universities in Uzbekistan and the United States.

About American University

American University, founded in 1893, is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. The university has R1 research status, the highest research classification for universities in the United States.

American University has a particularly strong academic profile in international affairs and political studies. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, American University is ranked 41st globally in Politics & International Studies.

One of the university’s leading academic units is the School of International Service (SIS), established in 1957. SIS is recognized as a Top-10 school of international affairs and brings together more than 120 full-time faculty members and nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Located in Washington, D.C., SIS provides students with access to a unique academic and professional environment closely connected with government institutions, diplomatic missions, international organizations, think tanks, NGOs, and the international policy community. Its academic portfolio covers international relations, international development, global governance, peace and conflict resolution, foreign policy and national security, and other areas of international affairs.

The new UWED–American University 1+1 Dual Degree Program represents another step toward building a comprehensive and long-term partnership between the two universities and expanding international educational opportunities for UWED students.