Guidelines for Educational Grants for Women Starting Their Higher Education in STEM and Entrepreneurship Fields

The American University of Technology (AUT), in partnership with TBC Bank, is proud to support the “Profession Has No Gender” initiative aimed at empowering talented young women in Uzbekistan. This grant program provides full tuition coverage for the first year of study to those pursuing degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and Entrepreneurship.

If you are fluent in English, committed to academic excellence, and passionate about building a future in business, technology, or science—this opportunity is for you.

🎓About the Grant Program

Through this initiative, TBC Bank is offering a competitive grant program for young women who plan to begin their studies in September–October 2025 in a foundation or bachelor’s program at AUT.

Seven finalists will receive full tuition support for their first year of study (2025–2026 academic year, contract-based).

📍Why “Profession Has No Gender”?

The future is shaped by those who have access to education. Yet, according to UNESCO, women remain underrepresented in many fields:

• Less than 30% of researchers globally are women

• Only 3% of female students study ICT

• 5% pursue natural sciences, mathematics, or statistics

• 8% are in engineering, manufacturing, and construction

In Uzbekistan, women make up 54.3% of the student population, but only 17.5% in STEM fields.

In business and entrepreneurship, women often face challenges in accessing capital, mentorship, and leadership roles—despite growing interest and talent among young women.

By removing educational barriers, the “Profession Has No Gender” program helps close these gaps—unlocking potential, fostering innovation, and promoting diversity in education and the workforce.

✅Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be female citizens of Uzbekistan;

• Plan to enroll in a foundation or first-year undergraduate program at AUT in September–October 2025;

• Have a secondary education diploma with a GPA of at least 4.0 for the 2024–2025 academic year;

• Hold an IELTS certificate with an overall band score of 7.0 or higher;

• Demonstrate active interest in their chosen field (e.g. competitions, research projects, olympiads);

• Aspire to build a career in entrepreneurship, technology, and/or innovation.

⚠️ Priority may be given to candidates with disabilities, provided all other criteria are met.

Not eligible:

• Employees of TBC Bank or AUT, and their immediate family members;

• Applicants already receiving full educational funding from other institutions.

📝How to Apply

Step 1:
Check AUT’s admission requirements and gather the following documents:

• Full application package as required by AUT;

• IELTS certificate (overall score 7.0 or above);

• Completed grant application form (available from AUT website).

Step 2:
Submit all documents to AUT by August 13, 2025.

Step 3:
Take part in the competitive selection process, which may include an interview and/or creative exam.

Apply now

Selection Process

The grant selection will follow a two-stage process:

1. Initial screening to verify that all eligibility criteria are met;

2. Final selection by a committee consisting of representatives from AUT, TBC Bank, and the following organizations:

   • Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan

   • Asian Development Bank

   • UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)

   • UN Women

For inquiries related specifically to the grant program, please reach out to the organizers at:
📧 grants@tbcbank.uz