First Official Visit and New Prospects: Director of the British Council is at our University
24.02.2026
On February 23, 2026, the first official visit of the Director of the British Council took place at the “TIIAME” National Research University. This meeting marked an important milestone in the university’s history of international cooperation.
The Director of the British Council Uzbekistan, Michael Houlgate, and Business Development Manager Amirsaid Sadikov were received by the Rector of the university, Bakhadir Suyunovich Mirzaev. The university coordinator of the IELTS Cooperation Program, Associate Professor Guzal Eshchanova, also participated in the meeting.
Presentation of the University’s Potential
Prior to the official meeting, the guests were provided with detailed information about the university’s history, scientific potential, international relations, faculties, and modern infrastructure.
During the visit, the delegation toured the A. Oripov Museum, viewed the university model, and reviewed presentation materials reflecting its educational and research activities.
The Rector particularly emphasized the university’s positions in international rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education rankings, as well as its achievements in the National Ranking.
Strategic Cooperation and International Projects
During the meeting, discussions focused on expanding cooperation with UK higher education institutions, developing joint educational programs, and increasing academic mobility.
Associate Professor Guzal Eshchanova delivered a presentation on major projects implemented in cooperation with the British Council:
English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) Project (2019–2021)
Professional Development Centre (February 20, 2020)
EnSPIRE-U (2017–2020)
Change Academy Programme (2018–2020)
In addition, discussions covered cooperation with Keimyung College University, including:
2+2 Joint Degree Program
Digital education development initiatives
Further promotion of international certification
Strategic Partnership in IELTS
The strategic IELTS partnership between the university and the British Council continues to develop consistently. The following international examinations are organized on campus:
IELTS (Academic & General Training)
IELTS for UKVI
IELTS Life Skills
ACCA examinations
Aptis ESOL for Teachers
The university provides candidates with:
A full exam format (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
Modern examination zones located in Building 11
Organization of Mock Tests and Pre-tests
Sufficient opportunities for regional and city-based test takers
The delegation visited the IELTS examination zones in Building 11 and highly appreciated the facilities and conditions created for candidates.
Future Priority Areas
During the negotiations, the following strategic issues were discussed:
Increasing the number of teachers and students holding international certificates
Strengthening digital education based on the experience of the British Council
Expanding professional development initiatives for teachers
Symbolic Gesture of Appreciation
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Rector presented commemorative gifts of the university to Michael Houlgate.
This first official visit became an important step toward further strengthening the international standing of the “TIIAME” National Research University, elevating its strategic partnership with the British Council to a new level, and broadly implementing international education standards.
The university and the British Council agreed to continue their consistent cooperation based on the principles of international integration, academic excellence, and innovative development.