Job Description

Opportunity Description

Want to build a career in economics, policy, and data analysis while studying in Central Asia? The University of Central Asia (UCA) is accepting applications for its MSc in Economics and Data Science, a two-year, 120-ECTS master’s program delivered in person at UCA’s campus in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The program combines economics, applied statistics, econometrics, and machine learning with a research-based master’s thesis, and it is open to applicants worldwide. UCA offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to help cover tuition costs for the 2026 intake, with priority scholarship consideration for applications submitted by 20 September 2026.

Key Details

Eligible Degree Programs

Master’s Degrees: MSc in Economics and Data Science (this is the only program covered by this opportunity)

Scholarship Benefits

• Access to a two-year, 120-ECTS graduate program in economics, data science, and applied policy analysis
• Instruction from UCA faculty and visiting experts with backgrounds in research, policymaking, and international development
• A limited number of merit-based scholarships that help cover part of tuition costs for eligible applicants
• Reduced annual tuition of USD 6,000 for students from UCA’s Founding States (Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan), compared with USD 12,000 per year for other international students
• A structured, two-year progression from foundational courses in statistics, microeconomics, and programming to advanced electives and an independent master’s thesis

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or equivalent (UCA may consider applicants below this threshold in exceptional cases based on professional experience and demonstrated quantitative ability)
• Demonstrate a foundation in university-level mathematics, including calculus and linear algebra
• Bring a background in economics, mathematics, statistics, engineering, public policy, political science, or a related discipline
• Gain programming experience if possible; UCA recommends it but does not require it
• Build relevant professional experience for an added advantage, though UCA does not require it
• Register on the Kyrgyz Republic’s Edugate platform before submitting your application, unless you hold citizenship in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, or Belarus

Language Requirements

• TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 90
• IELTS Academic: minimum overall score of 6.5
• Applicants who completed a university degree taught entirely in English are exempt from these tests
• Applicants who cannot meet the above may take the UCA English Proficiency Test
• Medium of instruction: English

How to Apply?

• Complete the online application through UCA’s Master’s Portal
• Upload your bachelor’s degree certificate, official academic transcript, CV, and a 500–750 word statement of purpose
• Provide contact details for two academic or professional referees; UCA contacts them directly for confidential recommendations
• Submit proof of English proficiency, unless exempt, and a copy of your passport or national ID
• International applicants (except citizens of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus) must also register on the Edugate platform before their UCA application can be considered
• Apply by 20 September 2026 to be considered for merit-based scholarship support
• Final application deadline (non-priority): 4 October 2026
• Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview
• Official website

Apply Now

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