Tashkent: In a groundbreaking educational initiative, STARS International University and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) are set to launch the first embedded Bachelor program partnership in Central Asia by September 2024. This unique dual degree program will enable students in Uzbekistan to simultaneously earn an ACCA qualification alongside their bachelor’s degree, marking a significant development in the region’s academic landscape.

According to Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the collaboration between ACCA and STARS International University the most internationally accredited national university in Uzbekistan aims to integrate global standards in accounting education directly into the local curriculum. Bahram Gurbanov, Rector of STARS University, emphasized that the dual degree program is not only a landmark event for the university but also a turning point for educational standards in Uzbekistan, enhancing the university’s commitment to innovation and global competitiveness.

The program is structured to provide students with both a bachelor’s degree and an ACCA Advanced Diploma in Finance and Business, effectively reducing the time and resources needed to achieve these credentials separately. Students studying in the state language, Uzbek, will receive exemptions from nine core ACCA subjects, needing to pass only two additional subjects Financial Reporting and Audit and Assurance in English or Russian to complete the ACCA diploma requirements.

Zhanna Iskenova, Head of ACCA Central Asia, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative for ACCA, noting that it sets a global precedent and is expected to drive further growth and professional standards in Uzbekistan. She pointed out that STARS University is the first institution to offer such a program in Uzbek, which will significantly enhance the employability and professional skills of graduates, opening up numerous international opportunities for them.

This partnership between STARS University and ACCA represents a significant stride towards integrating international educational standards in Central Asia, promising to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in a globalized job market.