PRESS RELEASE Awarding Ceremony for the First Graduates of the Foundation Course

On March 26 of this year, a certificate awarding ceremony was held for the first graduates of the Foundation program at the Academic Lyceum of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

A total of 32 students successfully completed the international Foundation program, which is based on Finnish educational practices, as part of the cooperation between UWED, Nordic International University, and Karelia University of Applied Sciences in Finland. During the ceremony, school and university leaders, teachers, and parents warmly congratulated the graduates on their achievements and expressed their confidence that these students would succeed in pursuing higher education at prestigious foreign universities.

Following the speeches, the graduates were awarded joint certificates in accordance with national legislation, confirming their successful completion of the Foundation program. These talented young people have now gained additional opportunities to enroll at Karelia University in Finland.

Throughout the Foundation program, students acquired modern knowledge essential for building promising futures and took confident steps toward university life. They gained the foundational skills and knowledge required to pursue fields such as Economics, Pedagogy, Information and Communication Technologies, and Foreign Language and Literature (English). Graduates with high academic achievements now have the opportunity to receive scholarships and continue their education as bachelor's students at Nordic International University or Karelia University.

For reference, the development of the Foundation program involved professors, teachers, and education experts from Nordic International University and Karelia University of Applied Sciences. Joint program-based groups were organized at the lyceum in accordance with modern educational trends.

As part of the Foundation program, Karelia University President Petri Raivo visited the students several times, organizing master classes and interactive discussions. During these meetings, students were informed about Karelia University scholarships, the unique features and benefits of the Finnish education system, and other relevant insights.

Additionally, Karelia University student and program coordinator Otabek Makhmudov shared his practical knowledge about student life in Finland, important rules that international students should know, effective solutions for adapting abroad, and the significance of learning the Finnish language.

Most importantly, visits to Finland — particularly to Karelia University of Applied Sciences — were organized for the students. During their educational trip, they gained firsthand insight into the Finnish education system and the lives of Uzbek students studying in Finland.