Ignoring the quota and facing expulsion: How a disabled student ended up in debt to the VGIK branch

Ignoring the quota and facing expulsion: a student with a disability found himself in debt at the VGIK branch.

Eldeniz Mamedov, a student with a first-degree disability at the Tashkent branch of VGIK, faced the threat of expulsion before the start of his third year due to outstanding tuition payments. Mamedov claims he was eligible for a state-funded scholarship, but the legally stipulated conditions were not applied upon his admission.

According to the student, problems with the organization of the educational process began in 2022, when he enrolled in the Screenwriting program. A year later, it was discovered that due to payment delays, his official enrollment had not occurred, although the outstanding debt was subsequently repaid.

Mamedov was offered a transfer with the possibility of transferring to the Drama program. However, by 2024, this program was no longer available at the branch, and Eldeniz had to retake the entrance exams—this time for the directing department.

Despite passing grades, he was not accepted for a state grant, and his family was forced to pay for his education again. Mamedov emphasizes that his disability status, classified as Group I, was in his personal file from the very beginning. According to current legislation, individuals with disabilities are entitled to an additional 2% state grant quota, which is also stated on the official website of the Tashkent branch of VGIK. The reasons why these conditions were not taken into account when allocating places were not explained to the student.

Currently, the branch management has warned Mamedov of expulsion if his second-year debt is not repaid.

Alongside his studies, Eldeniz is actively pursuing creative work. In 2022, he won an international screenwriting competition, and a short film was made based on his work. In 2026, his new script was selected for an international film festival, and a film he co-wrote won first place at a film festival in Florida (USA).

The student intends to continue his education in film.

A Podrobno.uz correspondent attempted to obtain comment from the administration of the VGIK Tashkent branch regarding the current situation. The branch stated that they would provide responses to the questions sent, but a week later, the editorial staff has still not received them.