The competition is overseen by Fund Forum and Mehr Nuri Public Foundation and seeks to discover, support and encourage talented students entering their second, third and fourth year of study.

Applicants who get selected will be provided with a monthly stipend throughout the academic year on top of the regular government-provided stipend. The stipend may be extended for another academic year. The finalists will also have an opportunity to attend workshops, master classes as well as various events organized by Fund Forum and partner organizations. Until 2012 the Program was open only to second-year and third-year students. Starting this year however, in an effort to discover and support more talented students, the organizers welcome first-year students as well.

This merit-based program is now open to students entering their second, third and fourth year of study at the time of application. Students are selected based on the following criteria: good academic standing (students with “good” and “excellent” grades); leadership skills and innovation (new ideas stated in the application and recommendation letters); the specialty chosen and ability to contribute to its development (stated in an essay as part of the application).

Over 7,100 students have applied to the Program since 2006, with 617 having emerged as winners. A total of 268 mln soums worth of scholarships have been paid out.