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The Central Asian Rounds
Each February, teams from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan gather at one host university for their National Rounds of the Jessup Competition.
Jessup Central Asian Rounds 2026 — teams, coaches and judges in the host university hall. Click to enlarge.
For universities in the region
Host a future season
As hosting rotates between countries, we invite interested universities to work with us to bring the Central Asian Rounds to their campus.
How the Central Asian Rounds work
The Central Asian Rounds are one regional gathering, but they are not a single regional competition. Each country holds its own National Rounds and awards its own national title. Bringing the three competitions together gives Jessup a stronger presence in Central Asia and creates a memorable experience for everyone involved. Students travel beyond their home cities and, often, abroad for the first time as competitors. They meet teams facing the same pressures and ambitions in neighbouring countries, learn from a wider group of judges and become part of a regional community that continues long after the Rounds are over.
Three national competitions, one shared event
During the competition, teams plead against other teams from their own country. Each National Champion qualifies to represent its country at the International Rounds. In some seasons, a country may receive an additional place under the Jessup Rules, allowing its runner-up team to advance as well.
Teams that do not reach their National Final Round may register for Friendly [cross-border] Round. These matches take place outside the National Rounds and do not affect teams’ results. They give teams another opportunity to present their arguments before judges, receive feedback and experience an international Jessup match before the Central Asian Rounds come to an end.
Teams wishing to take part in the Friendly Round must confirm this through our digital system. Access and instructions are provided later in the season.
Organised together
The Central Asian Administration and the host university work together throughout the season to make the Rounds possible.
The Administration prepares the schedule, organises the matches, recruites judges and helpes teams resolve participation issues. The host university turns those plans into a welcoming three-day event by providing the venue and supporting local coordination, volunteers and hospitality.
Each host university supports the Rounds in the ways its resources allow – from providing classrooms and coordinating student volunteers to covering accommodation, meals and other needs of the weekend. This generosity shapes the experience of every visiting team, and we are deeply grateful to the universities that welcome the Central Asian Rounds to their campuses.
When and where we meet
The Central Asian Rounds take place every February, usually on the fourth weekend after the memorials submission deadline. This gives teams approximately one month to prepare for the oral rounds.
The Rounds last three days. Depending on arrangements with the host university, they are held from Friday to Sunday or from Saturday to Monday.
The host country rotates between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. One season the Jessup community meets in Bishkek, another in Tashkent or Almaty. The rotation shares the responsibility of hosting and gives students the opportunity to discover another university, city and country through participation in the Competition.
Planning your team’s visit
Because the Rounds move to a different country each year, universities should plan for the cost of travelling to the host city. Each university arranges and funds its team’s travel.
We also work with the host university to make attendance more affordable for students coming from outside the host city. Where the host university’s resources allow, visiting students are offered accommodation in a university dormitory or hostel, together with breakfast. Coffee breaks are also arranged for participants throughout the event.
When accommodation is available, it normally covers the full visit: students check in the day before the Rounds begin and check out the day after they end. As a rule, the accommodation is available to students only, so team advisors must make their own arrangements. Universities that prefer hotel accommodation may book it for their students at their own expense.
Accommodation, breakfast and coffee breaks depend on the resources available to the host university, so arrangements vary from year to year. We are grateful for the support each host unversity can offer. Teams receive details of the season’s accommodation and meal arrangements in advance, in the introductory letter sent to all Jessup teams.
Growing the Central Asian community
The Central Asian Rounds currently bring together teams from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and we hope the community will continue to grow. We would be delighted to welcome universities from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. If your university is considering taking part, please contact us so that we can discuss how to help you join.
Universities encountering the Jessup Competition for the first time can find guidance on eligibility, forming a team, registration and preparation on the I’m new page.
Past seasons
| Year | City | Host university |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | Tashkent State University of Law |
| 2025 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | American University of Central Asia |
| 2024 | Almaty, Kazakhstan | KIMEP University |
First time entering
I’m New
Eligibility, team size, finding a coach, registration and fees.
Volunteer
Judge the Rounds
Score memorials and oral pleadings. Guides, visa support and applications.