Like many of her peers, Nigina Poziljonova chose to pursue her education abroad, leaving Uzbekistan for Italy. Currently studying business economics with data science at the University of Cassino, Poziljonova appreciates the supportive academic environment. “Professors here are willing to spend extra time explaining until you understand,” she noted. Despite the challenges, she finds the experience rewarding, especially given the flexible exam retake policies.
Uzbekistan, home to approximately 35 million people, faces significant challenges in its higher education system. With a young population eager for quality education, the country has struggled to meet their needs. Last month, Higher Education Minister Kongratbay Sharipov announced the closure of 20 underperforming universities, citing low employment rates among their graduates. Uzbekistan hosts over 200 universities, a mix of state-run, private, and foreign institutions.
According to UNESCO data from 2021, Uzbekistan ranked fifth globally for tertiary students studying abroad, with 109,945 students pursuing education overseas. Meanwhile, over 570,000 students were enrolled in local universities.
Many Uzbek students believe that a quality education is more attainable abroad, facilitated by their growing proficiency in English and increased global awareness. The Uzbek government supports this through the El-Yurt Umidi foundation, which funds tuition and living expenses for talented students studying abroad, provided they return to work in Uzbekistan for three years.
Neighboring countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are popular destinations for Uzbek students. Many start their studies there and transfer back to Uzbekistan. For instance, Kyrgyz data shows that 38,857 Uzbek students were enrolled in Kyrgyz universities in 2022, rising to 40,282 in 2023.
In May, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev led discussions on the 306 bachelor’s and 625 master’s programs offered in Uzbekistan. Officials acknowledged that many programs do not meet international standards or labor market needs, prompting considerations for curriculum revisions and the introduction of new, high-demand courses.
Specialization within Uzbek universities is another issue. For example, at one journalism university, students study various sub-topics such as TV, international news, and public relations. Progress has been made, however, with increased access to higher education and new state grant policies. The state also promotes women’s education through funding for master’s students and interest-free loans for bachelor’s students.
Mashhura Rakhmonova, a recent graduate of the Journalism and Mass Communications University of Uzbekistan and a master’s graduate in media law from Tashkent State University of Law (TSUL), praised TSUL’s academic staff for their teaching skills and professional experience. She highlighted the transparent evaluation system, where exams are held in large halls with disabled internet access to ensure fairness. However, she also pointed out challenges for non-specialist students and the short duration of master’s programs, suggesting that an additional semester for dissertation preparation would be beneficial.
Mohizarkhon Mamadaliyeva, a PhD student at Ferghana State University, praised the administrative support and motivation provided by her university. She emphasized the value of receiving free education and a monthly scholarship, though she mentioned the strict uniform policy as a notable issue.
Students like Poziljonova, who have studied both in Uzbekistan and abroad, often note the stricter academic standards and monitoring in foreign institutions. “Exams in Italy are strictly monitored, unlike the relatively lax environment in Uzbekistan where plagiarism is a big problem,” she said. This stricter oversight has helped her identify and address her weaknesses, particularly in subjects like math.
As Uzbekistan works to reform its higher education system, many students continue to seek opportunities abroad, driven by the promise of higher quality education and better academic support. The government’s initiatives to support students financially and encourage their return post-graduation aim to bridge the gap and improve the educational landscape within the country.
Related topics:
