New approaches to specialist training based on international educational standards presented

Over the past eight years, Uzbekistan has carried out large-scale reforms to develop its higher education system and expand young people's access to quality education.

In particular, higher education enrollment has increased from 9 to 44 percent, while the number of students has grown from 250,000 to 1.7 million. This year, 100 of the country's 643 technical colleges have introduced advanced vocational education programs based on the educational standards of Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, China, the Republic of Korea, and other countries.

The National Research University "Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers" and the National University of Uzbekistan have been included among the world's top 1,000 higher education institutions in leading international rankings. In addition, 157 university academic programs have received international accreditation.

It was noted that further efforts are needed to improve the quality of education, strengthen the international competitiveness of national universities, and provide graduates with strong opportunities in the global labor market.

By 2030, a goal has been set to place at least five domestic universities among the world's top 500 in the overall rankings and another ten in the subject-specific rankings. In addition, plans call for the international accreditation of 100 university academic programs and the introduction of international educational programs in at least 150 technical colleges.

Tasks have been set to ensure that at least 30 percent of university graduates and faculty members obtain internationally recognized certificates in foreign languages and professional disciplines, as well as to provide professional development opportunities abroad for 2,500 technical college instructors and 25,000 university faculty members.

During the presentation, particular attention was given to the broad implementation of integrated educational programs.

Currently, a number of universities offer joint programs with foreign partner universities. However, these programs are mainly implemented between two institutions, limiting students' opportunities to choose their field of study more freely.

International practice shows that integrated educational programs allow students to study at several universities throughout their studies, benefiting from the academic environments and educational standards of different countries.

In collaboration with three British universities, such programs have already been introduced at Inha University in Tashkent and the Tashkent University of Architecture and Civil Engineering in the fields of business management, architecture, and information technology. As a result, 371 students are currently studying under the "1+3," "2+2," and "3+1" models and will receive diplomas that meet British educational standards.

It was noted that this system could reduce students' tuition and living expenses abroad by up to tenfold. Currently, more than 2,500 students from Uzbekistan are enrolled in four-year educational programs in the United Kingdom, with annual tuition and living expenses reaching approximately $50,000 per student.

In this regard, a proposal was put forward, on the initiative of the Center for International Qualification and Assessment, to establish a Higher School of Integrated Educational Programs.

The educational process at the Higher School will be organized based on the academic programs of Northumbria University and the University of Hertfordshire. The next stage involves introducing educational programs from Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Southampton, the University of Glasgow, and other leading international universities.

The Higher School will be granted academic, financial, and organizational autonomy. A supervisory board will be established with the participation of representatives of government bodies, partner universities, and major companies. Graduates will receive diplomas from a foreign partner university and the Higher School, recognized in Uzbekistan.

Additionally, plans call for the introduction of educational programs up to Level 8 in accordance with British standards at the Higher School and its partner institutions, as well as professional development programs for senior executives in strategic thinking, leadership, digital governance, decision-making, and results-oriented management.

The presentation also reviewed educational models such as "2+3," "1+2," "2+1," "1+3," "2+2," and "3+1," designed to ensure continuity between schools, academic lyceums, technical colleges, and higher education institutions.

For example, graduates of the ninth grade will be able to study for two years at a school, academic lyceum, or technical college before continuing their education for three years at a domestic or foreign partner university. Graduates of technical colleges will also have the opportunity to pursue university studies under shortened academic programs.

The presentation emphasized the need to expand integrated educational programs to priority areas such as medicine, energy, the arts, and agriculture.

The Center for International Qualification and Assessment has been tasked with adapting integrated educational programs to the academic requirements of the world's top 100 universities, as well as developing "1+3" and "2+2" programs in cooperation with them.

A permanent working group of foreign experts will be established at the Center. By the end of 2027, it will establish at least two centers delivering educational programs that award diplomas from leading foreign universities.

It was also proposed to adapt the scholarship program of the "El-Yurt Umidi" Foundation to the new system. The program will also cover the Higher School of Integrated Educational Programs and integrated educational programs offered by other domestic higher education institutions.

In addition, a mechanism will be introduced to cover the cost of first-year study at domestic universities or Foundation programs for young people who receive conditional admission to leading international universities. This will enable them to begin their studies in Uzbekistan before continuing their education abroad.

The presentation also reviewed a proposal to establish an International University Town in Tashkent, which will be home to leading domestic and foreign higher education institutions.

To implement the project, it is proposed to draw on the experience of Education City in Qatar, Dubai International Academic City in the United Arab Emirates, and Incheon Global Campus in the Republic of Korea.

Plans also call for attracting branches of leading foreign universities to the university town, constructing academic campuses and student dormitories, simplifying licensing procedures, providing grants and scholarships, introducing customs and tax incentives, and partially compensating royalty payments.

It was emphasized that the main goal is to transform Uzbekistan into a leading educational hub in the region, where international educational programs and standards are widely implemented.

The President approved the proposals and instructed the responsible officials to ensure the phased expansion of integrated educational programs, maintain their quality in line with international requirements, and establish long-term academic cooperation with leading foreign universities.