Uzbekistan sets new education reforms covering preschool, schools, and research

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on September 8,  reviewed  a presentation on proposals to further reform Uzbekistan's education system, covering preschool, school, higher education, and scientific research.

Officials noted that while new schools and universities have been established in recent years and curriculum updated, continued reforms are needed to support talented students, expand access, and strengthen career guidance.

 

One of the main initiatives is the development of a unified national concept for spiritual and educational activities. The plan will introduce a single vertical system from kindergarten to higher education to better organize extracurricular programs, leisure activities, and talent development. New “Kelajak” centers will be created on the basis of existing youth institutions, and the role of school counselors will be introduced to support student initiatives.

 

Uzbekistan has increased preschool coverage significantly in recent years, with 2.5mn new places created and overall enrollment reaching 78%. Authorities aim to expand this further by adding 20,000 new places annually.

 

New apartment blocks will include kindergartens, while dual education and training programs will be introduced for staff. Public-private partnerships will be encouraged, with entrepreneurs receiving free land and preferential loans for up to seven years to establish kindergartens. Between 2026 and 2028, a new network of “Yangi Avlod” preschool organizations will be launched across 14 regions.

The government also plans to expand specialized technical and engineering education. Engineering schools are being set up in all 14 regions, following the STEM model, with students selected through exams and tuition covered by the state. An annual national competition, the “Advanced Engineering School” presidential award, will begin in 2026.

 

Specialized schools in natural sciences will also be opened nationwide, with the Abu Ali ibn Sino School in Tashkent serving as a flagship institution. Plans also include opening branches of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Tashkent State Technical University, and the Almalyk State Technical Institute in Tashkent.

 

To encourage young people to enter teaching, the government has introduced a new Abdulla Avloni State Scholarship for third- and fourth-year pedagogy students.

 

At the higher education and research level, quotas for doctoral studies will be expanded, while the Academy of Sciences will be tasked with strengthening fundamental and applied research, as well as improving the implementation of scientific results.

 

President Mirziyoyev approved the proposals and signed the relevant documents, instructing ministries to ensure systematic and high-quality implementation.

 

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