Uzbekistan’s spending on education-related market services exceeded UZS 34.2 trillion ($2.84bn) between January and November 2025, marking an 8.8% year-on-year increase, according to the National Statistics Committee.
Tashkent city accounted for the largest share of expenditure, with UZS 16.6 trillion ($1.38bn), representing nearly half of all education-related market services. This indicates that the capital remains the primary hub for private and household investment in education. In comparison, Samarkand and Fergana regions followed with UZS 2.5 trillion ($207mn) and UZS 2.2 trillion ($183mn) respectively, showing strong but significantly smaller contributions than the capital.
Other regions contributed smaller amounts: Andijan, Bukhara, and Namangan each invested around UZS 1.7 trillion ($141mn), while Tashkent region recorded UZS 1.6 trillion ($133mn). Moderate investments were observed in Kashkadarya with UZS 1.5 trillion ($125mn) and Surkhandarya with UZS 1.2 trillion ($100mn).
Lower-volume regions included Khorezm at UZS 1.1 trillion ($91mn) and the Republic of Karakalpakstan with UZS 1 trillion ($83mn). The smallest recorded educational expenditures were in Jizzakh at UZS 532.3bn ($44mn), Navoi at UZS 438.5bn ($36mn), and Syrdarya at UZS 343.7bn ($29mn).
The year-on-year growth reflects rising household and private-sector investment in education services, driven by demographic demand and the ongoing expansion of private education providers across Uzbekistan.
It was earlier reported that, World Bank approved a $250mn loan to support Uzbekistan’s student financing system, the organization announced on December 11. The funding will implement the EduImkon program, aimed at expanding equitable access to student loans for higher, technical, and vocational education. Under the program, up to 600,000 young people are expected to gain access to educational loans by 2028, with approximately 80% ($190mn) targeted at students from low-income families and female students.
Additionally, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has outlined Uzbekistan’s 2026 priorities in his address to Oliy Majlis, highlighting education and labor market reforms. Plans include renovating at least 100 technical schools annually, developing Advanced Vocational Technical Schools and “Vocational Towns”, and creating a digital ecosystem connecting graduates with employers. Specialized nurse training will follow international standards, and UZS 3.5 trillion ($290.4mn) will be invested in digital health and medical infrastructure, covering non-communicable diseases, vaccination, and maternal and child health, supporting the broader “Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy.
