The Condition of Higher Education in
Uzbekistan
Once Uzbekistan became independent in 1991, it
realised that to improve its socio-economic condition, the country
would have to bring about radical reforms in its education system.
The system had to be such that not only would it fulfill national
interests, it would also make Uzbekistan competitive in the world
market. Hence, this brought about many reforms in the education
system, particularly higher education.
Today, the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialised Education
co-ordinates and funds higher education in the country. The country
boasts of 34 high education institutes and all them responsible to
the Ministry.
Types of Higher Educational Institutes in Uzbekistan
The following types of higher education institutes are present in
the country:
University – This institute is responsible for imparting Bachelor’s
and Master’s level education in wide ranging fields of study as well
as professional training. There are 22 universities in the country,
which are responsible for conducting fundamental and applied science
research.
Academy – This type of higher education institute offers two levels
of education and postgraduate programmes in specific fields. There
are 3 academies and all of them are located in the capital city of
Tashkent.
Institute – Such a higher education institute offers Bachelor’s,
Master’s and postgraduate programmes in specific fields. There are
around 41 institutes in Uzbekistan.
Admissions to higher education institutes are possible through
either grants or paid basis. Every year, in August, detailed
information for enrolment is published and students who wish to
pursue higher education have to sit for tests. Students require
in-depth knowledge and understanding along with logical thinking and
reasoning skills to pass the tests. Just those who pass get
admissions in higher education institutes. The students, who get top
marks in the test, can pick a university or institute of their
choice. If a student cannot get government funding for higher
education, they opt for paid studies which is paid by parents,
organisations or companies. Students can also apply for educational
loans after successfully passing the enrolment tests.
Using Technology in Higher Education Institutes
Teaching methods, styles and techniques vary quite a bit in higher
education institutes in Uzbekistan. Some opt for lecture style
methods, while others may use complete improvisation. If a higher
education institute has technology, such as TVs and VCRs, it is
used. However, use of computers, the Internet and LCD projectors is
not widespread. In fact, it is rare because of high costs,
substandard maintenance system and chances of theft.
Internationalisation of Higher Education in Uzbekistan
Internationalisation of higher education is a priority in the
country. The government has signed many agreements with other
nations, so Uzbek students have the option of getting educated in
foreign universities. Furthermore, many Uzbek universities get
support and have close working relationship with foreign
universities in the UK, US and Germany. The country hopes that with
these measures in place, it will be able to involve foreign
scientists and teachers in the teaching process in higher education
institutes in the country, be able to organise international
conferences to solve problems plaguing higher education and also
attract much needed foreign investment.
Challenges in Higher Education in Uzbekistan
Some of the challenges that higher education is facing in the
country include the following:
• Adopt the requirements of the Bologna Process in Uzbek higher
education system, so that it meets the international and global
standards
• Have uniform curricula across the country for same programmes
offered by different higher education institutes
• Create a information and educational network that connects higher
education institutes that have Internet, so that they can access it
• Retrain the teaching staff at higher education institutes, so that
they are well-versed with the latest pedagogical methods
• Have specialities that meet the specific demands of the labour
market
• Have a good quality assurance system to accredit higher education
institutes.
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