Uzbekistan has undertaken substantial reforms in recent years, particularly in the realm of higher education, as reported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Uzbekistan. Since 2016, the country has witnessed a significant increase in the number of universities, soaring from 77 to an impressive 212.
With a commitment to fostering educational advancements, Uzbekistan allocates nearly 45 percent of its state budget expenditures on the education sector, reflecting a dedication to enhancing the quality and accessibility of education for its citizens.
Out of the 212 universities, 116 hold public status, 66 are private institutions, and 30 enjoy international status. The capital city, Tashkent, emerges as the focal point for higher education, hosting 86 universities.
Uzbekistan has set ambitious aspirations to position itself as a key center for higher education in Central Asia. According to teacher Ulugbek Yakubov, the government has implemented crucial decisions to fortify the education system, including the adoption of the Concept for the Development of the Higher Education System of the Republic of Uzbekistan until 2030.
Noteworthy progress in the field of higher education has also been achieved through successful collaboration with Türkiye. The First Uzbek-Turkish Educational Forum, held in Izmir in 2022, paved the way for enhanced cooperation. Building on this success, the second forum, chaired by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Science, Education, and Innovation, Odil Abdurakhmanov, and Türkiye’s Council of Higher Education head, Erol Ozvar, convened on November 14, 2023, in Samarkand.
The forum saw the participation of heads from approximately 100 universities in both Türkiye and Uzbekistan. A significant outcome of the event was the signing of a “Memorandum of Understanding” between the two countries, solidifying their commitment to cooperation in the field of higher education. This collaborative approach signifies a positive stride toward furthering educational excellence and fostering strong ties between Uzbekistan and Türkiye.
