Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 22 January, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on a presentation regarding the priority tasks in the fields of higher education and science.

This sector, which is a key pillar for the country’s development, is receiving significant attention. In recent years, new higher educational institutions have been opened, and the coverage of youth receiving higher education has increased substantially. Alongside this, qualitative changes in the educational process are being actively implemented.

In 2024, optimization of bachelor’s degree programs was carried out, with more than 1,200 educational programs aligned with international standards. Qualification requirements for graduates were updated, and modern academic fields were created, including renewable energy, environmental engineering, and engineering biosystems. In the next academic year, it is planned to update another 1,000 educational programs and textbooks.

In 2025, the implementation of several large-scale initiatives is planned. Over 2,000 educational programs are expected to be improved based on the experience of universities ranked in the global top-300. Forty-five programs will undergo international accreditation. Every student will have access to registrar office services, and an additional 50,000 students will be engaged in dual education.

The goal is to increase the scientific potential of universities to 55%, as well as to enhance the qualifications of 5,000 educators abroad. Up to 25 advanced engineering schools are planned to be opened, and funding for joint projects with industrial enterprises will be increased tenfold.

The presentation also discussed future plans. The President highlighted the need to improve the university admissions process, where the principle of "test first, then choice" has been introduced, and government grants are allocated based on students’ abilities. In 40 universities that have been granted financial autonomy, registrar offices have been established, which has reduced the size of dean’s offices and departments by 20% and transitioned 30 services to a digital format. It was instructed to extend this experience to all universities in the country and implement a unified digital platform for educational and scientific services.

To strengthen the link between education and practice, a dual education system is being introduced. Currently, 15,000 students are undergoing training at 957 enterprises. However, companies’ interest in this form of cooperation remains low. The President proposed stimulating enterprises that participate in dual education.

At a video conference on June 20, 2024, the head of state instructed the creation of a technical university and engineering schools in each region. Universities have already been opened in Termez, Andijan, and Karshi, along with 8 engineering schools. Projects for the establishment of technical universities in Nukus, Bukhara, Fergana, and Namangan were presented, which involve the opening of new academic fields, the introduction of foreign programs, expansion of student research work, and partnerships with industrial enterprises.

As part of the consolidation of 35 educational institutions, 22 technical universities are planned to be created, and by the end of the year, another 17 engineering schools will be opened.

The scientific potential of universities has grown from 41% to 45%. However, most research does not address current challenges in industry and agriculture. For example, over the past two years, 25% of gross value added came from industry, 22% from agriculture, but only 14% of defended dissertations focus on industrial issues, and just 4% address agricultural issues.

The President instructed the redistribution of doctoral quotas in favor of priority sectors of the economy, as well as the improvement of the procedure for awarding academic degrees and titles. Special attention was given to enhancing the qualifications of educators.

Youth education also requires the development of educational and sports programs. In this direction, projects such as "Five Initiatives," "Ma’rifat Ulashib," "Student Sports League," "Zakovat," and others are being implemented. The meeting discussed measures to engage students in spiritual, educational, sports, and intellectual projects, as well as strengthening patriotism among the youth.