Uzbekistan to establish 22 technical universities by 2025

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that 22 new technical universities will be established in Uzbekistan through the expansion of 35 existing institutions. The announcement came during a presentation on January 22, outlining priority tasks in higher education and science.

By the end of this year, 17 additional engineering schools will be launched. Projects for new technical universities in Nukus, Bukhara, Fergana, and Namangan were presented, focusing on introducing new academic disciplines, implementing foreign educational programs, and increasing student participation in scientific and innovative initiatives. Industrial partners will also collaborate with these universities to strengthen practical training.

The presentation highlighted several initiatives for 2025. More than 1,000 educational programs will be updated based on top-300 global university standards, and 45 programs will achieve international accreditation. Universities will provide comprehensive support through the "Registrar's Office" services, and 50,000 students will engage in dual education programs.

Plans also include boosting the scientific potential of higher education institutions to 55%, improving the qualifications of 5,000 educators abroad, and equipping 25 advanced engineering schools. Additionally, partnerships with industrial enterprises will see a tenfold increase in the value of collaborative projects.

Despite recent improvements, officials noted that the scientific potential of higher education institutions has risen only marginally, from 41% to 45%. Most research efforts still lack alignment with modern industrial and production trends. Consequently, directives were issued to prioritize economic driver sectors when allocating doctoral quotas and to streamline procedures for awarding scientific degrees and titles. Raising the professional skills of educators remains a key focus area.