New “rules of the game” introduced in higher education

A foreign language certificate will no longer be required when applying to master’s degree programs. This was announced on April 15 during a press conference at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan.

Under a presidential decree signed by Shavkat Mirziyoyev on April 10, titled “On additional measures to improve the system of higher education, science and innovation,” a number of key reforms aimed at further developing the sector have been introduced. According to the document, starting from the 2026/2027 academic year, graduates who completed their studies in a foreign language will be exempt from submitting a language proficiency certificate when applying to the next level of education.

“This does not mean that the language certificate requirement has been abolished altogether. Only those students who studied in a foreign language and passed their final exams in that language will be exempt, as they are effectively considered proficient in it,” said Deputy Minister Sardor Rajabov.

Additional powers are also being granted to state higher education institutions. In particular, starting from the 2027/2028 academic year, universities will independently conduct entrance examinations for master’s programs. According to the ministry, measures are also being developed to ensure a transparent mechanism for allocating grant places reserved for women.

During the event, journalists asked whether part-time (extramural) education programs would be reinstated. In response, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Kungirotboy Sharipov stated that such programs will not be reopened in the coming years. He explained that this decision is due to the sharp increase in the number of students.

“Currently, there are 1.5 million students studying in Uzbekistan — nearly four times more than eight years ago. The main focus now will be on improving the quality of education,” Sharipov said.

In addition, starting from January 1, 2027, a new national ranking system for evaluating higher education institutions will be introduced. Under this system, universities will be financially incentivized based on performance indicators such as quality of education, research activity, international cooperation, level of digitalization, and graduate employment.

The decree also provides for the establishment of a Center for the Development of Higher Education and Global Cooperation. Through this center, up to 500 talented international students will be awarded the “New Uzbekistan” scholarship each year.