New education reform: Uzbekistan to focus on full-time and alternative learning

Starting from the 2025/2026 academic year, Uzbekistan will halt admissions for all distance learning programs, including both public and private universities. The decision was formalized in the presidential decree issued on May 5, titled "Additional Measures to Ensure Education Quality and Improve the System of Educational Services."

The decree outlines new mechanisms for external evaluation of educational and research institutions, with a focus on enhancing the quality of academic services.

Key Changes Implemented in the New System:

• Distance learning admissions will be closed permanently, applying equally to public and private universities.
• Current students enrolled in distance programs can continue their studies until completion.
• Alternative learning methods will see a gradual increase in admission quotas, except for full-time programs.

Regulations for Alternative Education Models:

• Admissions for alternative formats cannot exceed 50% of full-time education enrollment figures.
• Graduate (master’s) programs will allow alternative education options for training research and teaching specialists.
• Universities can establish "part-time education" models, based on a credit-module system.
• Exceeding established quotas for alternative learning will be considered a violation of licensing rules, leading to potential license revocation.

Additionally, all educational institutions, regardless of their ownership and organizational structure, must establish internal quality control departments to conduct systematic education audits.

Previously, another presidential decree specifically banned distance learning admissions for teacher training programs as part of Uzbekistan’s efforts to improve pedagogy and faculty development.