Reforms in the education sector over 35 years of independence, achieved results, and future priority tasks
The 35th anniversary of independence allows us not only to sum up the path of development traversed by our country, but also to assess how solid the foundation of New Uzbekistan's intellectual development is. In this sense, the reforms implemented in the education sector have become one of the most critical strategic transformations during the years of independence.
In today's world, the competitiveness of states is determined not by natural resources or geographical advantages, but primarily by the quality of human capital. Educated, proactive personnel equipped with modern skills are becoming the main driving force of national development. Therefore, every investment directed towards education is, first of all, an investment in the country's future.
While in the early years of independence Uzbekistan prioritized the formation of the legal framework for the education system and ensuring its stable functioning, in subsequent stages the quality of education, international competitiveness, and human capital development became the priority areas of state policy. Especially starting from 2017, large-scale systemic reforms have been implemented across all links–from preschool education to higher education and science–and education has begun to be viewed as a factor in the country's strategic development.
This approach is in harmony with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 4 – "Quality Education," as well as the priority tasks of the "Uzbekistan – 2030" strategy aimed at developing human capital. As a result, a new phase has begun in expanding coverage, improving quality, and training personnel that meet the demands of the labor market.
One of the most important changes in the education sector in recent years has been carried out in the preschool education system. As a result of expanding public-private partnerships, supporting the activities of private kindergartens, organizing short-term and school-preparation groups, and increasing public investments, preschool education coverage has reached 78 percent. This figure demonstrates not only increased coverage, but also that state policy prioritizes the child's early development stage.
This approach fully complies with international experience. Scientific research confirms that the main part of a person's intellectual, social, and psychological potential is formed precisely during the preschool education stage. Therefore, educational reforms today do not begin at the school threshold, but from a child's early age.
To further improve the quality of preschool education, starting from 2026, new-generation state preschool education organizations are being established in the city of Tashkent and the Republic of Karakalpakstan. These institutions, based on modern infrastructure, an innovative educational environment, and advanced pedagogical approaches, are expected to serve as a model for the entire system in the future.
The reforms being implemented are also positively evaluated internationally. In particular, the SDR–2026 report notes the consistent improvement of Uzbekistan's indicators in the education sector.
Today, the main focus in the general secondary education system is not only on increasing coverage, but also on ensuring the quality and competitiveness of education. According to the National Statistical Committee, at the beginning of the 2025/2026 academic year, 11,118 general secondary education institutions are operating in the country. More than 6.87 million students are studying in them, which is nearly 94 thousand more compared to the previous academic year.
The activation of the private sector in the educational services market is also forming a healthy competitive environment. Today, 551 private schools operate in the republic, expanding opportunities for parents in choosing an educational institution. This, in turn, is becoming one of the crucial factors positively impacting the quality of education.
International rankings also confirm these changes. According to SDR–2026 data, the net enrollment rate in primary education is 99.3 percent, the lower secondary education completion rate is 97.6 percent, and the literacy rate among the population aged 15–24 is 100 percent. These indicators show that Uzbekistan is achieving significant results regarding UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 – "Quality Education."
Presidential and Specialized Schools – The Driver of Educational Quality
In recent years, the formation of a network of Presidential, creative, and specialized schools has been one of the most important institutional innovations in the general secondary education system. Based on modern international curricula, the STEAM approach, digital technologies, and in-depth teaching of foreign languages, these educational institutions, alongside nurturing gifted youth, serve as an innovative experimental ground for the entire national education system.
The advanced pedagogical technologies, assessment systems, and curricula being tested here are being phased into other general education schools as well. At the same time, Uzbekistan's participation in international assessment programs such as PISA, TIMSS, and PIRLS makes it possible to evaluate the quality of national education based on international criteria and continuously improve it.
In this regard, the acquisition of CIS International Accreditation by the Presidential School in Navoi city became a practical confirmation that the national education system is developing in accordance with international quality standards.
Vocational and Higher Education – A New Approach to Economic Needs
The modern economy requires highly qualified personnel who meet the demands of the labor market. Therefore, the vocational education system is also undergoing fundamental updates, and today 712 technical schools in the country are training specialists with practical skills for various sectors of the economy.
In particular, the introduction of dual education mechanisms has taken the integration of education and production to a new level. Now students, alongside theoretical knowledge, gain practical experience in enterprises and organizations, entering the labor market fully prepared.
Large-scale reforms have also been implemented in the field of higher education in recent years. Today, 205 higher education institutions operate in the country, with over 1.34 million students enrolled. Importantly, the increasing share of non-state and foreign higher education institutions strengthens the competitive environment in the educational services market, serving to enhance education quality and expand choices.
Starting from the 2025/2026 academic year, admission parameters based on state orders in higher education were expanded. To support women, 4,000 state grants were allocated, and more than 1,200 educational programs were improved based on international standards. In 2026, nearly 320,000 students graduated from higher education institutions. These indicators show that reforms aimed at expanding higher education coverage, ensuring its quality, and aligning it with labor market demands are consistently continuing in the country.
Fundamental changes are also taking place in the sphere of training scientific personnel, which is the highest tier of the education system. Doctoral students' stipends have been increased by 1.7 times, procedures for awarding academic degrees have been simplified, and the stages of submitting and reviewing dissertations are being digitized step-by-step. Specifically, in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF–98 dated May 26, 2026, starting from 2027, the requirement to publish a dissertation autoreferat will be canceled, and scientific works will be accepted through a single electronic platform. This will serve to reduce excessive bureaucratic barriers in scientific activities, create favorable conditions for scientists, and increase research efficiency.
At the same time, through the gradual introduction of the "Kasb egasi" (Owner of a Profession) dual education model in higher education, students' opportunities to work in their specialty during their studies, gain practical experience, work seniority, and earn income are expanding. This strengthens the intrinsic connection between education and production, helping graduates adapt more quickly to the labor market.
Of course, priority tasks facing the education system remain relevant. These include further expanding preschool education coverage, narrowing the gap in educational quality between regions, developing a digital educational environment, expanding private sector participation, and further strengthening the integration of science, education, and production.
However, the achieved results clearly demonstrate that investments directed toward education are the most crucial investment aimed at the country's future. The consistent implementation of the tasks defined in the "Uzbekistan – 2030" strategy will serve as a solid basis for further elevating human capital, training modern personnel for a competitive economy, and ensuring the intellectual development of New Uzbekistan.
Expert of the Center for Sustainable Development
Shakhzoda Rakhimova