Uzbekistan shifts focus from school access to learning quality
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Uzbekistan is moving into a new phase of education reform to improve learning outcomes and student skills after a decade of expanding school access.
The government and educational bodies have already increased enrollment across the country. Pre-school enrollment rose from 25.4 per cent in 2017 to 78 per cent in 2025. Additionally, higher education participation among 18 to 23 year olds jumped from 7.2 per cent in 2016 to 47.7 per cent in 2024.
These efforts have opened doors for children in remote areas and young adults seeking university degrees. To ensure these opportunities lead to meaningful employment, officials plan to update school curricula and textbooks. The new focus emphasizes critical thinking, practical projects, and independent inquiry. The government also aims to support teachers by providing professional development and using digital reforms, such as electronic records and online admissions, to reduce bureaucracy and give educators more time to teach.
The country is also leveraging private investment and specialized institutions to drive quality. The number of private schools grew from 30 in 2017 to 705 in 2025. Furthermore, the network of Presidential and specialized schools reached 216 institutions by 2025. These schools provide models for international partnerships and modern laboratories that the government hopes to share with the wider school system. In the vocational sector, Uzbekistan is promoting dual education which combines classroom study with workplace training.
By the end of 2025, 67,400 students participated in these programs with 17,040 employers. The government intends to align funding and institutional accountability with these practical skills to ensure students can contribute to a productive economy.
