Uzbekistan General Information - Education
A proper development of an individual, extending his/her well-being, offering him/her a high quality education, as well as change of obsolete stereotypes of thinking and social behavior, is the main purpose and driving force of fundamental transformations in Uzbekistan.
Early days of Uzbek independence saw the necessity for changes in the sphere of education and cadres training, upbringing younger generations, and extending intellectual potential of the country.
President Islam Karimov personally initiated the National Program for Cadres Training. The basic principle of the cadres training given the new realities is a priority of education that primarily envisions its development, new public attitude towards education, knowledge and intelligence vis-a-vis modern legal and market relations. Other important parameters include the continuity of education, which is ensured through constant development and updating of general educational and professional training, continuity of science and production, respect for national history and traditions, as well as preservation and enrichment of culture, and so on.
According to the law "On education" of 1992 and other normative acts, a number of new universities and specialized institutes were established in the country. The system of tests was introduced as the main entrance examination to higher and special educational institutions.
Amendments were introduced with structure and content of economic and other educational curricula. Leading educational institutions, where the economics is taught, are extended with business schools being established there. Business and marketing centers, centers at high schools, network of colleges with specialized teaching are on the rise in the county. Also, specialized lyceums are established at high schools.
Adoption of the National Program for Cadres Training promotes cardinal reforms in the entire system of education.
At the level of preschool education the program provides creation of conditions for spiritual and moral education, effective preparation of the youth for the school.
Starting from the age of three, the preschool education is carried out in family environment and kindergartens until the age of six. The network of the home-based kindergartens and the "from-kindergarten-to-school" programs are developing nationwide. Annually nearly 250,000 children are taught in specialized centers, preparatory groups in kindergartens, and weekend schools. More than 1000 groups on teaching children foreign languages, music, art, and computer courses operate in the country.
Primary Education includes 1st to 4th grades and begins at the age of 6 or 7 years. Centers on professional orientation and determination of a level of preparation are created on the basis of all regional (urban) departments of educational bodies.
General Education is obligatory for everyone. It begins at the age of 10-11 years. General education is structured to develop the intellectual and moral potential of the young generation. Different approaches to training students according to their abilities and opportunities are considered.
Most schools have computer equipment. The Modem system is introduced to improve the educational level at all schools, and introduce the students to Internet access. Students are successfully participating in international and republican Olympiads on different subjects. Winners of these competitions are awarded privileges of various kinds.
In comprehensive schools, a great deal of attention is paid to the study of foreign languages such as English, French, German, Spanish and Eastern languages.
A network for new types of schools and general educational centers is developing. Lyceums function.
The programs such as "Soglom Avlod Ucbun", "Manaviyat va marifat", "Economical education", "Village schools", "Rehabilitation of students with different diseases" are realized in the country.
More than 6 million students attend schools, and there are nearly 450,000 teachers nationwide.
To increase the authority of teachers in Uzbekistan, the President of Uzbekistan has decreed October 1st as "Teachers' Day". This day is celebrated annually as a national holiday, and some teachers are awarded high government awards on this occasion.
Professional training continues for about three years and is built on the basis of specialized schools and operates in academic schools and professional colleges.
Intellectual development is provided in academic schools for talented students. In professional colleges, along with fundamental and general educational preparation, students learn skills of modern trades and receive profound theoretical knowledge of various disciplines. All general education (9+3=12) is compulsory.
Governmental standards of education, which include basic educational programs are tested in secondary schools, academic lyceums, and professional colleges nationwide.
The Center of secondary specialized and professional education operates at the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education where new educational institutions for the specific national model of a three-year educational system are being considered.
Higher education usually begins at the age of 18-19 years and continues for at least four years. It is divided into two stages - Bachelor's and Master's Courses.
Secondary special and higher educational institutions (academic year 2001/2002)
Secondary special educational institutions
Number of educational institutions - 181
Number of students, thousands - 211,9
Higher educational institutions
Number of educational institutions - 61
Number of students, thousands - 207,1
Bachelor's Course is the first stage of higher education. The training lasts no less than 4 years and is completed with the reception of a diploma of higher education and specialty.
Master's Course - Higher education course on particular specialty, proceeding for two years on the basis of a Master's degree. A degree is obtained after a state exam and dissertation.
Ph.D. Course is the final stage where a maximum of 3 years of study is necessary to receive a candidate degree. Three additional years of research is required to obtain a Doctor's degree, Ph.D.
Higher education system of Uzbekistan consists of 61 institutions, including 17 universities and 42 institutes. More than 200,000 students attend, and 18,500 teachers work in higher education institutions, of which 52 percent are doctors and candidates of sciences.
Progressive methods for the placement of new students at educational institutions are considered on the basis of various tests and methods of evaluation of their knowledge.
In accordance with the high demand towards the quality of teaching, the teaching personnel are now trained to the Ph.D. level. The High Attestation Committee was created. Currently there are more than 4,000 post-graduate students in Uzbekistan. Approximately 45 percent of scientists and pedagogical staff are doctors or candidates of sciences.
In order to increase the qualifications of the teaching staff, 23 institutes, 16 colleges, 4 centers and 14 courses for raising the proficiency level of attendees were established in the country.
In the field of education, Uzbekistan actively develops cooperation with international organizations, such as ACCELS, IREX, Consortium of American Colleges, the Peace Corps, DAAD, the Conrad Adenauer Fund, the British Council, the Saud Al-Baltin Fund, and other non-governmental organizations.
