The Ministry of Education and Science has announced that five universities with special status in Kyrgyzstan are contributing to the growth of the higher education system. According to the Minister Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva, these universities are pivotal points for academic and financial freedom, yielding positive outcomes.
Notably, the budgets of Kyrgyz State Technical University, Kyrgyz National University have increased to 1 billion soms, while the budget of Kyrgyz State Medical Academy has reached 1.4 billion. These universities are directing funds towards the advancement of science, technology, innovation, startups, and laboratories.
In a special decree issued in November 2023, universities with special status have taken responsibility for overseeing schools to enhance the quality of education. Additionally, a pilot program called "Student Startup" has been initiated to promote business ideas in higher education institutions, as per a resolution by the Cabinet of Ministers.
Moreover, workshops named after Lu Ban are being established at Osh State University and Kyrgyz State Technical University, following the model of cooperation "Chinese University - Chinese Enterprise - Kyrgyz University."
For the first time, a $25 million project by the World Bank is being developed and is in the ratification stage for universities. This project aims to foster innovation, applied research, and the creation of research laboratories, innovative universities, and centers of advanced experience.
It is worth noting that on July 18, 2022, the President issued a decree outlining measures to enhance the potential and competitiveness of higher education institutions in Kyrgyzstan. This decree granted special status, providing broad organizational, financial, and academic autonomy to:
- Kyrgyz National University
- Kyrgyz State Technical University
- Kyrgyz National Agrarian University
- Kyrgyz State Medical Academy
- Osh State University
Furthermore, Kyrgyz Economic University has been designated as a research university, and the institution "Professional Lyceum of Information Technologies No. 99 under the President of Kyrgyz Republic" has also been granted special status.
