Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree “On Measures to Improve the Vocational Education System and Implement International Educational Programs”.

According to the document, existing vocational education institutions will be streamlined, and a unified network of technical schools will be created. These schools will provide training for specialists across all levels of vocational education.

Education in these technical schools will adhere to international standards while aligning with the national qualification system of Uzbekistan.

Furthermore, the technical schools will offer a range of educational programs, including primary, secondary, and secondary specialized vocational education, along with short-term courses to help students acquire skills and competencies.

Training for students enrolled in primary vocational programs, particularly those who have completed nine years of schooling, will be funded by government grants.

Secondary and specialized vocational programs will be available both on a grant and a paid basis.

Graduates of secondary specialized education will have the opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies, depending on the modules they have completed, the number of credits earned, and their Grade Point Average (GPA) as determined by universities.

By 1 January 2025, a list of institutions that will serve as the foundation for creating these technical schools will be finalized.

By 1 September 2025, local executive authorities and industry associations will be tasked with addressing staffing needs and establishing industrial partnerships with the technical schools.

Starting in the 2025/2026 academic year, technical schools will be able to modify and adjust up to 30% of the curriculum and class hours dedicated to specialized and general vocational subjects within the allocated time frame.

In addition, the schools will be permitted to implement joint paid educational programs in collaboration with leading foreign institutions, as well as sign direct agreements for training specialists and conducting short-term courses.

The technical schools will also be allowed to organize short-term courses for citizens and the unemployed, focusing on professional skills, foreign languages, and entrepreneurship.

Professional skills centers will be available for use by technical schools free of charge, serving as bases for practical training.

From 1 January 2026, the demand for mid-level specialists will be determined through the "Professional Education" platform.

International educational programs will be introduced in select technical schools starting from the 2025/2026 academic year.

Students who successfully complete these international programs and pass the required exams will receive both internationally recognized diplomas (certificates) and state-issued vocational education diplomas.

The process of openly selecting candidates for the positions of directors and deputy directors of technical schools will begin on 1 January 2025.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation will be responsible for overseeing state policy in the field of vocational education.