As part of major reforms in the national education sector, Uzbekistan has begun preparations to shift to a 12-year school education system. This was announced by Sardor Rajabov, Deputy Minister of Preschool and School Education, in an interview with the “Uzbekistan 24” TV channel.
The reform includes the introduction of a preparatory year for six-year-old children into the school structure. The main goal of this change is to align the country’s education system with international standards.
According to Rajabov, the new system will allow Uzbek graduates to enroll directly in foreign universities without needing to complete one-year preparatory courses. Currently, around 15,000 graduates annually are required to undergo additional training abroad.
Analysis shows that in 85% of countries with top scores in the 2022 PISA international study, the duration of school education is 12 years.
The new structure will consist of one year of preparatory education, four years of primary education, five years of basic general secondary education, and two years of general upper secondary education. To implement the reform, amendments will be made to the laws “On Education” and “On Preschool Education and Upbringing.”