Pedagogical Vouchers
This year, a voucher system was introduced for applicants to pedagogical specialties. Now, after the nationwide testing, students can participate in a competition for a voucher, which will then allow them to choose an educational institution—either public or private. If the cost of tuition at a private university exceeds the amount of the voucher, the student will need to cover the difference themselves.The Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovations is confident that this system will help attract motivated future educators and make higher education more accessible. However, it is still too early to judge the results, as 2025 is a pilot year.
Abolition of Correspondence Education
This year, the correspondence form of education was abolished. Previously, the government suspended correspondence education for legal and economic specialties, citing high corruption and an oversaturated labor market. In August, the president signed a decree stating that starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, correspondence education will be terminated in all universities, regardless of their ownership. Students already enrolled in correspondence programs will be able to complete their education in this format.Instead, universities are implementing a distance-digital learning format, allowing students to study daily but online using digital platforms.
Increase in Tuition Fees
In 2025, the cost of tuition at universities significantly increased. Prices for contracts in many fields nearly doubled. After the lifting of the moratorium on price increases, which was imposed during the pandemic, universities were given the opportunity to set tuition fees independently, leading to a sharp rise in the cost of higher education.Merger of Regional Universities with KNU
In 2025, several universities were merged with the Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn. Naryn, Talas, and Batken State Universities have now become branches of KNU.The Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovations hopes that this decision will ensure quality education in the regions and provide students with diplomas from the leading university in the country. It is also expected to reduce student migration to the capital and help retain young specialists in their local areas.
Academic Year May Start Later than September 1
Previously, the academic year in schools and universities began simultaneously on September 1. Now, according to a new government decree, the start of the academic year in universities, colleges, and postgraduate institutions will be determined by the ministry.The dates for the start of the academic year, class schedules, exams, holidays, and types of internships will be fixed in the curricula in accordance with state educational standards.
Abolition of Fines for Absences
Previously, there was a practice of imposing fines for absences in universities—around 1000 soms for each missed class. Many students complained about difficulties in paying these fines, as they had to work to help their parents with sharply increased education expenses. Now these fines have been abolished. Absences will now be compensated academically.However, Deputy Dastan Bekeshev noted that although the fines have been abolished, universities have significantly raised the cost of contracts.
Mass Expulsions of Students
In 2025, large-scale inspections took place in higher educational institutions, resulting in the expulsion of thousands of students.- In the Issyk-Kul region, 941 students were expelled.
- In the Jalal-Abad region, 2,606 students.
- At KNU named after J. Balasagyn, 2,710 students.
- In the Naryn region, 300 students.
