SNAPSHOT OF THE EDUCATION SECTOR

The Government of Uzbekistan has prioritized education as a cornerstone of its long-term economic development agenda, consistently allocating a substantial share of public expenditure to the sector. In 2025, education spending remained at approximately 6% of GDP, underscoring its central role in fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. This sustained investment reflects a strategic focus on human capital as a primary engine of productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.

Significant progress has been achieved in expanding access to preschool and higher education, supported by large-scale investments in educational infrastructure and systemic modernization. Comprehensive reforms are underway to strengthen institutional capacity across all education levels, with particular emphasis on early childhood, digital learning, STEM disciplines, and higher education internationalization. Higher education enrollment in Uzbekistan has more than tripled since 2016, with the number of university students exceeding 1.6 million in the 2024/2025 academic year.

Higher education coverage reached 47.7%, reflecting rapid expansion of access and increasing participation among young people. The country currently hosts more than 210 higher education institutions, including over 30 foreign university branches, positioning Uzbekistan as an emerging regional education hub in Central Asia.

Uzbekistan’s education sector presents substantial investment opportunities aligned with the government’s strategic objective to expand access and improve educational quality across all levels.

Preschool Education

Investment in the construction and operation of modern preschool facilities — including through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) — remains a high-potential segment due to rising demand for early childhood education and growing urbanization.

Secondary Education

The government is actively promoting the development of energy-efficient schools equipped with modern educational technologies and digital learning systems. PPP mechanisms are encouraged to modernize school infrastructure nationwide.

Higher Education Expansion

Driven by increasing demand for qualified specialists, particularly in STEM disciplines, Uzbekistan continues expanding higher education capacity and strengthening international academic cooperation. Foreign universities and joint academic programs are actively supported through favorable regulatory frameworks and investment incentives.

Foreign investors benefit from a wide range of incentives, including tax preferences, preferential access to land and existing facilities, and favorable PPP conditions. Combined with strong demographic fundamentals and sustained government support, these measures position Uzbekistan as one of the most promising education investment destinations in Central Asia.