Rapid Growth: 2,000+ Private Kindergartens Open in Uzbekistan in 7 Years
Private Educational Institutions on the Rise in Uzbekistan
In recent years, the landscape of education in Uzbekistan has been rapidly evolving with a significant increase in the number of private educational institutions. The Minister of Preschool and School Education, Khilola Umarova, highlighted this trend during a recent roundtable discussion on non-state education.
According to official data, the number of private kindergartens in the country has surged by more than 13 times since 2017, now totaling 2,591 establishments. These kindergartens cater to over 166 thousand children, marking a substantial improvement in pre-school education coverage from 27% to 74%. The government aims to achieve universal pre-school education coverage by 2030, with a substantial contribution expected from the private sector.
Moreover, the number of private schools in Uzbekistan has also seen a remarkable growth, with 458 new schools opening in the past seven years – a 16.2-fold increase. Currently, around 82.8 thousand students are enrolled in these private schools. The expansion is not limited to schools, as the number of non-governmental educational centers has multiplied significantly, with 1,755 such institutions now operating in the country – 48 times more than seven years ago.
Looking ahead, the government’s “Strategy-2030” outlines new incentives and support for the private education sector. Starting from 2025, preferential loans of up to 20 billion UZS will be provided for the establishment of new private schools. Founders of these schools will enjoy tax breaks on profits, while the government will subsidize 50% of the utility costs for these institutions over a five-year period.
The growth of private educational institutions in Uzbekistan not only reflects the increasing demand for quality education but also signals a promising future for the country’s education sector. With continued support and investment, private schools and educational centers are poised to play a significant role in shaping the next generation of Uzbekistan’s workforce and leaders.
