Uzbekistan Launches Major Agrarian University Reform

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The President of Uzbekistan has adopted Resolution No. PP–135 dated 11 April 2026, aimed at further improving the operations of the Tashkent State Agrarian University and strengthening its international competitiveness.

The document defines key development targets for the university through 2030, including entry into the list of the world’s top 500 higher education institutions according to international rankings, a threefold increase in income from the commercialization of scientific research, and a fourfold expansion in the number of educational programs receiving international accreditation.

Starting from the 2026/2027 academic year, agrarian universities will introduce three-year study programs in selected fields. The structure of education will place increasing emphasis on practical training: 40% in the first year, 50% in the second year, and up to 70% in the third year.

The resolution also provides for the introduction of a continuous dual education system in senior courses. This will include four-month periods of off-campus practical training aimed at strengthening students’ professional skills in line with sector-specific requirements.

The reform is designed to strengthen the link between education, science, and production, while improving the quality of workforce training for the agricultural sector.

From the 2026/2027 academic year, Uzbekistan will also expand practical training in agricultural education and introduce new professional certification mechanisms.

Under the new system, first-year students in relevant programs will be eligible to receive a tractor-operator certificate. This qualification will allow them to operate agricultural, land-reclamation, and road construction machinery in categories A, B, C, and D.

Second-year students who already hold relevant qualifications will be eligible for additional certification covering categories E and F, issued under established procedures.

An Agronomist Training Fund for a New Generation will also be established within the agricultural education system. The fund will support the preparation of a new cohort of specialists in the sector.

In addition, full-cycle financing for youth agricultural projects will be introduced, covering activities from production to sales. These initiatives will be implemented by the Council of Young Farmers of Uzbekistan under the “School of Trade for Young Farmers” program.

A “Farmers of the Future” initiative will also be introduced in agrarian universities, aimed at developing practical skills and competencies required for modern agriculture.