Uzbekistan Plans to Abolish “Supercontracts” for Admission to Medical Universities

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan has submitted a draft law for public discussion that proposes a major reform of the country’s medical education system.

The key innovation of the draft is the complete elimination of admissions to medical universities based on a differential paid contract, commonly known as a “supercontract.”

According to the draft, starting with the 2026/2027 academic year, the practice of admitting undergraduate students under higher tuition agreements will be discontinued. This measure aims to strengthen the quality-based selection of future medical professionals and remove financial considerations as a determining factor in university admissions. The education modernization program also includes mandatory integration of evidence-based medicine principles into the curriculum.

In addition to changing admission conditions, the ministry proposes stricter academic performance requirements. The draft introduces fixed minimum passing scores for each course module and for the successful completion of state examinations.

For students in medical specialties at the bachelor’s, master’s, and clinical residency levels, the threshold will be set at 70%. For mid-level medical personnel, the minimum requirement is 60%.

The draft also emphasizes a revision of the curriculum structure. Authorities plan to increase credit hours devoted to the study of the most common diseases and conditions with the highest mortality rates. This redistribution will prioritize clinical disciplines critical to the public healthcare system.