The modern world is changing rapidly, and the processes of globalization, increasing international competition, and new challenges affect all aspects of citizens' lives. This is particularly relevant to the field of higher education, as graduates must meet the demands of the times and be prepared for new realities.
There are various opinions that higher educational institutions are not ready for these changes, lagging in their development and existing somewhere between the post-Soviet past and modern requirements. This, in turn, affects the quality of education, the training of specialists, and the level of scientific activity in universities, as well as the implementation of digital technologies and innovations, integration into the international educational space, and recognition at the global level.
However, this does not mean that universities remain inactive. Each university, depending on its capabilities, begins the process of restructuring higher education, adapting its activities to modern economic conditions that demand knowledge and innovation.
Understanding the Role of Universities in Society
An important step in activating university resources for qualitative changes was the Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Measures to Enhance the Potential and Competitiveness of Educational Organizations of Higher Professional Education" dated July 18, 2022. It granted special status to certain universities and aims to transform them into more competitive educational institutions, paving the way for international rankings. This decree has become a kind of dividing line in the history of higher education in the country.
If previously universities focused on teaching and scientific activities within traditional specialties, now the emphasis is shifting towards interaction with production and the commercialization of research. It is important for universities to become active participants in the economic environment, creating innovations, technologies, and new jobs, contributing to sustainable development and economic growth.
This involves transforming classical universities into national research institutions and new generation 4.0 universities.
In Kyrgyzstan, such transformations are just beginning, while leading foreign universities have already achieved significant heights and serve as models to emulate.
The history of university education in Europe spans over 900 years, while in Russia it is about 300. During this time, both European and Russian universities have constantly transformed in accordance with the demands of the times.
The processes of transformation began with the emergence of the first universities, such as Bologna in Italy and Oxford in England, and continue to the modern leaders of the global educational community—Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and others.
In Kyrgyzstan, however, the history of universities is less than a century old, and practical experience in reforming the higher education system is even less. However, this is not a justification but rather a motivation to strive for advanced models.
Fortunately, the state has provided academic, financial, and organizational autonomy, which has opened up wide opportunities for universities to demonstrate their readiness for change and show maturity and responsibility. Many universities in the country, including Osh State University, are actively working towards achieving specific results in the transformation process. I would like to share the positive experience of implementing key priorities.
Academic Reputation and Attractiveness
OshSU, relying on a solid educational and scientific base, modern infrastructure, and digital technologies, is actively moving towards the level of successful foreign universities.
To enhance public recognition of the quality of education, OshSU has undergone transformation and developed new educational standards that take into account the needs of the modern labor market and employer requirements. New training programs for specialists in areas such as nanotechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence have been introduced. Gradually, a transition to individual educational trajectories for students is being implemented, allowing them to realize their personal potential.
Regulations for faculties and departments have been updated, focused on improving the quality of education and training specialists of a new format capable of effectively working under new economic challenges.
The active use of digital platforms, such as electronic document management and online proctoring systems, helps maintain the principles of academic integrity in the educational process.
Since the beginning of the academic year, credit technologies have been introduced at OshSU, allowing students to choose disciplines and teachers, creating strong competition among faculty and positively impacting the quality of education and the academic reputation of the university.
The transition to credit technologies also contributes to an increase in the number of students transferring from foreign universities and organizing academic mobility.
The university's management structure has been restructured with a focus on strategic management and corporate governance, including measurable indicators (KPI) and personal accountability.
Each leader (vice-rectors, heads of departments, etc.) has established KPIs by which their work is evaluated at the end of the year. This affects the renewal or termination of contracts.
The ongoing reorganization is aimed at systemic renewal of the university's management ecosystem: decision-making mechanisms have been streamlined, the activities of leaders are evaluated based on clear indicators, and management is conducted based on results.
This approach is also applied to every teacher and staff member at the university.
Scientific Research in Focus
Scientific research at OshSU is aimed at solving socio-economic problems in the region. Partnership agreements have been concluded with the administrations of the city of Osh and Osh region, and joint action plans have been developed. Projects related to the study of local rivers and water bodies for the construction of small hydropower plants and alternative energy, as well as the preservation of ecosystems, are being implemented.
Over the past four years, OshSU has implemented joint projects worth 197 million soms, of which 25 million was allocated by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, 34 million by OshSU itself, and 138 million was attracted from international funds.
In three years, 25 million soms have been allocated for applied research aimed at solving socio-economic problems.
The publication activity of university staff has increased: from 2019 to 2023, the number of scientific articles in journals indexed in the RINC database increased from 4,553 to 9,000. There has also been an increase in publications in international journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science—their number reached 543, and the total number of articles increased sixfold, amounting to 969. The number of citations of OshSU's scientific works in SCOPUS has increased to 701.
To stimulate publication activity, monetary rewards are provided: annually, authors of publications receive bonuses ranging from 15,000 to 75,000 soms.
The university practices attracting foreign professors and scholars with high publication activity, which opens up new opportunities for joint publications and scientific internships in international centers. Currently, specialists from France, the USA, Hungary, South Korea, and Japan are working at OshSU.
The quality of the university's teaching staff has also significantly improved: over the past four years, 71 candidate and 14 doctoral dissertations have been defended, for which the candidates received awards of 50,000 and 100,000 soms, respectively. The number of PhD doctors has increased from 4 to 17.
OshSU teachers participate in international conferences and give lectures at other universities around the world.
For academic stimulation, a teacher ranking system has been implemented since 2022, based on which salary supplements are paid, ranging from 42,877 soms for a junior teacher to 74,365 soms for a professor.
For the first time, PhD doctoral programs have been opened and are being implemented in seven areas, where 69 doctoral students are conducting scientific research. The scientific journal "Bulletin of OshSU" has been transitioned to the electronic platform Open Journal System (OJS).
Integration into the International Educational Space
Osh State University is actively involved in the international educational and scientific space, having over 300 cooperation agreements with universities from 30 countries, many of which are included in global rankings. Among them are 104 universities from Russia, 78 from China, 58 from Uzbekistan, 52 from Kazakhstan, and 25 from Turkey.
Currently, more than 20 international dual diploma programs are being implemented with universities from China, Russia, and Kazakhstan, allowing students to receive diplomas from two universities.
In 2022, a branch of the Eurasian National University named after L.N. Gumilyov was opened at OshSU, and in 2023, a center for the Kyrgyz language and culture named after Ch. Aitmatov began operating. Also in 2023, the Lomonosov Moscow State University center was launched at OshSU, where dual diploma programs will be implemented in three areas. Last year, centers for Uzbek language and literature at OshSU and Kyrgyz language at Tashkent State University were opened.
OshSU is a member of international university organizations, such as the CIS Network University, the Association of Asian Universities, and others.
Today, OshSU acts as the coordinator of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) University in Kyrgyzstan, actively participating in academic mobility and developing educational programs within the SCO.
As part of academic mobility, about 1,000 students and 300 teachers study and undergo internships at 282 universities from 33 countries annually, including South Korea, Japan, China, and others. More than 800 students from foreign universities also study at OshSU.
International recognition is also facilitated by the export of education: OshSU attracts foreign students from many countries, and currently, over 15,000 students from near and far abroad are studying here, forming a positive image of the university.
Integration of Education, Science, and Commercialization
In recent years, the university has been implementing an integrated approach to the educational process, scientific activity, and the commercialization of its results.
OshSU is implementing a continuous innovation process that combines education, science, and production. This is achieved through educational-production complexes, research centers, and business incubators.
The educational-production complex, created with investments from the Asian Development Bank, provides dual education, where students combine theory with practice and receive a salary.
The "Future Generations Hub" robotics center, established in partnership with a Chinese company, trains students in mechatronics and robotics, providing grants for the training of specialists.
The OshSU business park is focused on solving socio-economic problems in the region and teaching youth entrepreneurial skills, hosting 49 startups with over 13 million soms in investments.
The OshSU consulting center actively works on ecosystem preservation and implements scientific-production projects for reforestation.
The university's innovative agro-center develops and implements business projects in the agri-sector with support from EU grants.
The university medical clinic integrates education and practice, performing complex surgical operations and providing high-quality medical care.
The veterinary clinic offers a wide range of services and implements projects for the preservation of animal gene pools.
The university's creative workshops are engaged in creating products and fashion clothing, as well as a film academy where students work on creating films and performances.
Digital Transformation of the University
OshSU is actively developing digital transformation, creating a unified information space that encompasses management and educational processes.
The university has implemented the MyEDU information system, which integrates multiple digital platforms, including electronic document management and online learning.
All university activities, from student admissions to graduation, have been transitioned to a digital format.
Modern Infrastructure
Over the past five years, the university has built and reconstructed more than 20 educational buildings and dormitories that meet modern requirements.
Among the new facilities are a sports complex, educational buildings, and a medical clinic, as well as updated dormitories and educational workshops.
Student Support
Significant attention is paid at the university to social support for students, their creative development, and participation in student self-government. A youth committee, student ombudsman, and various creative groups operate.
The university's media resources actively inform students about all events and opportunities.
Students who achieve success in competitions and events receive monetary awards, and assistance is provided to those in need.
Each year, the best students receive scholarships, including presidential and named scholarships.
Development of University Sports
The university actively promotes sports, offering classes in various sports and supporting its teams in championships.
OshSU has a professional football club and teams in volleyball and futsal.
Rankings as an Indicator of International Recognition
The university pays attention to participation in international rankings, which allows it to integrate into the global educational environment and meet international standards.
In 2023, OshSU was accredited for 7 years and accredited 127 educational programs, which constitutes 94% of the total number.
In 2024, the university received 4 stars in QS Stars, and in 2026 it ranked 316th in the QS Asia University Rankings.
OshSU holds leading positions in the national ranking, confirming the qualitative changes that have occurred in recent years.
The university is confidently moving towards the 4.0 model, integrating education, science, and production, actively addressing socio-economic challenges and contributing to the achievement of the goals of the "Ungu Zhol" Doctrine.
As Charles Darwin said: "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."
