Uzbekistan to build 58 modern schools and create 72,000 student places by 2030

The initiative is supported by a total of $200.25 million in funding from the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, and the Global Partnership for Education. The project aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of education across the country.

As part of the plan, the government intends to reduce classroom overcrowding by constructing the new schools in line with modern standards and creating more than 72,000 additional student places. At least 500 students with disabilities will benefit from inclusive education conditions established under the project.

The number and capacity of the new schools may be adjusted based on proposals from the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regional authorities, and the city of Tashkent.

The resolution also outlines goals to align national educational standards and curricula with international requirements. This includes introducing competency-based teaching principles and organizing laboratory classes in accordance with STEM standards. Additionally, the professional development of 36,000 educators will be supported, with a blended learning model implemented for their training.

Land allocation for school construction

The resolution mandates that the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan, regional administrations, and the Tashkent city administration — together with the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services and the Cadastre Agency — identify suitable land plots with existing infrastructure within a month. These plots will be permanently allocated to the regional bodies of the Ministry of Preschool and School Education.

The criteria for land selection include:

• High population density and demand for school enrollment in the area.
• Availability of infrastructure such as electricity, potable water, gas, roads, and sewage.
• Use of land designated for social infrastructure development.

Relocation of utility lines on the school premises, as well as installation of water supply, sewage, electricity, gas, and telecommunications, will be carried out by relevant organizations — Regional Power Grids, Uzsuvtaminot, Hududgaztaminot, and Uzbektelecom — using local budget funds and additional financial sources.

The state of school education in Uzbekistan

School education has become a nationwide development priority in Uzbekistan. Over the past seven years, construction and renovation have been carried out at more than 5,000 schools, including 608 in 2024 alone. Opportunities for students to learn a second foreign language and receive vocational training have also expanded significantly.

For the first time, inclusive education has been introduced in 530 schools.

The total number of schools in the country has increased by 660 over the past five years. As of March 2024, Uzbekistan had 14 presidential schools, 9 schools of creativity, and 182 specialized schools. Their teaching and assessment systems have been adopted in 1,500 general education schools.

An international school is expected to begin operations in Uzbekistan starting in September 2025.