In the context of rapid changes, globalization, and increasing international competition, higher education faces new challenges. The importance of preparing graduates who meet modern requirements has become more relevant than ever.
There is an opinion that higher educational institutions are lagging behind developments and are caught between the post-Soviet past and modern realities, which negatively affects the quality of education and the training of specialists. This also impacts scientific activities, integration into the international educational space, and recognition on the international stage.
However, this does not mean that universities are inactive. Each educational institution is taking steps to restructure the higher education system, adapting its activities to modern economic conditions that demand the implementation of knowledge and innovations.
Understanding the Role of Universities
A key moment that has contributed to the activation of university resources for qualitative changes was the Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic dated July 18, 2022, concerning the enhancement of the potential and competitiveness of educational organizations. This document granted special status to certain universities, aiming them at transformation and integration into international rankings. It became a kind of new milestone in the history of higher education in the country.
If previously universities were only engaged in training traditional specialists, now they must actively interact with the production sector and commercialize their scientific developments. It is important for universities to become not only educational institutions but also participants in the economic environment, contributing to the creation of new technologies and jobs.
In Kyrgyzstan, the transformation process is just beginning, while many foreign universities have already achieved significant success and serve as role models.
The history of universities in Europe spans over 900 years, while in Russia it is about 300. During this time, they have undergone numerous transformations, adapting to new conditions.
The history of higher education in Kyrgyzstan is less than a century old, and we have less practical experience in reforming the system. However, this is not an excuse but rather a stimulus to move towards advanced global models.
Fortunately, the academic and organizational autonomy granted by the state opens up new opportunities for universities, allowing them to demonstrate their readiness for change. Many universities, including Osh State University, strive to achieve positive results in the transformation process.
Enhancing Academic Reputation
OshSU, relying on its strong educational, scientific, and material-technical base, aims to reach the level of successful foreign universities.
Within the framework of academic freedom, OshSU has modernized and developed new educational standards and programs that take into account the requirements of the modern labor market and the needs of employers. New programs have been launched in areas such as nanotechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The practice of individual educational trajectories is gradually being implemented, allowing each student to realize their personal potential.
The regulations on faculties and departments have been updated with an emphasis on the quality of education and the training of specialists capable of effectively working under new economic challenges.
The use of digital platforms in the educational process, such as electronic document management and online proctoring systems, contributes to ensuring academic integrity and improving the quality of education.
Since the beginning of the academic year, credit technologies have been successfully implemented at OshSU, allowing students to choose disciplines and instructors, creating a competitive environment among teachers and contributing to the improvement of education quality.
The university's management structure has also undergone changes based on the principles of strategic management and corporate governance. Key performance indicators (KPIs) have been established for each managerial position, allowing for the assessment of leaders' activities based on their annual reports.
This approach is also applied to teachers and other university staff.
Scientific Activity as a Priority
Research work at OshSU is aimed at addressing the socio-economic problems of the region. Agreements have been signed with the administration of the city of Osh and the region for the implementation of joint projects, including studies of water bodies and alternative energy.
Over the past four years, projects worth 197 million soms have been implemented at the university, including investments from international funds.
The publication activity of OshSU staff has significantly increased — from 2019 to 2023, the number of scientific articles in international publications rose from 4,553 to 9,000. There has been a recorded increase in publications in reputable journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science.
To stimulate publication activity, monetary awards are provided, as well as the involvement of foreign scholars for joint publications.
The number of PhD holders at the university has increased from 4 to 17, and faculty members actively participate in international conferences and symposiums.
In 2022, OshSU launched new doctoral programs in seven fields, where 69 doctoral students are currently studying.
International Cooperation
OshSU actively participates in the international educational and scientific space, having agreements with over 300 universities in 30 countries. Currently, more than 20 joint educational programs for dual degrees are being implemented with universities in China, Russia, and Kazakhstan.
Recently, branches of international universities and centers for languages and cultures have been opened, which promote further cooperation.
OshSU is a member of several international university associations and actively participates in academic mobility, annually providing opportunities for about 1,000 students and 300 faculty members to undergo internships abroad.
The university also attracts foreign students, and currently, more than 15,000 students from different countries are studying here, creating a positive image in the international educational space.
Integration of Education and Science
In recent years, the university has actively implemented the integration of the educational process, research activities, and the commercialization of their results. The educational-production complex and other centers provide practical training for students in real conditions.
Projects related to socio-economic challenges in the region are actively developing, including the creation of a business park and centers for ecosystem preservation.
The university clinic and veterinary clinic also contribute to the integration of education with practice, providing a wide range of services and organizing scientific research.
Digitalization in Education
OshSU has implemented a unified information system, MyEDU, covering all aspects of management and the educational process, which allows for the effective use of digital technologies in learning.
Modern Infrastructure
Over the past five years, the university has significantly updated its infrastructure, building and reconstructing more than 20 educational buildings and dormitories in accordance with modern requirements.
Student Support
The university pays great attention to social support for students, developing their creative abilities and providing various forms of scholarship support to achieve success in studies and sports competitions.
University Sports
The development of university sports and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle are important areas of the university's activities, where students can engage in various sports.
Rankings and International Recognition
OshSU actively participates in national and international rankings, which contributes to its integration into the international educational space. In 2023, the university was accredited for a period of 7 years, confirming its commitment to the quality of education.
In 2024, OshSU received 4 stars from QS Stars, ranked 316th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, and became a leader in the National Ranking of Higher Educational Institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The university is actively moving towards the 4.0 model, integrating education, science, and production practices, and participating in solving key socio-economic challenges of the country.
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."
