Today, the comprehensive modernization of the higher education system in Uzbekistan, along with improving educational quality and enhancing international competitiveness, has become one of the priority directions of state policy. In recent years, the increase in the number of higher education institutions, as well as the introduction of new academic disciplines and educational programs, has created the need to establish modern mechanisms for quality assurance within the system. In this context, the process of specialized state accreditation of academic programs is evolving not only as a regulatory mechanism but also as a strategic instrument for managing quality in higher education.

As of May 10 of the current year, the Agency has received applications from 62 higher education institutions across the country for the specialized state accreditation of a total of 408 academic programs. Currently, internal and external evaluation processes are being conducted for 363 academic programs at 55 higher education institutions. These figures clearly demonstrate that higher education institutions are placing significantly greater emphasis on quality assurance and institutional accountability.

The specialized state accreditation process consists of several stages. First, higher education institutions conduct a self-assessment process. At this stage, academic programs are thoroughly evaluated in terms of compliance with regulatory requirements, faculty qualifications, material and technical resources, educational and methodological support, research performance, collaboration with employers, and graduate employment outcomes. Following this, independent experts conduct an external evaluation to determine the actual quality, effectiveness, and sustainability of the academic programs.

Regional data indicates that the accreditation process is being implemented on a large scale throughout the country. The highest number has been recorded in Tashkent City, where 119 academic programs at 16 higher education institutions are currently undergoing accreditation. The concentration of universities in the capital, including branches of foreign universities and the expansion of non-state higher education institutions, largely explains this figure. While some institutions are still in the internal evaluation stage, others have already reached the final phase of external expert assessment.

In Tashkent Region, 22 academic programs at 4 higher education institutions are undergoing accreditation. Internal evaluation processes have been fully completed, and external expert assessments are progressing systematically.

In the Fergana Valley, which includes Andijan, Namangan, and Fergana regions, accreditation activities are also being actively carried out. In Andijan, 18 academic programs at 4 institutions are under evaluation; in Namangan, 39 academic programs at 3 institutions; and in Fergana, 16 academic programs at 2 institutions. Notably, in Fergana Region, both internal and external evaluations have been completed, and the process has advanced to the on-site institutional review stage, demonstrating the effectiveness of the system.

In Samarkand Region, evaluation is being conducted for 16 academic programs at 6 institutions; in Bukhara Region, 13 academic programs at 2 institutions; and in Navoi Region, 5 academic programs at 2 institutions. In these regions, the primary focus is on aligning internal quality management systems with international standards.

Positive dynamics are also being observed in the southern regions. In Qashqadaryo Region, 40 academic programs at 3 higher education institutions are undergoing specialized state accreditation, while in Surxondaryo Region, 34 academic programs at 4 institutions are under evaluation. In these regions, particular attention is being given to the alignment of academic programs with labor market demands, the proportion of practical training components, and the level of integration with employers.

In Khorezm, Jizzakh, and Sirdaryo regions, the evaluation processes have reached their final stages. In several institutions, both internal and external expert assessments have been fully completed, and expert site visits, along with the preparation of final conclusions, are currently underway.

In the Republic of Karakalpakstan, specialized state accreditation is also being implemented successfully. Internal and external evaluations at the higher education institution in the region have been completed, and the expert site visit stage has been scheduled. This demonstrates that the quality assurance system has reached even the country’s most remote regions.

As a result of specialized state accreditation, higher education institutions are gaining opportunities not only to identify existing shortcomings but also to reassess and strengthen their institutional development strategies. More importantly, this system is helping establish clear mechanisms for ensuring transparency in the educational process, upholding academic integrity, protecting students’ interests, and improving the competitiveness of graduates.

Current results clearly indicate that in Uzbekistan, the quality of higher education is no longer measured solely by classrooms, the number of faculty members, or academic curricula. Instead, it is increasingly being assessed through the actual effectiveness of academic programs, their integration with the labor market, research productivity, and compliance with international standards. This is a clear reflection of the national higher education system entering a new stage of qualitative development.