Funding for universities based on rankings: A new system is proposed from 2027
In Uzbekistan, it is proposed to introduce a system of financial incentives for higher education organizations based on national rating results. According to the project, HEIs in each category will be divided into three levels and incentivized in accordance with their position in the rating. The system is planned to be launched from January 1, 2027.
Allocating funds to universities based on rankings: A new system is proposed from 2027
These proposals are outlined in a draft amendment and addition to the regulations on maintaining the national ranking of higher education institutions. If the document is adopted, the title of the regulation will also change to cover the procedure for maintaining and incentivizing the national ranking.
It is specified that the maintenance of the national ranking will be carried out by the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education under the Presidential Administration.
According to the draft, higher education institutions within each category will be distributed based on ranking results as follows: the top 20% with high results — to the first level; the next 40% — to the second level; the remaining 40% — to the third level.
In financial incentives, the financing method of the state HEI will be taken into account. For HEIs granted financial independence, the incentive applies relative to the amount of funding for one student studying on the basis of a state grant.
In state HEIs financed through traditional procedures, the calculation is carried out relative to the state budget funds allocated to cover expenses. The provided draft text does not specify an exact percentage or sum of incentives for each level.
After the final results of the ranking are announced, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation is expected to transfer the incentive funds to the personal treasury accounts of the respective HEI within fifteen working days. The decision on how to use these funds will be made by the higher education institution itself.
The draft also clarifies the requirement for HEIs to be included in the ranking. Higher education institutions that have been established for three years and have bachelor's graduates, regardless of their organizational and legal form, will be evaluated. Higher military and militarized educational institutions are an exception.
A national ranking may be maintained separately for HEIs representing Uzbekistan that are included in the overall "Top-1000" list of THE, QS, and ARWU international rankings. This rule does not apply to international rankings compiled by subject areas.
It is proposed that HEIs enter data for the reporting year into a special platform by June 1 of the following year. In evaluating international reputation, it is planned to involve up to 200 employees of foreign partner universities and scientific organizations.