From 11 to 13 November 2025, the final conference of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) project “Development of the Financial Autonomy of Universities in Kyrgyzstan (DEFA)” was held at the Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov (KSTU) in Bishkek.
Project Aim and Background:
The DEFA project, within the framework of the European Union’s Erasmus+ CBHE programme, aims to enhance the financial autonomy of Kyrgyz universities by developing sustainable models of financial management and governance. The project supports higher education institutions in building transparent and efficient financial systems that strengthen their strategic and operational independence.
Participants and Partners:
The conference brought together
- representatives of the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovations of the Kyrgyz Republic,
- the Ministry of Finance,
- the National Erasmus+ Office in Kyrgyzstan,
- the Association of Higher Education Institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic,
- and partner universities from Germany, Italy, and Kyrgyzstan.
European partners included Otto von Guericke University (Germany), University of Florence (Italy), and CESIE (Italy).
Kyrgyz partners represented a wide range of national universities, including the Kyrgyz State Technical University, International University of Kyrgyzstan, International Higher School of Medicine, Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Osh State University, Issyk-Kul State University, Talas State University, Naryn State University, and Ala-Too International University.
Opening and Welcome Remarks:
The conference opened with welcome speeches from Rector of KSTU; Deputy Minister of Science, Higher Education and Innovations; National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Programme in Kyrgyzstan, and rectors of leading universities, highlighting the importance of the project for the development of higher education in Kyrgyzstan.
In her address, National Coordinator of the Erasmus+ Programme in Kyrgyzstan emphasized the vital role of the DEFA project in promoting financial transparency and autonomy in higher education and highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between Kyrgyz and European universities within the Erasmus+ framework.
Conference Highlights:
The event’s sessions focused on presenting the results of the project’s main work packages:
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Management (WP6)
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Development and Preparation (WP1 & WP2)
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Implementation (WP3)
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Quality Assurance (WP4)
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Dissemination (WP5)
In addition, a Steering Committee meeting was held, where the partners reviewed the project’s overall financial statement and discussed sustainability measures for the implemented results.
Key Results and Impact:
As a result of the DEFA project:
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A comprehensive model of university financial autonomy was developed, and implemented in higher education institutions across the Kyrgyz Republic.
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The project’s outcomes contributed to legislative amendments, enabling universities to operate with greater flexibility and independence in financial management.
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European best practices from leading partner universities were adapted to the national context, allowing Kyrgyz universities to improve budgeting, internal audit systems, and strategic planning.
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The project fostered long-term collaboration between Kyrgyz and European universities, strengthening institutional capacity and supporting further integration into the European Higher Education Area.
Significance for Higher Education in Kyrgyzstan:
The final DEFA conference marked a milestone in advancing the financial sustainability and institutional autonomy of universities in Kyrgyzstan. The project’s legacy will continue to influence national higher education reforms and support the effective use of resources, contributing to a more transparent, accountable, and globally competitive university system.
The event reaffirmed the commitment of Kyrgyz and European partners to continue cooperation under Erasmus+ programme, fostering innovation, transparency, and sustainable development in higher education.
