On 20 April 2023, over 40 representatives from government, universities, EU institutions, and civil society gathered in Bishkek to assess the current state of higher education in Kyrgyzstan and shape a shared vision for the sector’s development through 2030.
The national review, held at Kyrgyz National University, served as a key platform for discussing recent reforms, governance models, quality assurance, and the role of international cooperation—particularly Erasmus+—in driving institutional transformation.
The event featured keynote speeches, policy panels, and breakout sessions, highlighting systemic achievements and persistent challenges, including underfunding, access disparities, and the need for inter-ministerial coordination. Discussions emphasized the importance of digital transformation, climate resilience, and aligning curricula with labor market needs.
Participants endorsed a set of strategic recommendations, including the development of a long-term national higher education strategy, improved financing mechanisms, expanded inclusion efforts, and greater engagement in EU programmes such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.
The event concluded with a proposal to establish a multi-sectoral working group to draft a 2030 Higher Education Reform Roadmap. A policy brief capturing key outcomes and next steps will be developed by the National Erasmus+ Office and shared with national and international stakeholders.
