World Bank Invests $250M in the Future of Uzbek Students
Uzbekistan
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $250 million loan to Uzbekistan to implement the “EduImkon” program, aimed at expanding equitable access to student financing across higher, technical, and vocational education.
Between 2026 and 2028, the program will strengthen the existing student loan system and expand access for nearly 600,000 young people nationwide. Around 80% of the funds will be directed to students from low-income families and women.
Officials note that with nearly 10 million people aged 14–30, expanding educational opportunities is among the country’s top policy priorities. In recent years, the sector has grown rapidly: higher education enrollment increased from 8% in 2017 to 48% in 2024, and the number of universities has almost tripled.
However, the surge in student numbers has increased pressure on the current loan system, operated through commercial banks, and exposed its limited alignment with labor-market needs. In particular, loans are rarely used for STEM and ICT programs, despite their high demand.
Women account for 55% of all students and 80% of loan recipients, yet only one-third of them pursue STEM majors.
The “EduImkon” program, to be implemented by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, includes a modernization of the entire student-financing system. Key measures include developing a reform roadmap, launching a unified online loan-application platform, simplifying access for vulnerable groups, and introducing income-contingent loan repayment.
By December 2028, around 600,000 university and vocational students will be able to access educational loans through 12 commercial banks coordinated by the ministry.
More than $190 million—about 80% of the program’s resources—will support vulnerable students and encourage enrollment in fields most demanded by the labor market. The program will also attract around $30 million in private capital, helping expand financing opportunities and ease pressure on the state budget.
Officials note that with nearly 10 million people aged 14–30, expanding educational opportunities is among the country’s top policy priorities. In recent years, the sector has grown rapidly: higher education enrollment increased from 8% in 2017 to 48% in 2024, and the number of universities has almost tripled.
However, the surge in student numbers has increased pressure on the current loan system, operated through commercial banks, and exposed its limited alignment with labor-market needs. In particular, loans are rarely used for STEM and ICT programs, despite their high demand.
Women account for 55% of all students and 80% of loan recipients, yet only one-third of them pursue STEM majors.
The “EduImkon” program, to be implemented by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, includes a modernization of the entire student-financing system. Key measures include developing a reform roadmap, launching a unified online loan-application platform, simplifying access for vulnerable groups, and introducing income-contingent loan repayment.
By December 2028, around 600,000 university and vocational students will be able to access educational loans through 12 commercial banks coordinated by the ministry.
More than $190 million—about 80% of the program’s resources—will support vulnerable students and encourage enrollment in fields most demanded by the labor market. The program will also attract around $30 million in private capital, helping expand financing opportunities and ease pressure on the state budget.
Powered by Froala Editor