In Uzbekistan, 83% of university graduates are employed. This data was published on the Graduate Quality Index (BSI) platform, developed by the National Agency for Education Quality Assurance, Daryo.uz reported.
The study covered 249,432 graduates from 170 universities, of whom 206,951 were employed. The average job search period was 3 months and 5 days, and the average salary of graduates was approximately 4.9 million soums (approximately $417).
The introduction of the BSI reflects a shift in approaches to assessing higher education: the focus is gradually shifting from the number of students and diplomas awarded to the degree to which graduates are in demand in the labor market. However, the 83% figure must be considered with caution, as the methodology excludes certain categories of graduates, including those continuing their education and those on parental leave.
Kazakhstan is also strengthening the connection between universities and the labor market. The government has set a target for graduate employment within the first year of graduation at 75% in 2025, with a plan to increase this to 79% by 2029. This demonstrates that graduate employment is becoming a key performance indicator for higher education.
Kyrgyzstan does not yet have a comparable national system for assessing graduate employment. However, the higher education system continues to expand: in the 2024/2025 academic year, the country had 57 universities with over 231,000 students.
Uzbekistan's experience is interesting precisely because of its use of a unified digital platform. The BSI allows universities and specializations to assess the performance of graduates in the labor market. However, in the long term, it is important to consider not only job availability but also the relevance of the job to the degree, salary level, and career advancement opportunities.
Thus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan face a common challenge: to make a university diploma not just an educational document, but a real tool for professional launch and career development for young people.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 7, 2026