Higher education in Kyrgyzstan for international students

Higher education in Kyrgyzstan typically spans five years. The academic year operates on a two-semester system, starting in September and ending in May. Russian is the primary language of instruction in educational institutions, but with the growing number of higher education establishments in Kyrgyzstan, educators are using a broader range of source materials.

For academic bachelor's programs, the pathway is pretty straightforward: graduates are expected to continue their studies at the master's level. As for professionally-oriented, or what's also called applied bachelor's programs, students choose a specific focus to gain a complete specialization. This doesn't mean they can't pursue further studies at the master's level; after gaining some practical experience, they can enroll in postgraduate programs for a more advanced specialization. The applied bachelor's program is ideal for those who wish to start working immediately after earning their diploma.

Students can attain a Master's degree, equivalent to the "Candidate of Sciences," within another three years, during which they typically work on a thesis. They can then pursue a doctoral degree, requiring another dissertation. This final step is often considered postgraduate education. When specialized training is needed, it's typically offered at institutes established during the Soviet era, designed to educate the intellectual elite.

Currently, Kyrgyzstan is home to 54 universities, 21 of which are private. Even though there's a substantial number of private universities, they only enroll 27,500 students, accounting for 12.5% of the total student population. State-funded educational institutions fall under the purview of the Ministry of Education and Science, which sets policies and implementation standards, covering aspects like curriculum, contact hours, and examination methods. Specialized universities in fields such as healthcare, diplomacy, and management are also overseen by their respective sectoral ministries.

Admission to Kyrgyzstani universities and the awarding of state scholarships are determined through the national testing system (ORT), conducted by the independent Education Assessment and Testing Center.

The application period begins in the summer leading up to the September intake. Most institutions require an application form detailing the applicant's secondary or vocational education background. Institutions specializing in English subjects or those offering courses in English might require the TOEFL test scores. In July, universities conduct entrance exams, and based on the results, either grant admission or deny it.

A significant change in the higher education system since 1990 is the introduction of tuition fees, partly to offset the reduction in government subsidies. Tuition at private universities ranges from $1,500 for Kyrgyz citizens to $2,000 for international students. In contrast, fees at public universities are considerably lower, typically between $100 to $200 per year.

Scholarships in the form of tuition waivers are offered by most institutions for high-performing students. Only the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University operates without a fee structure.

• Bishkek University of Humanities
• International Medical School of Kyrgyzstan
• Asian Medical Institute
• Kyrgyz Russian Slavic University
• OSCE Academy in Bishkek.