QUALITY ASSURANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION OF UZBEKISTAN: INSTITUTIONAL REFORM, EUROPEAN ALIGNMENT, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Abstract

This article discusses how the system of quality assurance (QA) in the Republic of Uzbekistan in higher education is changing over time in the context of the ongoing structural changes. Specific focus is placed on systemic issues regarding admissions policies, teaching quality, learning resources and student assessment practices. The research is developed in the context of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) programme, namely, the QUARTZ project (Quality Assurance for Reform and Transformation of Higher Education Institutions in Uzbekistan). The paper assesses the current institutional and regulatory changes such as the creation of a national Quality Assurance Agency in 2025 through a qualitative policy analysis approach. It states that harmonizing national practices with the Standards and Guidelines on Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) offers a solid methodological basis to building institutional culture of quality, a better governance system, and accountability. The results indicate that, although there has been a substantial increase in access and formalization of QA structures, the issue of consistency of standards across institutions, especially the non-state ones, continues to be a problem. The article provides a series of policy and institutional recommendations to encourage a sustainable, integrated and internationally aligned quality assurance system.