Comparative and International Higher Education Policy Specialist; Focus on Central Asia
One last reform to Uzbekistan's higher education system rounds out another busy year of change in that country. New rules are coming in that will allow certain universities greater autonomy over who they choose to lead them and will also create a new supervisory board structure similar to a governing body. From plans to create …
Continue reading Starting from the top: Steps towards autonomy in Uzbekistan’s universities
Further to my December 2019 post, An Uzbek experiment, the new do-it-yourself funding model for 10 of the country's higher education institutions (HEIs) has now come into force. All 10 will be under the watchful eye of the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education to ensure that prices don't jump too high, too fast …
Continue reading DIY budgeting: The self-financing experiment in Uzbekistan’s universities begins
Hot on the heels of being awarded The Economist's 'Most Improved Nation' in 2019 and just ahead of parliamentary elections that may pave the way for future steps towards political openness, the government of Uzbekistan is not resting on its laurels. Uzbek HEIs demand to be given all the bills In early December it was …
Continue reading An Uzbek experiment: Self-financing for universities
The merger of two universities in Kazakhstan represents an important moment for the governance of its higher education system.
Intrigued by reforms to education in Kazakhstan, from the new trilingual education policy to greater steps towards decentralization of governance? Want to know what students at a new Kazakh university think about life on campus or the effectiveness of their institution's strategic plan? Curious to learn more about students' views on learning methods, from videoessays to critical thinking …
Continue reading New research from Central Asian university students
The Kazakh government has decided to take a big step towards greater independence for Kazakh universities by reforming the top layer of institutional governance. 'Oversight councils', also commonly known as Councils or Senates, will be responsible for hiring and firing Rectors (Vice Chancellors/CEOs) and have monitoring oversight for university finance and strategy. (How those councils …
Continue reading Times are changing for university governance in Kazakhstan
A detailed and interesting story from Kazakh news agency Tengri News today, reporting on a recent conference for higher education leaders in the country. There is reportedly a strong move towards offering greater independence to universities in the country on everything from curriculum to revenue streams. I couldn't quite work out from the story why …
Emma Sabzalieva 