Uzbekistan plans to abolish "super-contract" system for medical education

Starting from the 2026–2027 academic year, Uzbekistan may eliminate the practice of admission based on increased tuition fees, popularly known as "super-contracts", for higher education institutions specializing in medical training.

According to a draft resolution aimed at radically improving the medical and pharmaceutical education system, the practice of admitting students through elevated contract payments will be discontinued for undergraduate medical programs. This shift is intended to transition the admission process toward a model based strictly on transparency, merit, and quality criteria.

The proposed reforms introduce rigorous performance benchmarks to ensure the competence of future healthcare professionals. Under the new regulations:

Minimum passing scores: The passing threshold for every educational module and state examination will be set at 70% for medical specialists (doctors) and 60% for mid-level medical personnel across undergraduate, master's, and residency levels.
Specialization pathways: The training of narrow specialists will be conducted exclusively through residency and master's programs. Short-term retraining courses for these roles will be abolished.
End of internship programs: Admission to primary targeted specialization courses (internships) will be discontinued.

The draft resolution emphasizes bringing the quality of education in line with international standards. Key initiatives include the mandatory implementation of training within simulation centers and the strengthening of clinical practice. The overarching goal is to ensure a seamless integration of education, science, and practical application in personnel training.