EF EPI ranks Uzbekistan among countries with low English proficiency

Out of 123 countries included in the 2025 ranking, Uzbekistan placed 104th, falling from 98th out of 114 countries in 2024 and 93rd out of 113 in 2023. The country’s average score also declined, dropping from 439 to 429 out of a possible 700 points. This result corresponds to a B1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The EF EPI, one of the world’s largest assessments of English proficiency among non-native speakers, is based on the test results of 2.2 million adults worldwide who took the EF SET exam, which evaluates English as a second or foreign language.

Strong regional disparities

The report highlights significant regional disparities in English proficiency across Uzbekistan. Fergana region recorded the highest average score nationwide, with 470 points, followed by Andijan (453) and Tashkent region. Bukhara (436) and Surkhandarya (431) also featured among the top five regions.

At the lower end of the scale, the weakest results were recorded in Kashkadarya (412), Syrdarya (409) and Jizzakh (395), with Jizzakh posting the lowest average score in the country.

A similar pattern emerged at the city level. Fergana city topped the list with an average score of 470, narrowly ahead of Tashkent (469). The top five cities also included Karshi (440), Andijan (439) and Namangan (430).

Younger test-takers perform worse

The age breakdown revealed a notable trend: the lowest English proficiency levels were observed among respondents aged 18–20. By contrast, test-takers aged 30–40 and those over 40 demonstrated comparatively stronger results, indicating improved proficiency among older age groups.

Uzbekistan has been included in the EF EPI since 2018, when it ranked 86th out of 88 countries. To be included in the index, at least 400 test results from a country are required, a threshold the authors say ensures sufficient data for analysis.

Global and regional context

Globally, the Netherlands retained first place for the seventh consecutive year in 2025, followed by Croatia and Austria. Among Uzbekistan’s neighbors, Turkmenistan ranked 91st, Afghanistan 96th, Kyrgyzstan 101st, Kazakhstan 107th and Tajikistan 110th.

The 2025 edition of the index marks the first time that speaking and writing skills have been incorporated into the assessment. Until 2024, the EF SET evaluated only receptive skills—reading and listening. New optional sections assessing productive skills were introduced in the first half of 2024, though most test-takers continue to complete only the receptive components.

Methodology and limitations

EF SET tests are standardized according to the CEFR system adopted by the European Union and are widely used by learners for self-assessment and exam preparation. The online test is free of charge, and the index considers results from respondents aged 18 and over, drawing on data from the past three years to limit volatility.

The report also cautions that the index may not fully reflect the English proficiency of the general population. Participation in the tests is voluntary and typically attracts individuals who are already interested in learning English or assessing their language skills, which can skew results either upward or downward.

EF Education First, the author of the index, was founded in Sweden in 1965 and specializes in academic language programs, international education and educational travel.