Uzbekistan expands work and travel program to technical college students

Under the new arrangement, technical college students, like university students, will be able to earn additional income while gaining international work experience. Participants will be provided with loans to cover travel expenses.

The Work and Travel program for university students was introduced in 2025. Since May 15, student loans have been issued to cover round-trip travel and other related expenses for those participating in the program abroad. The initiative will now be expanded to include students of technical colleges.

During the meeting, the importance of further expanding the dual education system was also emphasized. Monthly career development days and job fairs will be organized at technical colleges to strengthen links between students and employers.

Technical colleges will also be allowed to establish spin-off enterprises, similar to higher education institutions. Up to UZS 1 billion will be allocated to support student startup projects within these institutions.

Authorities were instructed to review vocational training programs at technical colleges and align them more closely with labor market demands. Relevant agencies and regional governors were tasked with determining which institutions require updated curricula, which should adopt best practices in vocational and dual education, and where material and technical infrastructure needs urgent improvement.

Regional leaders were warned that technical college buildings and land must not be repurposed for other uses. College directors are not to be summoned to meetings unrelated to their core responsibilities.

The government has set a target to fully renovate at least 100 technical colleges each year and equip them in line with modern technological standards and high-demand professions.