Özbekistan Universities Rise in Sustainability Rankings, Afgan Education Program Expands

50 higher education institutions of Özbekistan secured a place in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026 list. This achievement stands out as one of the most significant recent educational developments, ensuring that the country's universities are increasingly recognized internationally. The results were announced with great enthusiasm at the Küresel Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Kongresi held in Jakarta, Endonezya on 24 Haziran. With these rankings, Özbekistan reaped the fruits of its decisive steps toward integrating sustainable development principles into higher education. Additionally, thanks to separate educational initiatives carried out in the country's southern regions, the door is being opened to new vocational training opportunities for hundreds of Afgan citizens.

The THE Sustainability Impact Rankings comprehensively evaluate how much universities contribute to the Birleşmiş Milletler Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları (SDG). The evaluation process is based on the institutions' educational quality, research activities, governance approach, social responsibility projects, environmental sustainability efforts, and international collaborations. According to the results announced this year, 24 universities from Özbekistan managed to enter the list of the world's top thousand universities. This situation is interpreted as a concrete indicator of the country's efforts to meet international standards and institutionalize its sustainability vision in the field of higher education. Officials state that this increase is a result of the radical reforms made in their education systems.

The two universities of Özbekistan that achieved the highest overall rankings were Özbek Dili ve Edebiyatı Taşkent Devlet Üniversitesi and Taşkent Devlet Ekonomi Üniversitesi, which placed in the 101-200 band. These established institutions were followed by Özbekistan Ulusal Üniversitesi and Ulusal Araştırma Üniversitesi "TIIAME", listed in the 201-300 group. The universities also achieved remarkable success in the individual Sustainable Development Goals categories. For example, Alisher Navoi Özbek Dili ve Edebiyatı Taşkent Devlet Üniversitesi achieved a major success by ranking eighth in the world in the "Gender Equality" category. Taşkent Devlet Teknik Üniversitesi made the country proud by ranking fifth in the world in "Affordable and Clean Energy".

In the same energy category, Fergana Politeknik Enstitüsü also stood out by ranking sixth in the world, proving Özbekistan's strength in technical education. In addition to this, two major medical universities in Semerkand and Taşkent managed to make their way among the world's best institutions under the "Good Health and Well-being" goal. Özbekistan's representation in international rankings has gained incredible momentum in recent years. While the country was represented in these lists with only 12 universities in 2021, this number increased to 30 in 2022, 47 in 2023, and 53 in 2024. After peaking with 59 universities in 2025, Özbekistan maintained a strong presence in the 2026 edition with 50 institutions.

On the other hand, Özbekistan continues its pursuit of becoming a regional education hub with great determination. At the Afgan Vatandaşları Eğitim Merkezi, located in the Termiz ilçesi of the country's Surhanderya region, more than 600 Afgan citizens have successfully completed free technical and vocational training courses so far. This comprehensive educational program is supported by a 2 million-dollar fund provided by the Avrupa Birliği and is carried out in close collaboration with the Birleşmiş Milletler Kalkınma Programı (UNDP). The main objective of the project is to support the socio-economic integration of Afgan citizens and help them build their futures by offering them new educational opportunities. In addition to vocational training, the tuition fees and scholarships of 136 Afgan students studying at higher education institutions were also covered under this generous project.

The project organized for Afgan citizens also has dimensions that will directly contribute to economic growth. Thirty graduates with the strongest business plans were rewarded with a start-up voucher worth 2,000 dollars to establish small businesses and stand on their own feet. Furthermore, grant supports of up to 4,000 dollars were provided to 39 participants looking to expand their production or service-based businesses to help them purchase equipment. Not only individual support was provided within the scope of the project; the physical infrastructure of the education center was also modernized. The center was equipped with new computer equipment, powerful servers, a modern conference hall, a spacious co-working area, and a new 29-seat service vehicle to facilitate student transportation.