Uzbekistan's Corruption-Ridden Educational System Seen as Sourc of Frustration

Uzbekistan's corruption-ridden educational system is a source of widespread discontent among the country's youth. Steadily decreasing government funding has sharply reduced access to higher education. And many of those who can afford comparatively high tuitions complain about a lack of interesting career opportunities.

Increasingly, higher educational opportunities are available only to children of Uzbekistan's economic and political elite. Tuition ranges from $200-$800 for the academic year. While such a price tag may be low by international standards, in a country where the average citizen makes roughly $1 per day, the cost is beyond the reach of most.

Today, government grants for university education only cover about 38 percent of a student's total education expenses. Bank loans introduced to help plug the state-funding gap have little appeal for students, given that interest rates run as high as 20 percent. Consequently, university enrollment has significantly declined since 1991. According to a 2003 World Bank report on Uzbekistan, enrollment shrank from 14 percent of Uzbekistan's university-age group in 1991-1992 to only 6.4 percent in 2000-2001.

"Even students supported by their parents financially have serious difficulties [paying for their education]," said one Uzbek woman, whose daughter studies at the National University of Uzbekistan. "For this reason, many students, even the brightest, often have to quit [their studies]. They cannot pay so much for their education."

The shift in educational opportunities has hit women the hardest. Many Uzbeks cling to a traditional view, in which success for a woman is based on a good marriage, rather than on a good education and career. As one Tashkent resident said; "My daughter's husband is going to demand that she stay home and look after the children anyway. Why spend so much money on education?"

The decrease in government support not only has caused a drop in the quantity of students, it has eroded the quality of instruction. Monthly wages for professors are relatively low, about $50. This has prompted a large number of experienced professors to leave academia in search of better-paying jobs.

In addition, many higher educational institutions are struggling with shortages of equipment and Uzbek-language textbooks. Internet-equipped computers remain a rarity. The Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute, for example, has only 12 Web-enabled computers for more than 1,000 students. Students additionally complain that instruction often depends on rote learning. In-class discussion or criticism is discouraged.

Corruption, fueled by underpaid staff, is rampant. University applicants can pay thousands of dollars to gain admittance to Uzbekistan's most exclusive universities and institutes. Once enrolled, students often find out that good grades are available at a price. And for those not wanting to attend class, a bribe can obtain an unofficial attendance waiver.

"[Students] can pay for each class separately or