09/08/2026
Assalamu Alaikum,
I hope everyone is doing well.
For quite some time, an important issue has been developing, and I had wanted to write about it much earlier. However, due to a lack of time and other commitments, I was unable to share my thoughts. Today, I would like to discuss this matter in detail and share my concerns with you all.
The Issue of University Accreditation
Some time ago, the Government of Kyrgyzstan gave universities a certain period of time to complete their accreditation requirements. It was also made clear that universities failing to meet the required standards could lose their accreditation.
Following this process, some universities were granted accreditation for five years, some for three years, and some for only one year, while certain universities were not granted accreditation at all.
What is particularly concerning is that some of the universities that did not receive accreditation are older and well-established institutions that have been operating for many years.
At the same time, there are universities that were established only a few years ago but have been granted accreditation.
This naturally raises an important question:
What exactly are the criteria and standards being used to grant or deny accreditation to universities?
So far, it is not clear to me what specific and transparent criteria the Government of Kyrgyzstan has used to make these decisions. If such criteria exist, they should be clearly communicated to students, universities, and the general public so that there is no confusion or uncertainty.
The Issue of Student Migration
Another major concern is the situation of students currently studying at non-accredited universities.
It has been stated that students from non-accredited universities may be transferred to accredited institutions so that their education and future are not negatively affected.
If the government itself decides that a university is no longer accredited, and as a result students are required to move to another university, then, in my opinion, students should not be subjected to heavy migration charges.
Students who have not done anything wrong should not be financially penalized because of a regulatory or accreditation decision.
If students are being forced to change universities due to a government decision, the migration process should be transparent, straightforward, affordable, and preferably free of charge.
There are also reports that some students are being asked to pay approximately $1,000 to $1,500 in the name of migration.
If these reports are accurate, the matter should be properly investigated, and students should be provided with clear and official information regarding any fees associated with the migration process.
Universities Granted Only One Year of Accreditation
Another important concern relates to universities that have been granted accreditation for only one year, such as University of South Asia and European International University.
If students from non-accredited universities are transferred to institutions that have only one year of accreditation, an obvious question arises:
What happens after that one year?
If the accreditation is not renewed or extended, will these students once again be required to migrate to another university?
Repeated migration can create serious difficulties for students—not only financially, but also in relation to their education, academic records, visas, examinations, documentation, and ultimately their future careers.
Furthermore, if repeated university migration creates difficulties for students of certain countries when it comes to appearing in examinations or fulfilling other regulatory requirements, this issue must be taken very seriously by both the authorities and the students.
Students should not be placed in a situation where they are repeatedly forced to change universities because of uncertainty surrounding accreditation.
The Accreditation System
In my personal opinion, the Government of Kyrgyzstan should ensure greater transparency, clearly defined standards, accountability, and adherence to internationally recognized principles when making decisions regarding university accreditation.
Previously, a well-known accreditation agency, IAAR (Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating), was also involved in the accreditation of educational institutions across the region. It has worked not only in Kazakhstan but also in countries including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Maldives, Nepal, and others.
My intention is not to criticize or target any particular university, institution, or authority.
My only concern is that decisions affecting the future of thousands of students should be based on clear, transparent, consistent, and internationally credible standards.
If a university is denied accreditation, the reasons should be clearly communicated.
If a university is granted accreditation for only one year, students should be informed about what this means for their education and what arrangements will be made if accreditation is not renewed.
Similarly, if students are being transferred from one university to another, the entire process should be transparent, properly regulated, and involve the minimum possible financial burden on students.
A Message to Students
Finally, I would strongly encourage all students to conduct proper research before making any decision regarding migration or changing universities.
Students should carefully consider:
* The duration of the university’s accreditation
* The likelihood and conditions of future renewal
* Migration rules and regulations
* Examination eligibility
* Recognition of their degree
* Visa and documentation requirements
* The long-term academic and professional implications of changing universities
This is not simply an issue affecting a few universities or a small number of students.
It is a matter concerning the future of thousands of students.
Therefore, I believe the Government of Kyrgyzstan, accreditation authorities, university administrations, and students all need to approach this matter with responsibility, transparency, and seriousness.
We do not want conflict or unnecessary controversy. We simply want clarity, transparency, fairness, and protection of students’ academic futures.
If anyone has verified information, a different perspective, or additional details regarding this matter, please feel free to share them. Constructive discussion and reliable information can help us understand the situation better and, hopefully, find a better way forward.
Thank You
