Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Education has begun implementing the first phase (2026–2030) of its Strategy for the Development of Higher Professional Education for 2026–2052, approved on 17 October 2025. The program aims to integrate the country’s higher education system into the international academic community, align it with ILO standards, and train specialists who meet the needs of the labor market.
Key Institutional and Regulatory Innovations
As part of the Strategy’s rollout, Turkmenistan has developed a “Methodology for Conducting Regular Employer Surveys and Analyzing the Skills Requirements Employers Place on Graduates of Higher and Secondary Vocational Institutions.” Building on this methodology, a digital platform has been created to help identify employer demand for professional qualifications, knowledge, skills, and competencies. An “Atlas of Future Professions” has also been established.
National Ratings and Accreditation
The university evaluation system has been updated through the rating.bilim.tm portal. The country has introduced its “Regulation on State Accreditation of Educational Activity,” adopted in February 2024.
The first six educational institutions have completed accreditation, including the State Energy Institute and the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics, along with several general secondary and vocational institutions.
Private Sector in Education
In September 2025, the country’s first private university opened — the International University of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. The Ministry of Education oversees its academic standards and accreditation process.
Scientific, Practical, and Commercial Activity
Since the beginning of 2026, universities have hosted 11 hackathons and 3 startup competitions, and have obtained 320 national patents.
Infrastructure and Inclusive Education
Universities across the country are working comprehensively to ensure access to quality education for people with disabilities. New university buildings are designed from the outset to include accessibility features such as ramps, handrails, and elevators.
Beyond physical infrastructure, new academic buildings make extensive use of electronic learning resources, digital education portals, e-libraries, and distance-learning capabilities — building an educational environment based on equal opportunity for all.
International Activity
Since the start of 2026, the country’s universities have organized 23 international events — 10 olympiads and 13 scientific-practical conferences — bringing together representatives from higher education institutions, research centers, and international organizations from various countries. Cooperation with UN agencies (UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO) continues to expand.