The Cabinet of Ministers has submitted for public discussion a draft resolution on the introduction of a temporary ban on the admission of students to distance learning programs in a number of popular fields of study. These include such specialties as “Law,” “Economics,” and “Management.” If the document is adopted, students will not be accepted for part-time study in these specialties in the 2025 and 2026 academic years.

The document was initiated by the Ministry of Education, and the reason for these measures was the protracted problems with the quality of training, especially in commercial universities, where, according to officials, control over the content and format of educational programs has long since lost its clarity.

As specified in the explanatory note, there are currently more than 50 universities in Kyrgyzstan that teach students in these fields, many of them through distance learning, which, according to the authors of the decree, has long ceased to meet modern requirements.

According to the draft, the moratorium is to last until September 1, 2026. All universities will be subject to the restriction, regardless of their organizational and legal form and status. Formally, the ban only applies to distance learning, but it will directly affect the target audience — adult applicants who combine study with work and those who were looking for a more affordable way to obtain a degree.

Earlier, in February, distance learning and external studies were already banned for the “International Relations” program. Now, three of the most popular programs have been added to the list of restrictions.

According to the developers, the decision is temporary. It should give the Ministry of Education time to review standards, improve the material and technical base of universities, and raise requirements for training programs. It is emphasized that the measure will not affect students already enrolled.

Public discussion of the draft will continue until May 14. If approved, the resolution will take effect immediately.