Student Stipends in Uzbekistan Found to Be Below the Poverty Line

The fact that student stipends in Uzbekistan are below the poverty line has sparked widespread public debate. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

According to official data, the minimum consumer expenditure in the country currently stands at 715,000 soums. However, the base stipend provided to students is nearly 26% lower than this figure.

This situation is raising many questions and putting the issue of students' social protection on the agenda. Clarifications were provided during a press conference held at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation.

Officials stated that the current base stipend is set at approximately 569,870 soums. Additional bonuses are paid only to students who achieve excellent grades in all subjects.

Ministry representatives also mentioned that proposals have been submitted to increase the stipend amount by more than 30% in 2025, though no final decision has been made yet. Industry experts and economists approach this issue from a different perspective.

In their view, stipends should be evaluated not merely as an incentive payment but as a form of social assistance. As stipulated in the country's Constitution, the amount of social payments must not be less than the minimum consumer expenditure.

Consequently, the compliance of the current stipend amount with legal requirements remains an open question. It is emphasized that these funds are completely insufficient to cover daily needs, especially for students studying on a state grant basis.

Another important and controversial aspect is the link between the stipend amount and tuition fees. While official bodies explain this through the financial capabilities of higher education institutions, analysts consider this approach illogical.

Since students studying on a state budget basis do not pay tuition fees, linking their stipends to contract prices makes little sense. At the same time, it has emerged that some universities are currently facing financial difficulties.

Increased competition in the higher education market and a decrease in the number of high-rate tuition contracts are impacting university revenues. The 2026 state budget draft provides for additional funds to increase stipends, pensions, and allowances.

However, the exact amount by which student payments will increase remains unknown. Experts emphasize the necessity of raising the stipend amount to at least the poverty line.