Lately, the number of foreign students coming to Kyrgyzstan to study has been increasing. Among them are students from Pakistan. Especially in medical schools in the capital, you can meet at least 1-2 Pakistani students. This time, Kabar news agency talked to Mederbek Israilov, head of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovation, about the conditions created for students from Pakistan, the quality of education they receive, their future after graduation, and cooperation in the field of education between the two countries.
— Hello. How many students from Pakistan are currently studying in Kyrgyzstan? Which universities do most of them choose?
— Currently, total of 9,294 Pakistani students study in higher education institutions in Kyrgyzstan, 98 percent of whom are in the medical field. Pakistani students mainly study in medical educational institutions in Bishkek and other cities. There are also many students studying in higher education institutions in Osh and Manas cities. In addition, number of private universities also have large number of Pakistani students.
— What level of education, accommodation, medical care and other relevant conditions are provided for students?
— Whether it is a state or private university, all of them have high-level conditions for them. Each university provides special conditions for foreign students to adapt to society, and special programs are held upon arrival in the country. Special coordinators work with foreign students at universities. Coordinators provide advice on accommodation, medical care and behavior. The issue of accommodation is resolved according to the student's wishes. If he wants, he can be placed in a hostel, or if he wants, he can rent an apartment. There are no problems in this regard. In addition, there are no language problems either. In all universities in the country, they study in English.
— What is the Pakistani side's opinion on the quality of higher education in Kyrgyzstan? Can Pakistani students who graduate from our universities successfully find work in their own country?
— Pakistani students who graduate and receive a diploma are required to pass a special exam before being able to find a job in their home country. The vast majority of students who have studied in Kyrgyzstan successfully pass this exam and find job. Almost all of them are currently working in their profession.
There are total of 34 medical educational institutions in the country, of which 12 are state-owned and 22 are private. Pakistani students study in all of these institutions. This is evidence of the Pakistani side's confidence in and high appreciation of medical education in Kyrgyzstan. In addition, most of these institutions have passed international accreditation in the field of medicine.
— Are there opportunities for Kyrgyz students to study in Pakistan?
— Yes. According to the latest data, more than 50 of our students are studying in Pakistan. All of them are studying in the field of religion.
— Are there any joint educational programs of Kyrgyzstan with Pakistani universities?
— Kyrgyzstan considers cooperation with Pakistan in the field of education as a priority. In January 2025, the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovation signed memorandum of understanding with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. On the basis of this agreement, joint work is underway and new plans are being developed.
In addition, there are direct contacts and cooperation between educational institutions. Currently, negotiations are underway to deepen partnership in this area and joint programs are being created. These include areas such as student exchange and exchange of experience of teachers. In recent years, the IT, artificial intelligence and digitalization sectors have been actively developing in Pakistan. Kyrgyzstan is also interested in close cooperation in these areas.