ACTIVE REPORT CENTRAL ASIA

Transcription

1 ACTIVE REPORT CENTRAL ASIA

2 Content ACTIVE REPORT... 1 CENTRAL ASIA METHODOLOGY THE SITUATION OF THE HIGH EDUCATION SYSTEM IN CENTRAL ASIA THE HIGH EDUCATION STRUCTURE IN THE REGION THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN KAZAKHSTAN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN UZBEKISTAN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN TAJIKISTAN ICT SITUATION IN THE REGION EXISTING EUROPEAN MOBILITY SCHEMAS IN THE REGION Tempus Erasmus External Cooperation Window CAREN ANALYSIS OF THE OFFER DURATION OF POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS STUDY FIELDS LANGUAGE DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS Kyrgyzstan Kazakhstan JOINT POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS BEST PRACTICES: CASE STUDIES... 2

3 4.1 KAZAKHSTAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, ECONOMICS AND STRATEGIC RESEARCH (KIMEP) INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF KYRGYZSTAN KYRGYZ STATE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY (KSTU) CONCLUSIONS ANNEXES LIST OF RESEARCHED UNIVERSITIES LIST OF UNIVERSITIES WITH INFORMATION ABOUT POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN THEIR WEBSITES: PROTOCOL ASIAN DISTANCE POSTGRADUATE COURSES

4 Methodology The main aim of this report is to identify possibilities for virtual mobility in postgraduate programs between European and partner Universities in Central Asia. For that, it was necessary to identify the offer of Masters and postgraduate courses in Central Asia High Education Institutions and, amongst them, the ones with distance learning methodologies. With that purpose, a protocol (Annex 6.3.) was developed in order to retrieve all the useful information about distance learning courses and signed by all the partner Universities in Madrid on February This questionnaire was aimed at the coordinators of the Masters and wills to obtain relevant data about the academic and administrative structure of these courses. This document was linked in the Net Active website in order to be filled by the Universities themselves. A comparative analysis of the filled protocols was planned to be done. This protocol includes the following fields: - academic quality - language use and foreign students welcome policy - admittance and mobility requirements - quality and evaluation criteria An was sent to the addresses found in the websites and to contact staff containing information regarding the project and its aims and attaching the relevant file. In most cases, it did not provide positive results. Only 18 answers are valid. An exhaustive list of all the Universities in the region was done (Annex 6.1.) with websites, contact data and study fields offered. The Kyrgyz and Kazakh Republics were appointed as the ones to be more deeply 4

5 investigated as the options to establish partnerships and develop mobility appeared to be highest. Then, a thorough research was done of 38 Universities in Kyrgyzstan y 46 in Kazakhstan. Only 31 had valid information on their websites about postgraduate programs (Annex 6.2.). Just a few of the websites had an English version, so a specialised translator for web pages was used in order to be able to access the necessary information. Nevertheless, we encountered restrictions in several web pages and it was not possible to retrieve any useful information from them. It is worth pointing out that, due to the low response to the questionnaire and scarce information found in the websites, it was not possible to find all the data required. However, the information retrieved is sufficient to have an adequate view of the postgraduate programs in these countries and the potential opportunities to develop virtual mobility. Reports from international institutions as the European Commission, the World Bank and UNESCO have proved to be very helpful when outlining a general view about the situation of tertiary education in Central Asia. 5

6 The situation of the high education system in central Asia Central Asia is the region formed by Kazakhstan (KZ), Kyrgyzstan (KG), Uzbekistan (UZ), Tajikistan (TJ) and Turkmenistan. 1 The legacy from the former Soviet Union is a strong one. Teaching is still carried out in Russian and the national language, and partnerships with Russian universities are the most common 1 6

7 ones. Nevertheless, since independence, the Central Asian Republics have evolved to a democratic society (except for Turkmenistan) and the High Education System has experience a radical reform. In Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan there has been openness towards the international community, including an interest in the Bologna process. The introduction of the Bachelor + Master structure has been introduced in the region, except for Turkmenistan, and some pilot projects are being carried out to introduce the ECTS schema in the High Education systems. General Features of Educational Development in Central Asia2 Kazakh R. Kyrgyz R. Tajikistan Turkistan Uzbekistan Educational system evolved from Soviet model Reforms based on law; uneven implementation of plans Extension of complete secondary ed. to 11 years Changes in vocational secondary sector National higher ed. admission exams introduced Soviet ideology replaced with national subjects National language used in documentation Internationalization 2 Ann M. Koenig: Educational System Updates: Central Asia NAFSA Region XII Conference Oct Anaheim. 7

8 Introduction of bachelor + master structure Interest in Bologna process Private education allowed Foreign institutions allowed Quality assurance in 3-stage process: Licensing; Attestation; Accreditation Problems with fraud, bribery The High Education structure in the region Nowadays, there coexist two schemas at the High Education system in Central Asia: the traditional system and a multi level system created to share the international high education community. 8

9 Traditional System Specialist diploma Candidate of Sciencies (Kandidat Nauk) Doctorate (Doctor Nauk) Multi-level system Bachelor s degree Master s degree PhD The traditional system is based on the Specialist diploma, 9

10 with duration not less than 5 years (6 years on some specialities of medicine and architecture). Afterwards, students can undertake postgraduate studies leading to the qualification of Candidate of Sciences (Kandidat Nauk), which normally last for three years. The Doctor of Sciences (Doktor Nauk) is awarded on the basis of the Kandidat Nauk and after completion of a thesis based on original research. The multilevel system follows the Bologna Declaration criteria and is intended to introduce national systems into the international community area. A Bachelor s degree is awarded after a 4 year program that lead to a Master s program (optional after Bachelor) lasting for 2 additional years. A PhD is conferred beyond the Master's Degree and the defence of an original research work. 10

11 The Higher Education System in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan is the most industrialized of the former Soviet republics in Central Asia. It ranks 56 on the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) and a key goal of the country is to become one of the world's 50 most competitive economies by In 1990, Kazakhstan was an important part of the Soviet scientific research community. The country has high levels of literacy (97%) and has achieved near universal primary education. Eleven years of schooling are mandatory for children between the ages of 6 and 17. In 2005 participation rates stood at 99.3% for 7 to 10 years old, 99.8% for 11 to 15 years old, and 86.7% for 16 to 17 years old. All public education from primary to tertiary is free or financed by grants provided by the government 3. As shown in the graph below, by 2007, 51% of the population was enrolled in tertiary education (61% of men and 42% of women). Source: UNESCO ( 3 Source: 11

12 In the last decade, Kazakhstan has seen the growth of its higher education sector with an expansion of existing institutions and increased number of newly established private universities. According to the Statistics Office of Kazakhstan ( for the academic year , there were 143 higher education institutions. Approximately, 2/3 of them are private. For the same academic period, there were 633,814 students enrolled in higher education out of a population of over 15 million. However, it is noticeable how the number of High Education Institutions (HEI) has recently decreased (as shown in the graph below), also has the number of people enrolled in postsecondary education. During the academic year , almost 750,000 students attended tertiary education in the country. Number of High Education Institutions in Kazakhstan Year 20' number of HEIs Source: Statistics Office of Kazakhstan ( Kazakhstan has entered the Bologna process and the government has prioritized international accreditation of universities, institutional capacity building and greater access of tertiary education to overcome regional inequalities. Credit technology was introduced in Kazakhstan as an experiment since This facilitates recognition of education by universities in other countries, strengthening students mobility. The post higher (master degree) programs are 12

13 already fully based on credit technology 4. Also, the implementation of the three cycle structure of higher education is oriented towards integration with international education area and consists of the following levels 5 : bachelor s degree (4 years) / Specialist Diploma (5 years); Master s degree (2 years after Bachelor and 1 year after Specialist diploma). The Master s degree programme is aimed at training research pedagogic staff and is a foundation to develop future research staff. Candidate of Sciences (2 or 3 years of postgraduate studies) PhD/ Doctor of Sciences Teaching is generally conducted in Russian or Kazakh languages, although more and more programs are also offered in English. Basic data of the high education system Main laws/decrees governing higher education Law on Higher Education Year: 1996 Law on Higher Education Year: 1993 Languages of instruction Kazakh, Russian, English, German, French, Chinese, Arabic. 4 Brief review of higher education in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Source: Tempus office in the Republic of Kazakhstan 5 Brief review of higher education in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Source: Tempus office in the Republic of Kazakhstan 13

14 University entrance requirements Since 2004, based on nationwide admission test: the Unified National Testing Exam Responsible for quality assurance (through licensing, attestation and accreditation) National Accreditation Centre, Ministry of Education and Science. Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific Year of signature: 1983 Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Europe, Year of signature: 1979 Agreements on mutual recognition and equivalence of documents about education, scientific degrees and titles were signed between the Governments of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan in

15 The Higher Education System in the Kyrgyz Republic In Kyrgyzstan the system of professional education consist of the primary, secondary and higher professional education. From the administrative point of view, there are two separate government bodies exercising authority over the professional education: the first body has a ministerial status (this is the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic), and the second has a state agency status (the State Agency on Vocational Training and Education under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic). Currently, in Kyrgyzstan there are 79 Secondary Vocational Educational institutions, 23 amongst them are part of the higher education institutions structure. The level of Higher Professional Education is represented by 47 universities, including 15 private ones. Joint educational establishments on the basis of intergovernmental agreements, such Kyrgyz Russian (Slavic) University, Kyrgyz Turkish University "Manas", American University of Central Asia, Kyrgyz Uzbek University carry out educational activity in the Kyrgyz Republic. Diplomas of these establishments are valid both in Kyrgyzstan, and in those countries with which agreements are concluded. The higher education system includes 237,000 students (208,000 of them are self financed students) 6. As shown in the graph below, by % of the population were enrolled in tertiary education (48% of men and 37% of women). 6 Source: 15

16 Source: UNESCO ( In Kyrgyzstan s High Education system, there cohabit two educational systems: the traditional system of specialists and the multi level structure. Traditional system: Specialists diploma with duration not less than 5 years (6 years on some specialities of medicine and architecture). Full time postgraduate studies (Aspirantura) leading to the qualification of Candidate of Sciences (Kandidat Nauk) normally last for three years. The submission of a thesis is required. The Doctor of Sciences (Doktor Nauk) is awarded after the Kandidat Nauk after completion of a thesis based on original research. Multilevel system: Bachelor s degree with a 4 year program. Master s program (optional after Bachelor) last for 2 years after the Bachelor s degree. A PhD is conferred after two to three years' further study beyond the Master's Degree. Flexibility of multilevel structure of higher education allows to receive a master s degree after reception of qualification of the certificated specialist on accelerated master program in time not less than 1,5 years. Having received the bachelor s diploma, it is possible to continue education under the program of certificated specialist in within 1,5 years. 16

17 At the beginning of 90 s, the number of HEIs accomplishing a professional education on multilevel system increased significantly. However, recently it started a tendency of refusal of realization of the baccalaureate programs and transition to traditional preparation of specialists. It is caused by the fact that a degree of the bachelor till now is not fully accepted on labour market, and priority is given to specialists with full higher education. The status of bachelors and masters is not yet certain in lists of staff and duty regulations of the majority of enterprises and organizations. These degrees have not got accustomed in industrial sphere and in agriculture. In this connection agrarian and technical Universities have reduced release of bachelors and masters, having given more attention to engineering preparation of specialists with education of 5 years. However in economic and humanitarian spheres degrees of bachelor and master extend and become demanded on a labour market more and more 7. The contractual legal base of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of education is presented by more than 75 agreements within the limits of which activities on exchange of students are carried out. According to the information of HEIs of the Kyrgyz Republic, about 230 interuniversity agreements between HEIs of the Kyrgyz Republic and foreign HEIs are signed today. It is necessary to note, that on the basis of these agreements there is an active exchange of students, and the above named agreements have very wide geographical direction 8. By the decision of the Board of the Ministry of Education «About carrying out an experiment on the organization of educational process on credit technologies in pilot HEIs», a pilot project on the practical introduction of ECTS has been carried out on the basis of seven Institutions since 7 Tempus National Offices in Kyrgyzstan ( 8 Idem 17

18 2004: Kyrgyz National University named after J.Balasagyn, International University of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek State University of Economy and Business, Academy of Management under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Osh Technological University, Naryn State University, Bishkek Financial and Economic Academy. This experiment is led on the Memorandum signed between the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, the National Office of the program of EU Tempus Tacis " and Working group under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic on integration of HEIs of Kyrgyzstan in Bologna process from July 1st, Within the limits of experiment, HEIs should begin the introduction of credit system in educational process, study the problems revealed during the process and work out the questions of adaptation of credit system in conditions of Kyrgyzstan. Basic data of the high education system Main laws/decrees governing higher education Law of the Kyrgyz Republic «On education», approved by the Decree of the President April 30, Languages of instruction Kyrgyz, Russian, English University entrance requirements Basically by results of national testing graduates of schools, but Нigher Education Institutions can carry out additional own entrance examinations. Responsible for quality assurance (through licensing, attestation and accreditation) State Inspection on Licensing and Certification of educational establishments, Ministry of Education. Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies 18

19 Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific, Year of signature: 1983 Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Europe, Year of signature: 1979 Agreements on mutual recognition and equivalence of documents about education, scientific degrees and titles were signed between the Governments of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan in

20 The Higher Education System in Uzbekistan 9 Higher education is mainly co ordinated and funded by the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialised Education (MHSSE). There are 34 Higher Educational Institutions (14 of them Universities, 20 Institutes) accountable to MHSSE. There are still some highly specialised institutions, however, which come under other horizontal ministries. According to information from the MHSSE, the number of HEIs in Uzbekistan is 65 with a number of professors teachers above According to UNDP (2007) there are, in total, students, including at the Bachelor s level and people at Master s level. Around 69% of students study on a fee paid basis (individual contract) at the Bachelor s level and 75% students study on a fee paid basis at the Master s level. Since 2000 the number of new university students enrolling each year has increased by over a third. The following international universities have been established in Uzbekistan: Westminster International University in Tashkent, branches of the Moscow State University named after M.V.Lomonosov and of the Russian Academy named after Plekhanov, the Russian University of Oil and Gas named after Gubkin, Singapore Institute of Management in Tashkent. On 29 August 1997, President Islam Karimov signed the Law on the establishment of a National Programme for Personnel Training, which provides a long term strategy for strengthening education, the development of a continuing education system and reinforcing the multi level 9 Source: 20

21 higher education system. Reforms in the higher education sector of the country resulted into a switch on to a two stage structure consisting of: Bachelor s degree level is a basic higher education providing fundamental and applied knowledge according to speciality, with a period of study not less than 4 years. Upon completion of the Bachelor s programme a graduate is conferred with the degree of bachelor and granted a diploma of the state, which entitles to start professional activity. Medicine, dentistry and nursing have specific programs. Master s degree level is higher education with fundamental and applied knowledge in a concrete field and lasts not less than 2 years on the basis of the Bachelor s degree. It should be emphasized that only students who have studied for a Bachelor s degree in a certain field may apply for the corresponding Master s course. Post higher education includes the qualification of Candidate of Science (3 years) and Doctor of Sciences programs (3 years). The reforms implemented in the Republic of Uzbekistan aim at the integration of national education system into the international education community. The National Program for Personnel Training also identifies the following areas as critical for the new system to become fully operational: to elaborate and introduce state educational standards for the Bachelor s and Master s degree levels, to train higher education teaching staff (including training abroad in the best universities), to conduct structural reform in higher education establishments, to improve the management, increase the independence of higher education establishments, 21

22 to introduce the concept of public management through the creation of Boards of Founders, to elaborate and implement mechanisms of interaction between education, science and industry, to elaborate technologies for personalising education, means of open and distance education, to intensify the educational process by introducing the use of new pedagogical methodologies, information technologies and modular systems, to broaden the humanitarian base of education. The use of ICTs in the country is expected to continue improving. A Presidential decree of 30 th May 2002, set new strategic directions and goals of ICT development in Uzbekistan. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved the Program of development of Information and Communication Technologies for the period of and the provision of wide access to Internet. Basic data of the high education system Main laws/decrees governing higher education Update on law on education Year: 1997 (establishing bachelor + master structure in higher education) Law on Education Year: 1995 Languages of instruction Uzbek, Russian. University entrance requirements 22

23 Certificate of Secondary Education from academic lyceum or professional college and national admissions test. Each institution determines its own admission policy. Responsible for quality assurance (through licensing, attestation and accreditation) Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies - 23

24 The Higher Education System in Tajikistan The country is implementing significant changes to its education system which are all derived from Tajikistan s independence as a result of the break up of the former Soviet Union. Unfortunately, the civil war ( ) caused the outflow of the most qualified part of population. 10 By 2008, the number of students at High Education institutions was 132,000. There are 32 High education institutions in Tajikistan. At present, universities are transforming to a credit system (ECTS). The High Education structure in the country is organised in three levels: 1 st stage: Junior specialist degree is conferred after two years of study. The bachelor's degree is awarded after four years of study. The diploma of specialist in a given field is conferred after five year's study. 2 nd stage: Masters and Kandidat Nauk. The Master's degree is awarded after two years study beyond the bachelor's degree or 1 year after the Specialist Diploma. The Candidate of Science (Kandidat Nauk) degree is conferred after an additional two or three years study beyond the specialist degree plus defence of a thesis. 10 Source: Nacional Tempus Office in Tajikistan, available at 24

25 3 rd stage: The Ph.D. is conferred after an additional three years study beyond the master's degree. The Doktor Nauk is conferred after an additional three years beyond the Kandidat Nauk. Both require an original research work. The major challenges of the high education system in the country, according to the Tempus Office in Tajikistan, are the following: Development of a legal framework in the context of new economic relations Expansion of the higher education institutions network in the context of training specialists in accordance with local market needs Provision of universities with the relevant teaching staff Improvement of fund raising Improvement teaching academic level Improvement of quality of the education Social protection of academic staff and professors Improvement of curricula and teaching materials Development of international relations Corruption in education An interesting initiative related to distance learning is the Distance Training Centre, which is the result of a cooperation agreement signed in 1999 between the Moscow State University of Economy, Statistics and Computer Science and Tajik Technical University. Citizens of Tajikistan, without leaving the country, can master programs and to receive corresponding certificates and diplomas of Moscow University. It is expected that other agreements will be concluded. This is an opportunity to improve education on those specialties that are not lectured in the Tajik institutions and also to heighten 25

26 educational level also for disabled persons. Basic data of the high education system Main laws/decrees governing higher education - Languages of instruction Tajik, Russian. University entrance requirements Higher education institutions give their own entrance examinations. Responsible for quality assurance (through licensing, attestation and accreditation) Ministry of Education Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific Year of signature: Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Europe, Year of signature: Agreements on mutual recognition and equivalence of documents about education, scientific degrees and titles were signed between the Governments of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan in

27 ICT Situation in the region 11 Both Internet usage and availability of computers in the region are low. According to the Information Society Statistical Profiles 2009: CIS prepared by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Internet user penetration rates in the region are: Between 15 20% in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Below 15 % in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, and Turkmenistan Kazakhstan reaches the third highest mobile penetration level in the region in 2007, after Russia and Ukraine. International Internet bandwidth per Internet user increased from 192 bits/user in 2002 to in 2007, and Internet penetration rate experienced some progress. Despite the improvement, Internet usage was still low and mobile broadband services unavailable in Kyrgyzstan made some progress in the last years but it did not match the region s overall progress. The increase in mobile cellular penetration reached 41% in 2007 from 1% in 2002, and international Internet bandwidth per Internet user increased from 59 to 796 bits/user in the same period, yet in both cases Kyrgyzstan remained below the region s average. Kyrgyzstan has a very low fixed telephone penetration (9 per cent in 2007). 11 International Telecommunication Union: «Information Society Statistical Profiles 2009: CIS. 27

28 Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan occupy the last three places in the region. All three countries have a very low proportion of households with a computer (below 2.5% in 2007), and a low proportion of households with Internet access at home (less than 1% in 2007). Mobile cellular penetration rates are low, especially in the case of Turkmenistan (7% in 2007). Turkmenistan has the highest fixed telephone penetration of the three (9 fixed telephone lines per 100 inhabitants). By 2007, Tajikistan was the only country amidst the three offering mobile broadband services, although with a negligible uptake. Both Internet usage and fixed broadband penetration were low in all three countries. The Technical Communication Department of the University of Washington published the results of a survey conducted between April and June 2007 on Information and Communication Technologies in Central Asia (available at: ). We reproduce here some of the results, relevant for our project: (Percentages in tables are based on entire sample of 1,000 respondents per country) At the question: Do you ever use a computer, at least occasionally? All countries Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Uzbekistan Yes (n = 954) No (n = 3042) Don t know/refused (n = 4) At the question: Do you ever go online to access the Internet? 28

29 All countries Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Uzbekistan Yes (n = 319) No, I have never used the Internet 89.1 (n = 3562) No, I have used the Internet but no longer do 1.9 (n = 76) Don t know/refused (n = 43) At the question: Does anyone in your household go online from home to access the Internet? All countries Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Uzbekistan Yes (n = 257) 29

30 No (n = 3658) Don t know/refused 2.1 (n = 85) At the requirement to rate level of agreement with the statement: It is easy to get access to the Internet from my home, answers were: All countries Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Uzbekistan Strongly Agree (n = 75) Agree (n = 193) Disagree (n = 750) Strongly Disagree (n = 1785) Don t know/refused (n = 1198) 30

31 Existing European Mobility Schemas in the Region Tempus This programme has been funding projects in Central Asia since It funds institution based university cooperation projects and a special emphasis is given to the mobility of academic and administrative staff from higher education institutions, both from the EU and partner countries. Following the Bologna process, the fourth phase of the programme (Tempus IV ) promotes voluntary convergence with EU developments in the field of higher education through: Joint Projects based on multilateral partnerships between higher education institutions in the EU and partner countries. Projects will be selected through annual calls for proposals. Structural measures seeking to contribute to the development and reform of education institutions and systems in partner countries, as well as to enhance their quality and increase their convergence with EU developments. They will be implemented through a call for proposals mechanism. The Development and Cooperation Instrument under Tempus IV is working in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Erasmus External Cooperation Window Erasmus is a cooperation and mobility programme in the field of higher education that aims to enhance the quality 31

32 of European higher education and to promote dialogue and understanding between people and cultures through cooperation with Third Countries. At the end of a mobility period covering only part of a curriculum lasting from one quarter to one academic year or more, the student must be provided by his/her host institution with a transcript of records specifying the marks obtained for each of the courses attended. This transcript must be used by the home institution for recognising the study period abroad as part of the general curriculum required for obtaining the final degree. Partners countries in Central Asia Kazakhstan Academician E.A. Buketov Karaganda State University (KSU) Kazakh national Technical University named after K.I. Satbayev The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University Ahmed Yasawi International Turkish-Kazakh University (AYU) Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Strategic Research (KIMEP) Kazakh Economic University named after T. Ryskolov (KazEU) Kazakh National Agrarian University Karaganda Economical University after Kazpotrebsoyuz) Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzskiy Nationalnyi Universitet Bishkek State University, Economics and Business Naryn State Univesity 32

33 Issyk-kul State University named after K.Tynystanov Osh Technological University named after academician M.M. Adyshev Kyrgyz National Agrarian University Talas State University Uzbekistan Westminster International University in Tashkent Tashkent Chemical-Technology Institute Bukhara State University Tashkent State University of Economics Urgench State University Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Melioration Tajikistan Khujand Branch of Technological University of Tajikistan Tajik State University of Commerce Turkmenistan. Turkmen State University after Magtymguly * As associated partners: Bilim Educational Advising Centers Network in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan State Medical Institute, Turkmen Polytechnic Institute. ERASMUS PARTICIPATION Source: 33

34 COUNTRY Male M % Female F % Overall Total Total Total Kazakhstan 1 14% 6 86% 7 Kyrgyzstan 4 36% 7 64% 11 Tajikistan 1 33% 2 67% 3 Turkmenistan 1 33% 2 67% 3 Uzbekistan 17 77% 5 23% 22 CAREN The European Commission is also funding the Central Asia Research and Education Network (CAREN). Launched in January 2009, the Central Asian Research and Education Network will provide high speed internet for universities and research centres. CAREN will allow researchers, educators and students in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan not only to collaborate among each other but also to engage in joint projects (telemedicine, distance education, etc.) with their peers in Europe and in other parts of the world. 34

35 Analysis of the offer In order to have a closer look at the postgraduate offer in the region and the characteristics of it, a research was done of 84 Universities both in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. It is important to highlight that information could be retrieved only from 31 of them (listed on Annex 6.2). The rest of the websites 1) they were not working properly or 2) they had no information about specific programs at the University. Another difficulty encountered was the lack of English versions of the websites. All the information was presented in Russian and the national language, and a special translator for websites had to be used. It must be taken into account that, in the region, only a small proportion of the population uses the Internet on a regular basis to look for information, so websites tend not to be full and complete. Duration of Postgraduate Programs Universities in the region have introduced a multi level system Bachelor Master PhD, in order to enter the international education community. This system cohabits with the traditional one of Specialty Candidature of Sciences Doctor of Sciences Diploma. A Master s degree has duration of 2 years. However, flexibility of the system allows holders of a Specialty (5 years) take the program in a shorter duration, normally 12 or 18 months. A holder of a Bachelor s degree can undertake an extra 1 year to get a Speciality diploma as well. The postgraduate courses after the Specialty that lead to the Candidate of Sciences diploma normally last for 3 years 35

36 (further details in page 7). Study Fields 13 The majority of the programs found belong to the field of Management and Engineering (see charter 1). Teaching and information sciences are the least popular ones, partially due to the low wages paid to these professionals. It must be taken into account that Telecommunications engineering is contained by field 6, although Informatics belongs to point 11. Study fields Number of postgraduate programs study codes 01 Agriculture Science 02 Architecture, urbanism and land-use planning 13 For this charter, Medical Sciences were not included due to the specific characteristics and diversity of programs for this specialty, 36

37 03 Art and Design 04 Management Science 05 Education science 06 Engineering and Technology 07 Geography and Geology 08 Humanities 09 Linguistics and Philology 10 Law 11 Mathematics and Informatics 12 Medical science 13 Nature science 14 Social Science 15 Communication and Information Science 16 Other study fields 37

38 Language Mainly, teaching is conducted in Russian and Kyrgyz/Kazakh language. Often entrance examinations include a foreign language test. International Universities and some private/public ones also offer programs in English, detailed below: Kyrgyzstan American University-Central Asia Master: Master of Business Administration (MBA) Bishkek Financial Economical Academy Specialty: Social and cultural service and tourism International University of Kyrgyzstan Master: " Applied Economics " - learning English, with a certificate University of Arnhem (Netherlands) Master: " Banking " - learning English, with a certificate University of Arnhem (Netherlands) Master: "Finance and Credit "- learning English, with a certificate University of Arnhem (Netherlands) Master: "International Business" - learning English, with a certificate University of Arnhem (Netherlands) Master: "International Economic Relations " - learning English, with a certificate University of Arnhem (Netherlands) Master: Direction: "Management" Specialty: International Business (at the Hicher Training College) Specialty: " Applied Economics " - learning English, with a certificate University of Arnhem (Netherlands) 38

39 Specialty: " Banking " - learning English, with a certificate University of Arnhem (Netherlands) Specialty: "Finance and Credit "- learning English, with a certificate University of Arnhem (Netherlands) Specialty: "International Business" - learning English, with a certificate University of Arnhem (Netherlands) Specialty: "International Economic Relations " - learning English, with a certificate University of Arnhem (Netherlands) OSCE Academy Master: Master of Arts in Political Science Kazakhstan Kazakh national university named after Al- Farabi Master: Business Administration, specialization in Actuarial Mathematics Master: Business Administration Kazakh-British technical university Master: Master of Business Administration Master: Master of Business Administration in Oil and Gas Master: Master of Science in Human Resources Management (Robert Gordon University) Master: Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering (Hariot Watt Institute) KIMEP: Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Strategic Research Doctorate: Business Administration Master: Executive MBA Master: Master of Arts (MA) in Economics Master: Master of Arts in International Journalism and Mass Communication 39

40 Master: Master of Arts in Teaching English to speakers of other languages Master: Master of Business Administration Master: Master of International relations Master: Master of Public Administration 40

41 Distance Learning Programs In the region, the correspondence form of training has a long tradition. Printed materials are sent to the student that will, normally, take examinations at the University. However, virtual methodologies based on on line platform where students and teachers can interact, is becoming more usual. Nonetheless, 100% virtual courses are quite rare and normally use combined methodologies (printed materials, telephone, Internet). Kyrgyzstan In Kyrgyzstan, we have found 7 Universities that offer distance learning programs at postgraduate level. Bishkek Financial Economical Academy Specialty: Accounting, analysis and audit Specialty: Finance and Credit, specialization in Financial Management Specialty: Management of the organization Specialty: Social and cultural service and tourism Specialty: Taxes and taxation Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual 41

42 Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Specialty: history of international relations and foreign policy Specialty: international law Specialty: political culture and ideology Specialty: political economy Specialty: political institutions and processes Specialty: political problems of international systems and global development Specialty: world economy and international economic relations Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual International University of Kyrgyzstan Specialty: "Jurisprudence", specialization: "Customs Law" (at the Kyrgyz-Institute for Distance Education) Specialty: "Economics", specialization: "Banking" (at the Kyrgyz- Institute for Distance Education) Specialty: "Economics", specialization: "Banking", "International Economic Relations" (at the Kyrgyz-Institute for Distance Education) Specialty: "Information and Computer Technology", specialization: "Automated Systems of Information Processing and Management"(at the Kyrgyz-Institute for Distance Education) Specialty: "Information and Computer Technology", specialization: "Computer information systems in business" (at the Kyrgyz-Institute for Distance Education) Specialty: "Jurisprudence", specialization: "International Law" (at the Kyrgyz-Institute for Distance Education :) Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual 42

43 Kyrgyz Economy University Specialty: Accounting, analysis and audit - Specialization: Accounting, analysis and audit in organizations Virtual Erasmus Specialty: CUSTOMS - Specializations: Customs examination Virtual Erasmus Specialty: Economy and Enterprise Management - Specialization: Economics and management for small and medium businesses Virtual Erasmus Specialty: Finance and Credit - Specialization: Banking Virtual Erasmus Specialty: Finance and Credit - Specialization: Taxes and taxation Virtual Erasmus Specialty: Management of organizations - Specialization: Financial Management Specialty: Management of organizations - Specialization: Management in Healthcare Specialty: Management of organizations - Specialization: Socio-cultural service and tourism Virtual Virtual Virtual Erasmus Erasmus Erasmus Specialty: Marketing - Specialization: Logistics Virtual Erasmus Specialty: Marketing - Specialization: Marketing in Commercial Organizations Specialty: NATIONAL ECONOMY - Specialization: Corporate Management Virtual Virtual Erasmus Erasmus Specialty: NATIONAL ECONOMY - Specialization: Regional Economy Virtual Erasmus Specialty: Organization of Customs Activity Virtual Erasmus 43

44 Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn Specialty: Accounting and audit Non virtual Erasmus Specialty: Customs Non virtual Erasmus Specialty: Economics and business management Non virtual Erasmus Specialty: Finance and credit Non virtual Erasmus Specialty: Law Non virtual Erasmus Kyrgyz State Academy of Law Master: Administrative, financial law Master: Business law, commercial law; Master: Civil law, family law, private international Master: Civil proceedings Master: Constitutional law, municipal law Master: Criminal law, criminology, penal law Master: Criminal trial, criminalities and forensics, the theory of operational search activities; Master: Labour Law, Social Welfare; Master: Legal basis of issue and circulation of securities, auditing Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual 44

45 Master: Legal informatics, mathematical methods and computer technology in the legal profession, legal aspects of governance in the social and economic systems Master: Natural Resources Law, Environmental Law, Land Law; Master: Public international law, European law Master: Tax, budget, banking law Master: The judiciary, prosecutor's supervision, law enforcement, lawyers, notaries Master: Theory and History of State and Law, the history of legal doctrines Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Non virtual Kyrgyz-Russian Slavik University Specialty: Finance and credit - Banking Specialty: Finance and credit - Insurance Specialty: Finance and credit - Taxes and taxation Specialty: Jurisprudence - Civil law and procedure Specialty: Jurisprudence Criminal law and procedure Specialty: Jurisprudence - International law Specialty: Jurisprudence - Tax law Specialty: Management - Business administration Specialty: Management - Finance and banking management 45

46 Kazakhstan In Kazakhstan, 6 Universities offer distance learning programs, most of them using combined teaching methodologies. East Kazakhstan State Technical University named after D. Serikbaev Master: Аccounting and auditing Master: Аrchitecture Master: Automation and Control Master: Сomputer equipment and software Master: Construction Master: Design Master: Еconomics Master: Electric power generation Master: Evaluation Master: Geology and exploration of mineral deposits Master: Information systems Master: Machinery Master: Management Master: Marketing Master: Master of Business Administration 46

47 Master: Master of Science in Metallurgy Master: Mathematics Master: Mining Master: Philology Master: Philosophy Master: Physics Master: Production of building materials, products and structures Master: Safety and Environmental Protection Master: Standardization, Metrology and Certification Master: Technical physics Master: Technological machinery and equipment Master: Thermal power generation Master: Vehicles, Equipment and Technologies International Business Academy Master: MBA in Information Management Karaganda State University named after E. Buketov Doctorate: PhD in Economics and national economy management Erasmus Doctorate: PhD in Historiography and methods of historical researches. Erasmus 47

48 Doctorate: PhD in Kazakh language Erasmus Doctorate: PhD in Kazakh literature Erasmus Doctorate: PhD in mathematical analysis Erasmus Doctorate: PhD in Native history (History of Kazakhstan) Erasmus Doctorate: PhD in Organic chemistry Erasmus Doctorate: PhD in Physics of condensed state Erasmus Doctorate: PhD in Thermal physics and theoretical heating engineering Erasmus Master: Accounting and audit Erasmus Master: Biology Erasmus Master: Chemistry Erasmus Master: Consumer services Erasmus Master: Defectology Erasmus Master: Ecology Erasmus Master: Economics Erasmus 48

49 Master: Finances Erasmus Master: foreign language: two foreign languages Erasmus Master: History Erasmus Master: Information science Erasmus Master: Information systems Erasmus Master: Jurisprudence Erasmus Master: Management Erasmus Master: Marketing Erasmus Master: Mathematics Erasmus Master: Mechanics Erasmus Master: Philosophy Erasmus Master: Physics Erasmus Master: Politology Erasmus Master: Professional training Erasmus 49

50 Master: Psychology Erasmus Master: Social work Erasmus Master: Sociology Erasmus Master: State and Local management Erasmus Master: Technical physics Erasmus Master: Tourism Erasmus Master: Transport, transport techniques and technology Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in calculus Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in catalysis Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in comparative history and comparative linguistics Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in Constitutional law Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in Economics and national economy management Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in financial law Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in History of philosophy Erasmus 50

51 Specialty: Postgraduate in Inorganic chemistry Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in Kazakh language Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in Kazakh literature Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in mathematical analysis Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in municipal law Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in Native history (History of) Kazakhstan Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in Organic chemistry Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in pedagogy, the history of pedagogy and education and ethnical pedagogy Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in Physical chemistry Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in Physics of condensed state Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in Physiology Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in Social philosophy Erasmus Specialty: Postgraduate in theory and methods of professional education Specialty: Postgraduate in thermal physics and theoretical heating engineering Erasmus Erasmus 51

52 Specialty: Postgraduate in Zoology Erasmus S2pecialty: Specialty: Postgraduate in administrative law Erasmus Kazakh national technical university named after K. I. Satpaev Specialty: Accounting Erasmus Specialty: Applied chemistry of inorganic matters Erasmus Specialty: Applied chemistry of organic matters Erasmus Specialty: Applied physics Erasmus Specialty: Architecture Erasmus Specialty: Automation and control Erasmus Specialty: Biotechnology Erasmus Specialty: Cadastre Erasmus Specialty: Computer science and software Erasmus Specialty: Construction: industrial and civil Erasmus Specialty: Construction: projecting of oil-and-gas conductor and oiland-gas storage Erasmus 52

53 Specialty: Design Erasmus Specialty: Ecology Erasmus Specialty: Economics Erasmus Specialty: Electroenergetics Erasmus Specialty: Estimation Erasmus Specialty: Finance Erasmus Specialty: Geodesy and cartography Erasmus Specialty: Geology and prospecting mineral deposits Erasmus Specialty: Informatics Erasmus Specialty: Information systems Erasmus Specialty: Instrument engineering Erasmus Specialty: Land management Erasmus Specialty: Management Erasmus Specialty: Marketing Erasmus 53