Overview: The system of science in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan develops its science sector within the framework of national policies on education modernization, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

The foundation is the National Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018–2040, where science and innovation are identified as key drivers of economic growth and human capital development.
Document: https://cis-legislation.com/document.fwx?rgn=104316

The country’s scientific policy is based on the Law “On Science and Scientific-Technical Activity”, which defines the legal framework for research, scientific institutions, innovation, human resource development, and state support for R&D.
Law: http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ky-kg/11258

Priority areas for scientific development include: sustainable use of natural resources, ecology and climate research, agriculture, hydrology and water resources, engineering and technical sciences, digital technologies, IT, modeling, artificial intelligence, as well as social and humanities research.
Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic: https://edu.gov.kg

An important role is played by the development of the innovation ecosystem: creation of startup centers, technology parks, implementation of digital solutions in education and research, and expansion of international cooperation with the EU, USA, China, and Central Asian countries.
Digital Transformation Program (“Taza Koom” / Digital Kyrgyzstan): https://digital.gov.kg

Despite progress, the main challenges remain limited funding, weak commercialization of research, migration of specialists, and insufficient integration between science, education, and industry. However, the state views science as a strategic resource necessary for transitioning to an innovative and competitive economy.

Research and development expenditure, percent of GDP

• In 2023, Kyrgyzstan’s spending on R&D (research and development) amounted to 0.06% of GDP.
• In 2022, it was 0.07% of GDP.
• R&D expenditure (as a percentage of GDP) has been declining for 11 consecutive years.
• Since monitoring began in 1997, this indicator has decreased by a factor of 3.30.
• The highest level of R&D expenditure in Kyrgyzstan was recorded in 2007 at 0.23% of GDP.
• The lowest value was observed in 2023, when it dropped to 0.06% of GDP(figure). Source: https://statbase.ru/data/kgz-research-and-development-expenditure/(figure 9)

Support forms:

Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic. The Ministry oversees national policies in education, higher education, science, training, and quality assurance. It regulates universities, develops educational standards, and supports scientific programs across the country.
https://edu.gov.kg

Academic Innovation Fund (AIF)The Academic Innovation Fund is a national program that provides competitive grants to universities and research teams to support modern teaching methods, digital learning, curriculum reform, and innovative academic projects. AIF aims to strengthen higher education quality and promote university modernization. https://aif.gov.kg

Foundation for the Development of Science and Innovation under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic A presidential foundation that finances scientific research, high-impact innovation projects, and technology development. It supports young scientists, applied research, start up initiatives, and national priorities in science and innovation. https://sif.kg

Key authorities:

• Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic. The central governmental body responsible for national education policy, school curriculum, teacher training, vocational education, and overall development of the general education system. https://edu.gov.kg
• Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic. The national authority overseeing higher education, science policy, research development, and innovation. It regulates universities, manages scientific programs, promotes digital transformation, and supports innovation ecosystems in the country. https://mshai.gov.kg
• National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic (NAS KR). The main scientific institution conducting fundamental and applied research in natural sciences, engineering, agriculture, humanities, and social sciences. It includes several research institutes and coordinates national scientific expertise. https://nas.gov.kg
• Science and Innovation Foundation under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic. A national foundation created to support scientific excellence, applied innovation, and young researchers through grants, competitions, and project funding. It aims to strengthen the country’s research potential and stimulate high-impact scientific and technological development. https://sif.kg

National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic (NAS KR)

It was founded in 1954.It includes more than 30 research institutes. Main directions: geology, hydrology, medicine, history, technology. He is engaged in project expertise, development of science priorities, publication of scientific journals, and development of young scientists.

Functions of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic:

1. Conducting and coordinating basic research.
2. Support of academic institutes and laboratories.
3. Organization of scientific conferences and expeditions.
4. Support of scientific personnel.

There are 74-78 universities in Kyrgyzstan (34 public and 40 private), in total more than 220 thousand students study (about 195 thousand are under contract, this is about 88%).https://www.akchabar.kg/article/lichnie-finansi-hnqkxevqxnwxkxsy/vuzi-kirgizstana-nedopoluchat-v-2025-godu-bolshe-170-mln-somov-rfhmtjxejyzjfojc

Leading universities in the country

1. Kyrgyz National University named after Zh. Balasagyn (KNU) 
   Website: https://www.knu.kg The oldest and largest university in the country. Offers comprehensive programs in natural sciences, humanities, law, economics, public governance, and social sciences. A central institution in Kyrgyz academic life.(figure 10)
2. B. N. Yeltsin Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University (KRSU)
   Website: https://krsu.edu.kg
   A prestigious joint Kyrgyz–Russian institution with instruction primarily in Russian. Strong programs in medicine, law, engineering, international relations, and economics.
3. American University of Central Asia (AUCA)
   Website: https://auca.kg A leading regional university with English-language liberal arts education. Known for excellence in economics, social sciences, environmental studies, media & journalism, business, and data science. International faculty and modern campus.
4. Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University
   Website: https://www.manas.edu.kg A joint Kyrgyz–Turkish university with instruction in Kyrgyz, Turkish, and English. Leading programs in engineering, IT, agriculture, humanities, media, and social sciences. Strong international partnerships.
5. University of Central Asia (UCA)
   Website: https://www.ucentralasia.org
   International university founded by Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan under the Aga Khan Development Network. Focuses on mountain development, digital transformation, economics, earth sciences, and sustainable development. Teaching in English.
6. Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov (KSTU)
   Website: https://www.kstu.kg The top technical university in the country. Offers programs in engineering, energy, mining, telecommunications, transportation, IT, and applied sciences. Strong ties with industry and technology sectors.
7. Kyrgyz Economic University — Бишкек
   Website: https://www.keu.kgLeading institution in economics, finance, hospitality management, business administration, and tourism. Known for modern teaching approaches and applied research.
8. Osh State University — Ош
   Website: https://www.oshsu.kg One of the largest regional universities. Offers broad programs in medicine, humanities, pedagogy, engineering, and natural sciences. Its medical faculty is among the most recognized in the region.
9. Issyk-Kul State University named after K. Tynystanov — Каракол
   Website: https://www.iksu.kg Strong institution for pedagogy, humanities, tourism studies, environmental sciences, and regional development. Plays a key role in training specialists for the Issyk-Kul region.
10. Jalal-Abad State University (JASU) —
    Website: https://www.jasu.edu.kg
    Comprehensive regional university offering programs in engineering, agriculture, pedagogy, medicine, and economics. Important academic center in southern Kyrgyzstan.