INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

University

Institute

School leaving and higher education credentials:

Secondary school leaving certificate

Specialist Diploma

Kandidat nauk

Doktor nauk

STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:

Age of entry: 7

Age of exit: 16

Structure of school system:

General Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Secondary School (Grades I-III): Sovat

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 7 to: 10

General Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Secondary School (Grades IV-IX): Bilim

Length of program in years: 6

Age level from: 10 to: 16

Certificate/diploma awarded: State Examination for School Leaving Certificate

Specialized Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Colleges and Technical Schools

Length of program in years: 2

Age level from: 16 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Diploma of Specialized Secondary Education

Vocational Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Vocational Lyceum and College

Length of program in years: 1

Age level from: 16 to: 17

Certificate/diploma awarded: Diploma

School education:

General secondary education comprises both primary and secondary education and lasts for nine years. It is divided into Sovat (Grades I-III) and Bilim (Grades IV-IX) programmes. Upon completion of the general secondary education programme, students sit the state examinations for the School-Leaving Certificate. Colleges and technical lyceums are being established in order to offer two-year programmes to secondary school-leavers, preparing them for the university and/or training them at the technician level. Post-secondary vocational-technical education is offered at: training vocational centres (one to six months of study, leading to a certificate of qualification according to the profession); vocational colleges (six to ten months of study, leading to a diploma); and vocational lyceums (one and a half years of study, leading to a diploma).Specialized secondary education (post-secondary) is offered by colleges (medical, pedagogical, musical and artistic) and technical schools. The duration of courses ranges from two to four years. Upon completion of the course, students passing the state examinations are awarded a Diploma of Specialized Secondary Education.

Higher education:

In Turkmenistan, higher education is provided by a University and several institutes. There is also an International Private University. The Ministry of Education is responsible for higher education. The Ministry of Economy and Finances funds the institutions. Higher education is free of charge.

Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

Decree: Law on Education Year: 1993

Languages of instruction: Turkmen, Russian

Stages of studies:

University level studies:

University level first stage:

The Diploma of Specialist in a given professional specialization is conferred after five years' study. In Medicine, Culture and Art, studies last between five and six years. A Bakalavr Degree (Bachelor's) in four years is being established.

University level second stage:

The degree of Kandidat Nauk is conferred after a further three years' study following the Diploma of Specialist and defence of a thesis. Candidates who are successful at the public examination administered by the Supreme Certification Committee are awarded the PhD Degree.

University level third stage:

The Doktor Nauk is conferred by thesis after the Kandidat Nauk. Studies usually last for two years.

Teacher education:

Training of secondary school teachers

Teachers are trained at five pedagogical colleges and four higher education institutions.

NATIONAL BODIES

Administration & co-ordination:

Responsible authorities:

Türkmenistanyn Bilim Ministrligi (Ministry of Education)

Head: Khydyr Saparlyiev, Minister

Ul. Görogly Kögesi 2
744000 Ašhabad
Turkmenistan

Tel: +993(1) 355 803

Fax: +993(1) 398 811

EMail: bilim@online.tm

ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Secondary school leaving certificate

Entrance exams required: There is a competitive entrance examination

Foreign students admission

Quotas: Quotas for foreign students are set on an annual basis in accordance with agreements.

Recognition of studies & qualifications:

Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):

Ministry of Education

Ul. Görogly Kögesi 2
744000 Ašhabad
Turkmenistan

Tel: +993(1) 35-58-03

Fax: +993(1) 39-88-11

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

Data for academic year: 2004-2005

Source: International Association of Universities (IAU), updated from IBE website, 2003, Swedish NARIC, 2004 (except for governing bodies, updated 2005)