Not just medicine: where applicants are heading and how to get in with 100 points

Kyrgyzstan's higher education institutions began their admission campaign on July 13, with intense competition reported for certain programs. However, the process was marred by technical issues and confusion surrounding a new voucher system.

The automated information system "Abiturient online," designed for a streamlined digital application process, experienced a significant glitch on July 14. A power outage at the data center caused the system to crash, leaving applicants anxious about submitting their applications on time. The portal only resumed service late in the evening. The Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovation subsequently extended the registration period by seven hours, a decision that irked some applicants who had planned their submissions around the original deadline, fearing increased competition.

Adding to the difficulties, the new voucher system for pedagogical specialties, implemented in a pilot phase starting in 2025, has caused confusion. This system, where state funding follows the student to their chosen institution (private or public), requires applicants to apply for a voucher before participating in the main admission rounds. This year, the ministry did not conduct a widespread information campaign about the voucher application deadlines. Consequently, some applicants with high scores reported not being aware of the conditions, missing the opportunity to apply for a voucher and thus being unable to participate in the first admission round.

Despite these challenges, over 1,800 places are available in pedagogical programs, with twice that number of applicants vying for voucher funding. The ministry has allocated 10,000 state educational grants for the 2026/2027 academic year, with a significant portion dedicated to pedagogical and medical fields. Students who receive a voucher must repay its value if they abandon their studies or are expelled without a valid reason.