President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov has signed a decree introducing amendments to the regulation on the international presidential scholarship El Umut.
Under the new rules, the scholarship will be awarded to the most talented young citizens of Kyrgyzstan for master’s and PhD studies at foreign universities included in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings and/or Times Higher Education rankings.
The document clarifies that students admitted to such universities may receive full or partial coverage of tuition fees.
A new requirement also obliges scholarship recipients, after completing their studies, to work for at least five years in government bodies, local government institutions, or organizations and companies with state participation. In case of non-compliance, graduates must reimburse the cost of their education.
In addition, the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovation will now maintain separate monitoring of program participants — tracking fields of study, academic performance, graduation, and subsequent employment of graduates.
Another change concerns public service. Graduates of the El Umut program may be included in the civil and municipal service personnel reserve without competition after obtaining their degree, provided they meet qualification requirements and submit a personal application.
The decree will enter into force in 10 days.
