Overview of the General Education System

Turkmenistan’s educational system has undergone a significant transition from Islamic educational institutions teaching religion and basic literacy skills to modernizing educational programs in line with Soviet ideology following the formation of a Soviet Socialist Republic in 1925. Then, education was universal and schooling controlled by the state prioritized science and ideology. Independence in 1991 brought reforms emphasizing the Turkmen language, culture and national identity. Through partnerships with UNESCO, UNICEF, the EU and OSCE, as well as foreign universities in recent decades, the system has opened up to developing teacher training, digitalization and renewal of curricula. As of today, Turkmenistan is focused on digital transformation, vocational education and training and international cooperation.

The official language of Turkmenistan is Turkmen, which is also used for administrative purposes, legislation, media, and education. The medium of instruction in schools and colleges is also the Turkmen language. The Russian language is still used by one-eighth of the total population of the country, but after independence, the use of Russian is seen to be gradually declining. The use of English is also becoming widespread in the education sector.

The education system is governed by the Ministry of Education (Türkmenistanyň Bilim Ministrligi). This ministry is responsible for all levels of education, including youth policy. Under its organizational structure are different departments such as the Department of Youth Policy, Department of Preschool Education, Department of Digital Systems and Information Security, Department of General Secondary Education, Department of Primary Vocational Education, and the Department of Higher and Secondary Vocational Education. The departments work collaboratively to improve the curriculum, promotes digitalization, and develop vocational and higher education while enhancing national identity in Turkmenistan.

Education in Turkmenistan begins with 1−2 years of preschool and general education lasting for 12 years divided into primary education (4 years), lower secondary education (5 years) and upper secondary education (3 years). After finishing general education, students can go for vocational education or continue their studies in higher education which may lead to a 4-year bachelor’s degree, a 5-year specialist and master’s degrees that include an additional 1 or 2 years of studies. The postgraduate level of education is also research-based and includes a period of 3 years for a Kandidat Nauk and an additional period of 2 years of higher education for a Doktor Nauk.