Education in Uzbekistan: school stages, DTM entrance tests and certificates

In short

Uzbekistan's schools follow a national curriculum set by the Ministry of Preschool and School Education. After school, students enter university through a national entrance test run by the state testing agency, known to most students as the DTM. Many students also take national subject certificates and language certificates to show their level.

School stages

General secondary education lasts eleven grades: primary school, then basic and upper secondary school. After grade nine students can continue in grades ten and eleven or move to a vocational college. Instruction is given mainly in Uzbek, with Russian and other languages in some schools.

National tests and certificates

• DTM university entrance test: a computer or paper test that students take to apply for bachelor's places. It combines compulsory subjects with subjects chosen for the programme.
• National certificate (Milliy sertifikat): a certificate that shows a student's level in a school subject, which can be counted in admission.
• Uzbek language certificate: a certificate graded on the CEFR scale, used for study and work.
• Presidential schools: selective boarding schools that admit students through an entrance test after the basic stage.

University admission

Students list their preferred universities and programmes and take the entrance test. Places are offered according to the test result and the number of places in each programme. Some places are funded by the state and others by the student. The rules, the number of subjects and the dates change, so check the testing agency's website for the current year.

Subjects and study

At the end of the school years students pick the subjects needed for their target programme. Typical combinations include mathematics with physics for engineering and technology, biology with chemistry for medicine, and history with a language for humanities and teaching programmes. The entrance test is built from these subject blocks together with compulsory subjects, so students should look at the block that their programme requires.

Languages of study

Uzbek is the state language and the main language of instruction. Russian is widely used and many programmes are offered in it, while a number of universities teach in English, often with a partner institution abroad. Students who plan to study in English usually need an international English certificate such as IELTS. A CEFR-graded certificate in Uzbek is needed for some study and work purposes.

Applying

Applications and test registration are handled online through the state services. The agency publishes the schedule, the rules for each test and the way results and places are announced each year. Students should always rely on the official announcements for the dates, the number of subjects and the number of places, because these change from year to year.

Preparing for the entrance test

Entrance preparation in Uzbekistan usually starts at least a year before the test. Begin by finding the subject block that your target programme needs, then list the topics of each subject and rank them by how well you know them. Spend most time on the weakest topics that carry the most questions, and keep a weekly slot for the strongest ones so that they stay fresh.

Practise under test conditions. Set a timer, answer on a separate sheet and mark yourself honestly. Because the test mixes subjects, practise switching between them without a break. Review every wrong answer and write down why it was wrong: a missing fact, a wrong method or a misread question. For languages, read short texts every day and learn new words in context, not in isolation.

Teachers can set a mock test or a flashcard deck as homework for a class, and parents can follow progress from a family group. Both are free.

Preparing with GetMyMockTest

GetMyMockTest offers free practice in English for the exams below. Check the exact format and dates with the official agency.

• DTM entrance test: practice across the main subjects.
• National certificate: practice for school subject certificates.
• Presidential schools: practice for the admission test.
• Uzbek language certificate: reading, grammar and vocabulary at levels A1 to B1.
• General knowledge: questions on Uzbekistan's history, geography and culture.