Today, the “New Uzbekistan” vision is introducing innovative approaches not only in the economic sphere but also in education, culture, and science. Comprehensive reforms are underway in areas such as developing human capital, providing all-round support for talented youth, and aligning the education system with international standards.
A remarkable example of this transformation is the Al-Beruniy International Boarding School, established on the initiative of the President. This educational institution was created within the framework of tasks defined by Presidential Decree No. PF-86, adopted on May 15, 2025. It aims to identify talented youth early, develop their knowledge and skills based on international standards, and most importantly, prepare them for admission to the world’s top 50 universities.
This school is not just an educational institution; it is a place that transforms students' intellectual potential from being “learners” to becoming “discoverers.” Here, each lesson, project assignment, and discussion is aimed at broadening students' global perspectives and guiding them to find their place in humanity’s progress.
Specifically, students are gaining 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking about global issues, fostering dialogue across different cultures, and defending ideas with evidence. The fundamental demand of the 21st century is not just absorbing knowledge but creating it.
True to its name, the Al-Beruniy School embodies the harmony of science, thought, and morality. The school’s logo includes a quote from “Qutadghu Bilig,” symbolizing it as a place of “Knowledge that Leads to Happiness,” representing unity between knowledge and justice, intellect and virtue.
This year, the first admission process was conducted, and out of over 16,000 applicants, 60 students with the highest scores were admitted. Exams were held in two stages—Mathematics and English—in regions across the country.
The school’s curriculum is based on Switzerland’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), an internationally recognized educational model adopted in over 160 countries worldwide. The IB system includes more than 6,000 schools globally, serving 1.95 million students.
The IB educational model consists of four stages—PYP (Primary Years Programme), MYP (Middle Years Programme), DP (Diploma Programme), and CP (Career-related Programme)—catering to the holistic development of students aged 3 to 19.
Al-Beruniy School holds the distinction of being the first state school in the history of Uzbekistan and Central Asia to implement the IB Diploma Programme (DP). So far, the school has successfully passed two initial evaluation visits conducted by the IB organization, meeting all its requirements.
In addition, the school has established partnerships with nearly 20 international educational organizations and leading universities, including the University of Sydney (QS–25) and Monash University (QS–36) in Australia, Kaplan International in the United Kingdom, and Cardiff and Sussex universities.
Discussions are also being held to expand collaboration with prestigious U.S. Ivy League universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, Cornell, and Columbia, aiming to create further opportunities.
The core philosophy of the IB system is rooted in humanism and the principle of “global citizenship.” This program not only provides students with deep academic knowledge but also teaches them critical and independent thinking, social responsibility, and respect for diverse cultures.
One major advantage of the IB system is that it positions educators not simply as instructors but as mentors who cultivate new ideas and perspectives. Modules like “Theory of Knowledge” (TOK), “Extended Essay” (EE), and “Creativity, Activity, Service” (CAS) contribute to the intellectual and moral development of students in an integrated manner.
Additionally, students who graduate from Al-Beruniy School are awarded both a state-standard certificate and an IB diploma. This diploma grants them preferential admission to the world’s top 50 universities and the ability to complete undergraduate programs in three years instead of four.
In this context, Al-Beruniy School has secured its place in history as the first state school in Central Asia to fully implement the IB Diploma Programme.
It is important to note that the school’s education system is designed around a student-centered program, where each student is assigned an individual mentor. This approach supports not only academic development but also psychological and social well-being.
Furthermore, the school promotes “small group work” during lessons, enabling students to exchange ideas, engage in debates, and collaboratively seek facts. Classes are conducted entirely in English, with students also mastering two additional foreign languages, participating in research and startup projects, and competing in international Olympiads and contests.
The IB learner profile, which includes 10 qualities—investigator, thinker, open-minded, balanced, caring, honest, reflective, risk-taker, and communicator—forms the ethical foundation of Al-Beruniy School.
According to the Presidential Decree, students who successfully graduate from Al-Beruniy School and are admitted to a top 50 global university will have their education and living expenses abroad fully funded by the state. This decision opens immense opportunities for youth, providing a foundation for their future contributions to the development of the nation and science.
Most importantly, this reflects “New Uzbekistan’s” trust in its youth and high regard for their intellectual potential.
Here, young individuals are nurtured as free thinkers in a global environment while remaining loyal to national values and devoted to their motherland. Students actively participate in society through CAS activities (Creativity, Activity, Service), contributing to social projects and volunteer work.
Thus, the school aims to raise students not as “global learners” but as “global-thinking Uzbek intellectuals.”
Additionally, the IB assessment methodology is one of Al-Beruniy School’s strong points. This system emphasizes independent analysis, research, creativity, and social activity rather than just tests and exams.
Students are assessed through internal (within the school) and external (conducted by IB international experts) examinations. The evaluation measures not just their knowledge but their level of critical thinking.
Looking ahead, Al-Beruniy School aims to expand its international collaborations, enhance IB teacher qualifications, deepen digital and STEAM directions, and focus on teaching students at the intersection of science and technology.
In this regard, the school plans to annually send top-performing students to summer camps at prestigious universities such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Oxford, and Cambridge to familiarize themselves with university admission requirements and student life, with an ultimate goal of enrolling at these institutions after graduation.
Moreover, a global alumni network is being developed so that graduates return to serve the nation as intellectual elites contributing to the country’s progress.
In conclusion, it must be noted that the Al-Beruniy International Boarding School is not just a traditional educational institution. It is the result of the President’s education reforms under the “New Uzbekistan” vision—a unique educational organization that combines national thought and global outlook.
The youth studying at this school are the future politicians, scientists, engineers, diplomats, and innovators. For them, every lesson is a confident step toward the future.
For the first time in Uzbekistan’s educational history, such an institution with international accreditation, initiated by the state, is a testament to our nation’s commitment to knowledge, critical thinking, and ambitious goals.
Al-Beruniy School is one of the intellectual and spiritual foundations shaping the future of “New Uzbekistan.”
Javokhir AKHMEDOV
Executive Director of the Al-Beruniy International Boarding School
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
