Central Asian countries have agreed on mutual recognition of university diplomas.

The governments of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan have reached an agreement on the mutual recognition of higher education documents, according to the text of the intergovernmental agreement.

In particular, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved the corresponding draft agreement by a resolution dated November 12. The document stipulates that all parties recognize diplomas from higher education institutions accredited in one of the five Central Asian republics and operating legally.

Recognition of diplomas will apply to employment in another republic within the region, as well as to internships or continuing education. The specialist's qualifications must meet the general requirements of the higher education system. Refusal to recognize a document is permitted only if significant differences in the requirements of the higher education system are identified.

The agreement sets out the procedure for diploma recognition. Each party appoints the competent authorities of its state and notifies the depository, which then informs all parties. In the event of a change in the name, structure, or authority of the competent authority, the party is obligated to immediately notify the depository through diplomatic channels.

The Republic of Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tajikistan have agreed to recognize diplomas of any higher educational institutions of the participating states as documents granting the right to engage in professional activities, undergo internships and continue education in accordance with the specified areas of training, specialty and qualifications.

The Republic of Kazakhstan has recognized diplomas of only those educational institutions of the participating states that are included in the top 1000 world rankings of Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (QS), Times Higher Education (THE) and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), as documents granting similar rights.

Recognition of diplomas is based on applications from citizens of the participating countries. There have been no reports of other Central Asian republics officially approving the agreement in a similar manner to Kazakhstan.