Many students in Tajikistan admit that their decision to enroll in university was driven more by external circumstances than by a genuine desire to pursue a specific profession.  Asia-Plus has surveyed students in Tajik universities, revealing how the country's youth select their careers, how satisfied they are with their choices, and what prospects they see for themselves in the future.

Study or social obligations

The survey, which included 243 undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students from various universities across Tajikistan (77 women and 166 men), showed that only 45% of respondents entered university with the goal of obtaining a specific profession.  About 66% pursued higher education considering it an important part of their future.  Interestingly, nearly 10% of students enrolled not for education but to avoid military service or marriage.

Some students cited pressure from parents and society as influencing their choice.  For many young people, university has become a kind of "shelter" where they gain social recognition, but not always a quality education.

Most students (72.4%) chose their specialty independently. However, 11.5% were assigned their major by the National Testing Center (NTC), and 9.9% said their parents chose their field of study for them.  This shows that while there is some degree of freedom in choosing a career, the influence of the NTC's allocation system and parental input remains significant in Tajikistan.

Are students satisfied with their choices?

Of those surveyed, 58% said they were satisfied with their university and major, but nearly 42% expressed dissatisfaction.  The primary reasons for disappointment include a lack of career prospects and a mismatch between the academic programs and students' expectations.

“Corruption is rampant, and most students don’t study at all," shared one respondent.  Other complaints include the low quality of education, incompetent teachers, unfair treatment from university administrations, and being forced to participate in various events.

Balancing work and study: difficult, but possible

Around 69% of students combine studying with work, although few work in their field of study.  This suggests that finding a job in one’s profession during studies is not always possible, or students choose temporary jobs that do not require high qualifications.  According to respondents, in order to work in their chosen profession (especially as a doctor), one often needs work experience, connections, or to pay a bribe.

"The knowledge provided by the university doesn’t meet employers’ expectations," said one student.

After graduation, 35% of students plan to work in their field, indicating that many still strive for professional development. However, more than 14% intend to move abroad, likely due to the lack of career growth opportunities in Tajikistan. Nearly 14% plan to continue their education in graduate or postgraduate programs.

The role of the National Testing Center

The National Testing Center (NTC) plays a crucial role in university admissions, with applicants taking entrance exams through the center.  According to Abdulvosid Shodiniyo, the first deputy director of the NTC, for some specialties, universities “have to choose from whoever is available.”  This year, nearly 100,000 applicants registered for the NTC exams, with 86,800 participating.  Of these, 65,300 were admitted to universities, with about 60% entering their chosen specialties.

However, some specialties remain unpopular—146 majors in 34 universities were not chosen by any applicants.  The most sought-after institutions were the Tajik State Medical University and the Khatlon State Medical University, where admission quotas were fully met. In contrast, other universities like the State Institute of Culture and Arts and the Institute of Innovation and Technology saw admission rates as low as 16-21%.

What is the conclusion?

The survey highlights several key issues: Tajikistan’s youth often choose universities and majors not based solely on personal interests but under pressure from external factors such as avoiding military service, parental expectations, and societal pressures.  A significant portion of students are dissatisfied with their choices, underscoring the need to reconsider career guidance approaches and develop more modern curricula that align with labor market demands.

In an era of globalization and constant changes in the job market, it is crucial that students receive quality education and have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their future professions. Educational reforms and student support at all stages of their studies could be key to addressing many of the issues identified in this survey.