Improving the Organizational and Governance Mechanism for Developing Educational Tourism in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is emerging as a regional destination for educational tourism, driven by rapid growth in international student mobility and higher education internationalization. However, fragmented institutional responsibilities, inadequate student services, and the absence of integrated cross-sector governance constrain sustainable development. This study examines organizational barriers and develops a governance framework through structured policy analysis and rapid evidence synthesis of peer-reviewed research, legislation, official statistics, and comparative evidence from Kazakhstan and Malaysia. Published research estimates approximately 39,700 international students enrolled in Uzbekistan in 2025, a 30.5-fold increase from 2017. Separately, official statistics report 37,200 foreign education-purpose arrivals during January–November 2025, with 83.3% originating from five countries. These figures measure different populations and should not be combined. The analysis identifies weak interagency coordination, limited integration of statistical systems, insufficient student support, and tensions between recruitment expansion and educational quality. A multi-level governance mechanism is proposed, combining a national coordination council, an operational Study in Uzbekistan Office, independent quality assurance, university-level service standards, regional destination clusters, and integrated monitoring. The framework offers an implementable basis for improving accountability, market diversification, student experience, and sustainable regional development. Its effects remain to be tested through phased pilot implementation and outcome-based evaluation.