Education in Kyrgyzstan is compulsory for nine years, between ages seven and 15.[1] Following four years of primary and five years of lower secondary school, the system offers two years of upper secondary school, specialized secondary school, or vocational/technical school.[1]
The Ministry of Education and Science (MES) is in charge of education in Kyrgyzstan.[2] Budget cuts that have reduced teacher salaries and equipment availability are reflected disproportionately in reduced numbers of female students.[1]
In 2008, 3.7 percent of gross domestic product was spent on education.[3] In 2001 some 89 percent of the relevant age-group was enrolled in the compulsory program, but this figure has decreased in the early 2000s.[1][3] In 2004 the literacy rate in Kyrgyzstan was 98.7 percent.[1]
The Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI)[4] finds that Kyrgyzstan is fulfilling only 89.3% of what it should be fulfilling for the right to education based on the country's level of income.[5] HRMI breaks down the right to education by looking at the rights to both primary education and secondary education. While taking into consideration Kyrgyzstan's income level, the nation is achieving 84.2% of what should be possible based on its resources (income) for primary education and 94.4% for secondary education.[5]