DUSHANBE, August 3, Asia-Plus - This year, 911 students will have entered 16 higher educational institutions in Tajikistan by presidential quota, which is almost twice as big compared to last year, when 543 students were accepted for studying at Tajik higher educational institutions by presidential quota. 

Mr. Hokimkhon Valiyev, an official with the Ministry of Education, has told Asia-Plus that of those 911 seats, 475 are intended for female students and 436 for male students.  

According to him, Tajikistan ’s Teachers’ Training University will accept 170 students by presidential quota, Tajik National University – 140 students, and Tajik Medical University – 80 students.  

“For period from 1997 to 2005, 4,400 students were accepted by presidential quota,” said Mr. Valiyev, “To date, 685 of them have graduated from higher educational institutions, and another 273 have been expelled for poor progress in studies and absences.” 

“Since 2003, not only girls but also boys have been given an opportunity to enter higher educational institutions in Tajikistan by presidential quota, and to date 306 male students have studied at the Tajik higher educational institutions by presidential quota.”  

On the rules of acceptance of students for studying by presidential quota, Mr. Valiyev has noted that by government’s resolution of April 3 interviews with contenders are carried out in the provinces, and there should be not less that three contenders for one seat.