Salymbekov University Accreditation 2026: Medical Licence Revoked and How MBBS Students Transfer

Quick overview

What happened

The Salymbekov University accreditation outcome goes back to a decision at the top of the state. Decree No. 250 of 28 August 2025 established a state monopoly on the training of doctors and pharmacists in Kyrgyzstan. Law No. 6 of 23 January 2026 introduced a state accreditation that all medical schools had to pass.

Standards were published on 16 April 2026. The assessments took place only weeks later, in May. A request by the private medical universities to postpone the procedure by six months was not taken up. The Ministry of Health examined teaching staff, clinical training bases, equipment, study programmes and the organisation of teaching.

The results were announced on 4 June 2026. 34 institutions in Kyrgyzstan offer medical programmes, and 24 applied. Four were accredited for six years and seven for one year. Thirteen did not pass, including Salymbekov University, a private university in Bishkek whose English-taught General Medicine programme is attended mainly by international students.

The list also contains Avicenna International Medical University, ADAM University, Royal Metropolitan University, Altamimi International University, Ala-Too International University, International Medical University, the Kyrgyz Medical and Dental Institute, Eurasian International University, Bishkek International Medical Institute, the International University of Medicine and Science, Central Asian International Medical University and Osh International Medical University.

Licence and diplomas

Can Salymbekov University still teach medicine? No. Institutions that did not pass may not admit new medical students or issue state diplomas, and their licences were revoked. The Ministry of Health stated that classes may not be held from 15 September 2026 and that no tuition may be charged for the new academic year.

Medicine could return with a new licence and a new accreditation. There is no schedule for that. What you can rely on is your transcript, where your passed subjects are recorded.

Student transfer 2026

The centralised transfer began in August 2026. 7,137 students were enrolled at the thirteen institutions. 1,637 graduated this year, so about 5,500 are being transferred.

By 11 September 2026, 3,391 students had been moved to accredited universities. 242 were expelled for academic debts. 1,867 foreign students could not start at their assigned institution because they were outside the country. Get in touch with yours before you travel.

Credits and study year

Parents often ask us first whether a year is lost. Mostly it is not. The ministry's transfer commission decided that students must not be moved to a lower year without good reason. Minor curriculum differences are made up in the same year. A lower year is offered only for major differences.

A faculty in another country reaches its own decision by comparing your Salymbekov University transcript with its curriculum. European faculties count in ECTS, 60 credits per year. Failed exams do not end the plan: passed subjects keep their value.

Student visa

The receiving university in Kyrgyzstan handles the visa for transferred foreign students. For studies in another country you need that country's residence permit. We coordinate the timing with you.

Transfer abroad

A transfer from Salymbekov University to a medical school in another country is possible. English-taught medical faculties in Europe and other regions accept transfer students and decide the entry year from the transcript. A degree from a medical faculty in the EU is recognised across the EU under Directive 2005/36/EC, and tuition at English-taught European faculties starts at about €3,500 per year.

Which route suits you depends on your record, your budget and your plans. Book a free transfer consultation and we will tell you which options are realistic.

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Documents

Start with your papers: the official transcript with subjects, hours and grades, the syllabus of your passed subjects, a confirmation of your enrolment period, your school-leaving certificate and your passport.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that the transfer is free of charge and that academic documents must be issued according to Kyrgyz law. Request them in writing and keep copies.

NMC and PMDC

Indian students should check the National Medical Commission's position. Its 2021 licentiate regulations expect the medical course to be completed at one institution. In earlier cases where students had to leave for reasons outside their control, the commission issued specific guidance. Look at the current position for Kyrgyzstan before you decide.

Students from Pakistan should confirm with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council that the receiving institution is accepted.

Timeline

The state transfer runs on the ministry's deadlines. For a faculty abroad, expect three to six months from the first consultation to the start. Several faculties admit transfer students in autumn and in February.

Medschool Experts

A study transfer is a complicated undertaking. Our experts have close to ten years of experience in study transfers worldwide and therefore plan and carry out a transfer from Salymbekov University with confidence. We work with 25+ partner universities, and the consultation is free. Read more on our services page or in our student stories.