Ala-Too International University Accreditation 2026: Medical Licence Revoked and How MBBS Students Transfer

Quick overview

What happened

The Ala-Too International University accreditation decision is one result of a reform that reshaped medical education in Kyrgyzstan within a year. Decree No. 250 of 28 August 2025 introduced a state monopoly on the training of doctors and pharmacists. Law No. 6 of 23 January 2026 created a state accreditation for medical educational organisations.

The standards came out on 16 April 2026, and the assessments were held in May. Private medical universities asked for six more months through their association and did not get them. The Ministry of Health assessed teaching staff, clinical training bases, equipment, study programmes and the organisation of teaching.

On 4 June 2026 the results were public. 34 institutions in Kyrgyzstan offer medical programmes, 24 applied, four received six years and seven received one year. Thirteen did not pass. Ala-Too International University, a private university in Bishkek founded in 1996 with several faculties, is on the list with its English-taught Faculty of Medicine.

The other twelve are Avicenna International Medical University, ADAM University, Royal Metropolitan University, Altamimi International University, International Medical University, the Kyrgyz Medical and Dental Institute, Salymbekov University, 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 Ala-Too International University still teach medicine? No. Institutions that did not pass may not admit new medical students or issue state diplomas, and their licences for medical education were revoked. The Ministry of Health stated that classes may not be held from 15 September 2026 and that tuition for the new academic year may not be charged.

Only a new licence and a new accreditation can bring medicine back. Whether and when the university applies is open. Your transcript, however, is fixed: it records what you have passed.

Student transfer 2026

A centralised transfer began in August 2026. Of 7,137 students at the thirteen institutions, 1,637 graduated this year. About 5,500 are being transferred.

3,391 students had been moved to accredited universities by 11 September 2026. 242 were expelled because of academic debts. 1,867 foreign students had an assigned place but were outside the country and could not start. Contact your assigned institution before you return.

Credits and study year

Do you lose a year when you leave Ala-Too? Usually not. The ministry's transfer commission decided that a lower year is not allowed without good reason. Small differences in the curriculum are made up while you stay in your year. A lower year is offered only for large differences.

A faculty in another country compares your transcript with its curriculum and then decides. European faculties use ECTS, 60 credits per year. If you failed an exam, your passed subjects still count.

Student visa

In Kyrgyzstan the receiving university handles the visa of transferred foreign students. For a faculty in another country you apply for a residence permit there. We plan the timing with you.

Transfer abroad

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

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

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Documents

You need 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. Ask for them in writing and keep copies.

NMC and PMDC

Indian students should look at the National Medical Commission's 2021 licentiate regulations, which expect the medical course to be completed at one institution. Where students had to leave for reasons outside their control, the commission has issued specific guidance in the past. Check the current position for Kyrgyzstan before you choose.

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

Timeline

The state transfer follows the ministry's deadlines. A transfer abroad takes three to six months from the first consultation. 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 Ala-Too International 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.