UCA Engages over 12,000 Students in the International Economics Olympiad Across Kyrgyzstan
In January 2026, the University of Central Asia (UCA), through its Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA), in partnership with the Economic Fundamentals Initiative (EFI), successfully conducted the first round of the International Economics Olympiad (IEO) across Kyrgyzstan. The Olympiad forms a key part of UCA’s Economic Literacy Project, which aims to strengthen economic and financial knowledge among young people nationwide.
The first round brought together 12,158 students from more than 400 schools, marking the highest level of participation since the Olympiad’s launch in 2023. Students from both public and private schools took part, completing the test in Kyrgyz, Russian, and English.
Despite economics not being included in the standard public-school curriculum, students from state schools demonstrated strong performance. A total of 241 students achieved a 100% score, with more than half coming from public schools - highlighting growing inclusivity and improved access to economic education across the country.
Reflecting on the Olympiad’s impact, Rufina Mukhametova, a teacher at Secondary School No. 1 in Kyzyl-Kiya, Batken region, shared:
“This was the first time our school took part in an Economics Olympiad, and it felt like a real breakthrough. We analysed real business cases, debated markets and crises, and searched for creative solutions. On the competition day, students tested not only their knowledge but their ability to think strategically and solve complex economic problems.”
Due to the unprecedented number of finalists, UCA will introduce an additional regional online round to determine participants for the National Round, which will take place in Bishkek in April 2026. Five winners will attend the international round in Greece in September 2026.
The Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA), a unit of UCA’s Graduate School of Development, organises the International Economics Olympiad annually to promote awareness of economics and finance in everyday life and to develop participants’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It also provides Kyrgyzstan’s most promising students with a platform to excel internationally.
