THE ROLE OF THE STATE BUDGET IN FINANCING THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

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This article analyses the role of the state budget in financing the higher education system, its significance in
ensuring the financial sustainability of higher education institutions, and the need to diversify funding sources. The main
objective of the study is to assess the dynamics of state-budget financing of higher education in Uzbekistan, identify the
key advantages and limitations of the existing financing model, and develop scientific and practical recommendations
for improving the system based on international experience. In addition, international practice confirms that in developed
countries higher education financing is based on a multi-source model, in which the state budget, private sector
investment, tuition fees, research grants, and donor funding play an important role. The findings of the study indicate that
the state budget remains the leading source of financing in Uzbekistan’s higher education system. However, ensuring
long-term financial sustainability requires strengthening the financial autonomy of universities, expanding alternative
funding sources, and improving the efficiency of budgetary resource allocation.