IHSM Strengthens Financial Autonomy Through Erasmus+ DEFA Project

On October 15, 2025, working team of the International Higher School of Medicine (IHSM) held a meeting within the framework of the Erasmus+ Project “DEFA – Development of Financial Autonomy of Universities in Kyrgyzstan (2023–2025)”, headed by Dr. Ainazik Omurzakova, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Legal Appointed Representative (LEAR), and Project Coordinator from IHSM.

The DEFA project, implemented from December 1, 2022, to December 1, 2025, aims to enhance the financial sustainability and autonomy of universities in Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬 through strategic reforms, capacity building, and international collaboration.

IHSM serves as the responsible partner for Work Package 4: Quality Assurance System, focusing on developing internal mechanisms for quality control and continuous improvement. A series of trainings and workshops have been organized both at European partner universities and in Kyrgyzstan to strengthen institutional capacities and exchange best practices.
The consortium includes 12 leading universities and organizations in Kyrgyzstan including the IHSM and Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Germany), CESIE (Italy) and University of Florence (Italy).

As part of the project, IHSM procured essential equipment — including laptops, a conference system, LED screen, computers, and cameras — to support the establishment of its Fundraising Office. In line with the Strategic Development Program of IHSM for 2024–2026, and to enhance systematic investment attraction, the university has also developed the IHSM Fundraising Strategy for 2025–2026.

The Fundraising Office was officially opened during the visit of Mrs. Maria Sol Dominguez, Project Officer of the European Commission, marking a significant milestone in IHSM’s progress toward sustainable institutional development and international collaboration.