CHALLENGES FACED BY UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Аннотация

University students in developing countries face numerous challenges that hinder their academic and personal development. These include limited access to quality education, financial hardship, poor infrastructure, lack of technology, and inadequate mental health support. Issues such as overcrowded classrooms and weak internet connectivity further reduce learning effectiveness. This paper highlights these barriers and offers strategies to improve educational conditions and student well-being. Keywords: University students, developing countries, education challenges, financial hardship, infrastructure, technology access, mental health, academic barriers. 4 ILM-FAN VA INNOVATSIYA ILMIY-AMALIY KONFERENSIYASI in-academy.uz/index.php/si ПРОБЛЕМЫ С КОТОРЫМИ СТАЛКИВАЮТСЯ СТУДЕНТЫ УНИВЕРСИТЕТОВ В РАЗВИВАЮЩИХСЯ СТРАНАХ Олимжонова Сарвинозбону Бахтиёровна Чирчикский государственный педагогический университет Студентка 2-го курса факультета туризма, иностранных языков и литературы Sarvinozolimjova02@gamil.com Эркинова Хурсаной Научный руководитель Аннотация: Студенты университетов в развивающихся странах сталкиваются с множеством проблем, которые мешают их академическому и личностному развитию. К таким проблемам относятся ограниченный доступ к качественному образованию, финансовые трудности, недостаточная инфраструктура, нехватка технологических ресурсов и отсутствие должной поддержки психического здоровья. Переполненные аудитории и слабое интернет-соединение также негативно влияют на качество обучения. В статье рассматриваются основные препятствия и предлагаются стратегии для создания более инклюзивной и поддерживающей образовательной среды. Ключевые слова: Студенты университетов, развивающиеся страны, проблемы образования, финансовые трудности, инфраструктура, доступ к технологиям, психическое здоровье, академические барьеры. Introduction: In the 21st century, higher education plays a vital role in shaping the future of individuals and nations. In developing countries, however, university students often struggle to reach their full potential due to numerous challenges. These difficulties are not only academic but also include financial, infrastructural, and socio-emotional aspects. According to UNESCO (2022), millions of students in low- and middle-income countries face daily obstacles that their peers in developed countries rarely encounter. The significance of identifying these challenges lies in the opportunity to develop evidence-based policies that can promote equity and academic achievement. Many students in developing countries are first-generation college attendees, lacking role models or support systems. Moreover, economic instability, poor governance, and underfunded education sectors aggravate the situation. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the major obstacles university students face in developing nations and recommend practical solutions for stakeholders. Methods: This study is based on a qualitative research design, specifically utilizing a literature review methodology. Data was collected through a systematic search of academic databases such as JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The keywords used included “ university students,” “developing countries,” “education challenges,” and “higher education access.” Sources were selected based on relevance, credibility, and publication within the last ten years (2015–2025). A total of 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, international reports (e.g., UNESCO, World Bank), and case studies from countries including Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Uzbekistan were analyzed. Data were categorized into four major themes: financial constraints, academic environment, digital and infrastructural issues, and 5 ILM-FAN VA INNOVATSIYA ILMIY-AMALIY KONFERENSIYASI in-academy.uz/index.php/si mental health concerns. The findings were synthesized to highlight common trends and significant insights. Results: Students in developing countries frequently struggle with tuition fees, accommodation, and basic needs such as food and transportation. Many rely on part-time work or family support, which is often unstable. Scholarships and financial aid are limited or unavailable, causing high dropout rates. .Many institutions suffer from underqualified staff, outdated curricula, and overcrowded classrooms, with student-to-teacher ratios often over 50:1, making personalized learning difficult. Limited access to libraries and learning materials also hampers academic performance. Many schools lack proper internet access, computer labs, and modern educational technology. These issues worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for rural students who face poor connectivity and lack of devices, making online learning challenging. Students experience stress from financial difficulties, academic pressure, and family expectations. Mental health services are scarce on campuses, and stigma often prevents students from seeking help. Female students may face gende