Kazakh Minister of Higher Education: Kazakhstan Poised to Become an Academic Hub for Knowledge and Innovation

 

Written by Dr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Wahid

Astana – Kazakhstan is striving to become a leading academic and research hub in Central Asia, reinforcing its status as a major regional center of knowledge and innovation. The country is integrating global standards into its educational system and has launched five programs aimed at establishing outstanding scientific and educational centers across various regions from 2024 to 2026. Seventeen comprehensive programs are set to be implemented to build training infrastructure, test scientific research results, adopt advanced technological products, and create favorable conditions for innovation development within institutions.

In a press briefing held on the sidelines of the Astana International Forum, which concluded on May 30, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek outlined the government’s efforts to enhance the scientific infrastructure of the country. He noted that tenders have been announced to fund scientific programs in partnership with private companies, aiming to establish technology parks and engineering centers equipped with modern laboratories at universities.

The minister highlighted that in 2023, four major programs were launched in the country’s largest national universities. As a result, ten laboratories, five sub-workshops, and three startups were established. Fourteen agreements were signed with private institutions, amounting to USD 912,466.62, attracting private investments totaling USD 1,538,089.31.

Nurbek emphasized the importance of institutions such as De Montfort University and Coventry University in shaping Kazakhstan’s education system by introducing advanced teaching methodologies, research capacities, and global standards. These branches not only provide new horizons for local students and faculty but also enable joint research opportunities that boost Kazakhstan’s global academic standing.

He stated: “By integrating global standards into local universities, Kazakhstan attracts international students and faculty, promotes innovation, and opens new avenues for scientific discovery. This dynamic environment of cooperation and knowledge exchange enhances Kazakhstan’s research output and places the country in a competitive position within the global academic community.”

The minister revealed that 31,500 foreign students are currently studying in Kazakhstan, including 12,000 from India, 3,000 from Russia, 2,089 from China, 1,192 from Pakistan, 231 from Turkey, 156 from Jordan, 62 from Germany, 43 from South Korea, and 24 from the United States.

He also noted the presence of 43 academies specializing in information and communication technology, with 2,196 students enrolled—2,091 at the undergraduate level, 82 in master’s programs, and 23 in doctoral programs. By 2025, it is expected that around 650,000 students will be studying AI-related skills, while 340,000 students have already received training across various academic programs. He added that there are 20 AI-focused academic programs offered across 20 universities in Kazakhstan.

 

Building a Global Presence

The minister explained that Kazakhstan is focused on improving research quality rather than simply increasing publication numbers, in pursuit of academic excellence. Through global partnerships, Kazakh universities benefit from the latest research methodologies, enhancing their scientific output and contributing to solving global scientific challenges. These efforts attract foreign investment, talent, and funding, positioning Kazakhstan as a key player in the international academic community.

Major Foreign Investment

He stated: “Kazakhstan’s academic transformation is attracting significant foreign investment, with international universities pledging USD 66 million. These investments help expand educational infrastructure, create new job opportunities, and improve the quality of education. The inflow of foreign capital supports the development of modern campuses and research facilities, providing students and researchers with state-of-the-art resources.”

He added: “Foreign investment not only benefits academic institutions but also contributes to Kazakhstan’s broader economic growth. By attracting international faculty and developing new academic programs, Kazakhstan enhances its universities’ competitiveness, which in turn helps build a skilled workforce to drive innovation and future economic development.”

 

Centers of Academic and Research Excellence

The minister affirmed that Kazakhstan’s approach is reflected in its integration into the global academic system through the establishment of centers of academic and research excellence, with a focus on internationalization and cross-border education. These centers aim to enhance the country’s academic and research capabilities. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education is working on modifying funding procedures to ensure sustained support. Some centers are already receiving backing through scientific projects, signaling progress in aligning Kazakhstan’s academic infrastructure with global standards.

Nurbek added that Kazakhstan has hosted branches of eight foreign universities in 2024, noting that the Ministry plans to turn the country into an academic hub in the Eurasian region. He said: “Twenty-three academic partnerships have been established in just two years, and three more prestigious international campuses are set to open in Kazakhstan. We have allowed foreign universities to invest their funds in building or purchasing facilities and offering education based on their own systems. These universities operate under special government regulations. For example, De Montfort University in Almaty will graduate its first class in 2025 and will award degrees based on its own academic policies.”

He said: “Coventry University’s campus, spanning eight hectares, has opened in Astana. Another campus for Woosong University from Korea will open in Turkestan. Graduates from these institutions with foreign degrees will be able to work in those countries. Kazakhstan also plans to establish branches of foreign vocational workshops to train technical and engineering professionals.”

Meanwhile, Minister Nurbek revealed that more than 80,000 Kazakh students are currently studying abroad. The largest number—60,000—are studying in Russia. Through the Bolashak scholarship program, over 1,000 students are studying in countries worldwide, mainly in the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States. Kazakh students also attend universities in Hong Kong and South Korea, with about 450 students in Hong Kong and 1,000 in South Korea.