Foreign university branches spread across Kazakhstan regions, minister says
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Kazakhstan hosts more than 37,000 foreign students, Science and Higher Education Minister Sayasat Nurbek said on August 22, 2026. Regional universities are partnering with foreign institutions, including a British campus in Astana and a Kazakh-American dual-degree program in Petropavl. An Australian university branch focused on livestock is planned for Abai region.
Key Facts
- More than 37,000 foreign students are enrolled in Kazakhstani higher education institutions, according to Science and Higher Education Minister Sayasat Nurbek.
- A leading British research university operates a campus in Astana.
- A university in Petropavl offers a Kazakh-American dual-degree program with students from 16 countries.
- An Australian university branch specializing in livestock farming is planned for Abai region.
- Uzbek professor Ranokhon Tursunova said opening branches of prestigious foreign universities expands educational opportunities for citizens.
Regional Expansion
Minister Nurbek said educational migration has begun and is directed not only to Astana, Almaty, and major cities but also to the regions. He noted that teaching quality and the diploma itself have reached a completely different level. Parents of the first graduates who received American diplomas said they never dreamed of obtaining an American diploma while staying in Petropavl. Nurbek added that all the work being done now will yield very good results.
International Interest
Interest in Kazakhstani education is growing among neighboring countries, according to Ranokhon Tursunova, professor at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Uzbekistan. Tursunova said opening branches of prestigious foreign universities in Kazakhstan is aimed at expanding educational opportunities for citizens. She stated that all of this contributes to increasing the competitiveness of Kazakhstan's higher education system at regional and international levels. Tursunova emphasized that the Uzbek government is watching Kazakhstan's active policy in higher education development with interest. She said cooperation with leading world universities, introduction of advanced educational technologies, and increased academic mobility are positively affecting the reputation of Kazakhstani universities.
Quality Impact
According to Tursunova, opening branches of well-known foreign universities raises the level of education not only in those branches but also improves the overall quality of education in the country. She said this happens through competition and exchange of best practices that influence national universities. Tursunova noted that Uzbek youth eagerly coming to Kazakhstan for education is a natural consequence of these factors. She said this is a positive trend proving that Kazakhstani universities, especially those opening branches of foreign universities, offer competitive education at attractive prices in line with international standards.
1 source
Foreign university branches spread across Kazakhstan regions, minister says
