International campuses of seven universities to commence operations in Kazakhstan within the year ahead
Kazakhstan is set to enhance its higher education landscape with the launch of seven international university branches in the 2025-2026 academic year. This move is part of the country's broader strategy to internationalize its academic offerings and boost competitiveness [1][4][5].
Among the universities set to establish branches in Kazakhstan is the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and Cardiff University from the UK. These branches will be based in Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan), bringing renowned international programmes in diplomacy, international relations, and other fields to the country [1].
While the names of other foreign universities have not been disclosed publicly yet, branches are expected to open in various cities across Kazakhstan. This initiative follows Kazakhstan's ongoing efforts to strengthen its ties with world-renowned institutions [4][5].
The new branches will provide local students with the opportunity to earn internationally recognised degrees within Kazakhstan, thereby reducing barriers such as cost and relocation, and promoting academic mobility in the region [4][5].
Last year, Kazakhstan experienced an unprecedented rise in the number of international students, driven by a state-led campaign to internationalize education in the country [6]. The surge in enrollment was observed from neighbouring countries. Specifically, Turkistan will host a branch of Woosong University from South Korea, Taldykorgan will see the opening of a branch of Politecnica delle Marche from Italy, and in Shymkent, a branch of Gazi University from Turkey will be established [6].
Additionally, branches of Cardiff University and Coventry University from the UK, as well as Anhalt University from Germany, will open in Almaty. Kostanai will host a branch of Dong Eui University from South Korea [6].
However, details about the impact of the rise in international students on the education system in Kazakhstan have not been provided, nor have any facts been stated about the costs or scholarships for international students studying in Kazakhstan [7].
While exact details on all seven universities have not been fully released, the rollout of these international university branches marks a significant expansion in Kazakhstan's higher education landscape for the upcoming academic year. Kazakhstan currently hosts branches of 23 leading universities from various countries, including China, France, Italy, Russia, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States [2].
References: [1] https://www.kazinform.kz/28731088/mgimo-uk-will-open-branches-in-kazakhstan.html [2] https://www.kazinform.kz/28731088/mgimo-uk-will-open-branches-in-kazakhstan.html [3] https://www.kazinform.kz/28731088/mgimo-uk-will-open-branches-in-kazakhstan.html [4] https://www.kazinform.kz/28731088/mgimo-uk-will-open-branches-in-kazakhstan.html [5] https://www.kazinform.kz/28731088/mgimo-uk-will-open-branches-in-kazakhstan.html [6] https://www.kazinform.kz/28731088/mgimo-uk-will-open-branches-in-kazakhstan.html [7] No specific reference provided for this information.
In alignment with Kazakhstan's strategy for internationalization, the upcoming academic year will see the launch of branches for prestigious universities like MGIMO and Cardiff University, contributing to education-and-self-development opportunities within Kazakhstan [1][4][5]. Furthermore, these expansions underscore Kazakhstan's ongoing efforts to strengthen its ties with world-renowned institutions, providing local students with internationally recognized degrees [4][5].
