Kazakhstan aims to become a part of the global knowledge market, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the Strategic Partners Forum “Kazakhstan — Territory of Academic Education.”
The country is strengthening its position in international academia: partnerships have been established with 40 top universities, 33 foreign university branches have opened, and multilingual education — including English, Russian, and Chinese — is expanding. All branches include mandatory courses in the Kazakh language and the history of Kazakhstan.
More than 31,000 international students currently study in Kazakhstan — the highest number to date. By 2029, this figure is expected to reach 100,000 through simplified visa procedures, improved study conditions, and a new employment program for top graduates.
Tokayev highlighted the importance of engineering and IT education. Three Luban Workshops already operate in the country, cooperation with MEPhI is advancing training for the nuclear sector, and a joint project with the University of Arizona has produced a sulfur-based polymer innovation.
Business involvement in higher education is growing, including the opening of a branch of Russia’s Mendeleev University in Taraz and plans for a mining-focused university and MGIMO campus in Astana.
President Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan will continue strengthening its universities and building stronger links between academia and industry.
