By Faiza Abbas
Education has long been a cornerstone of international cooperation, fueling economic prosperity, technological advancements, and cultural exchanges. As the world grows more interconnected, nations that prioritize academic excellence are not only securing their own future but also shaping the broader global landscape. One country that is making remarkable strides in this realm is Kazakhstan. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan is emerging as a vibrant educational hub, attracting students, researchers, and universities from around the world.
A Flourishing Educational Market
With a strategic location that places over three billion people within a short flight radius, Kazakhstan is uniquely positioned to cater to an ever-growing demand for higher education. The country is rapidly transforming into a sought-after academic destination, offering degrees that are internationally recognized and co-developed with leading institutions from the UK, the USA, Germany, South Korea, and Turkey.
“Kazakhstan is establishing itself as an alternative educational hub for the entire macro-region. Today, students from various countries can pursue degrees in Kazakhstan that are accredited by British, American, Korean, Turkish, and German institutions, creating a dynamic and globally competitive learning environment,” stated Tamoor Shafique, Senior Lecturer in Digital, Tech, Innovation & Business at the University of Staffordshire.
Strengthening Foundations: Primary and Secondary Education
Kazakhstan’s commitment to excellence begins at the grassroots level. The country has long been recognized for its strengths in STEM fields, particularly in metallurgy, chemistry, and microbiology. To further enhance its educational landscape, Kazakhstan has introduced a per capita financing system, spurring the development of over 700 private schools, which now account for approximately 7% of all educational institutions.
These efforts are already yielding impressive results. In 2022, Kazakhstan ranked among the top 50 countries in the PISA rankings for student performance in mathematics and natural sciences. Moreover, leading Kazakh secondary schools have become role models in the region, training educators from Russia, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia in cutting-edge teaching methodologies and best practices.
A Global Approach: International Collaboration and Research
Kazakhstan’s higher education sector is deeply committed to internationalization. By embracing an open science model, the country is encouraging universities and research institutions to focus on business partnerships and the global exchange of knowledge.
Currently, Kazakhstan maintains 34 strategic academic partnerships spanning 12 countries and has facilitated the establishment of 23 international university branches. Prestigious institutions from the UK, Italy, China, Russia, the USA, France, and South Korea have expanded their presence in Kazakhstan, further elevating its status as an educational powerhouse. Today, more than 31,500 international students are enrolled in Kazakh universities, with a growing number arriving from Asia, surpassing those from the Commonwealth of Independent States.
“Kazakhstan is transitioning towards an open science model, where universities and research centers emphasize business collaboration and the export of knowledge. This shift is creating new opportunities for both local and international students,” noted Tamoor Shafique.
Government Support and Investment in Education
Kazakhstan’s government has played a pivotal role in creating a conducive environment for education and foreign investment. The establishment of the Astana International Financial Centre has been a game-changer, offering a favorable tax regime and an independent judiciary based on British common law.
These efforts have successfully attracted world-renowned universities to invest in Kazakhstan. De Montfort University launched its Almaty campus in 2021, followed by Heriot-Watt University in Aktobe in 2023. In September 2024, Coventry University opened its doors in Astana, and Cardiff University is expected to establish a presence in 2025-2026.
Manchester’s Contribution to Kazakhstan’s Academic Growth
The academic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom reached a new milestone on February 14, as leading scholars and university representatives from Manchester, experts, members of the UK Parliament – including Afzal Khan – Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Greater Manchester Abid Chohan, local government officials, consultants, lawyers, and journalists gathered at the British Muslim Heritage Centre. The event served as a platform for discussing the future of educational collaboration with Kazakhstan, focusing on key areas of development.
At the heart of the discussion was the role of artificial intelligence and technological innovation in driving scientific progress and industrial growth in Kazakhstan. The conversation highlighted the importance of international cooperation in developing cutting-edge solutions and preparing a new generation of professionals equipped to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
Representatives from Manchester Metropolitan University have expressed a strong commitment to supporting Kazakhstan’s academic and industrial sectors, particularly through AI-driven research and the establishment of science hubs that will accelerate knowledge-sharing and industrial innovation.
This collaboration signals a promising future, with Manchester institutions poised to contribute expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, and engineering – areas that are essential for Kazakhstan’s aspirations to become a global leader in education and research.
A Bold Future for Kazakhstan’s Education Sector
Kazakhstan’s transformation into an academic powerhouse is no longer a distant vision – it is already in motion. With strong international partnerships, government-backed initiatives, and forward-thinking investments, the country is positioning itself as a critical player in the global education landscape.
As demand for high-quality education in Eurasia continues to soar, Kazakhstan is ready to rise to the challenge, serving as a bridge between East and West. By fostering innovation, economic prosperity, and cross-cultural collaboration, the nation is not just reshaping its own educational sector but also contributing to the broader global knowledge economy.
With such ambitious strides, Kazakhstan’s role as a leading academic and research hub is set to redefine the future of education, not just in Central Asia, but on a global scale.
