Collaborative Research Expansion: Kazakhstan FORGES Ahead with U.S. and South Korean Universities
Strapping Kazakhstan's Education Sector, Step by Steps
ASTANA - Kazakhstan is firing on all cylinders, inking significant deals with prestigious American universities to bolster its research efforts and solidify partnerships. During a whirlwind visit to the US, Science and Higher Education Minister Sayasat Nurbek declared that Arizona State University will plant its second campus at Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University in 2026.
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Linking Arms with US Universities
The University of Arizona, already rooted at Kozybayev University in Petropavl, sets its sights on research in bioinformatics, water management, and sulfur-based polymer production.
A technologically-focused university appears on the horizon for Zhezkazgan, conceived in collaboration with Colorado School of Mines and Kazakhmys Corporation. Details regarding this venture are scant as of now, reported Kazinform on April 24.
Nurbek recently held talks in Washington with Educational Testing Service, a renowned test development company best known for developing the TOEFL (English language proficiency test), PISA (Program for International Student Assessment), and SAT (admission to US universities).
"We're on the cusp of signing a landmark partnership in transforming our national testing system, fostering tests, and moving to certificates. Students will take the test, and with a certificate, they'll be welcomed at any university," said Nurbek.
An agreement on a joint research project with Harvard University and the Davis Center in Boston was locked in, aimed at library science. The initiative aims to establish a digital platform to digitize valuable and ancient manuscripts dating from the 12th to the 17th century, written in Chagatai and ancient Chinese languages.
According to Nurbek, 37 foreign universities have committed to establishing their branches in Kazakhstan. This academic year welcomed nearly 31,500 international students from various countries, attracting over 30 billion tenge (US$58.7 million) in investments and generating 40,000 jobs.
"By the 2028-2029 academic year, we aim to educate 100,000 foreign students annually, raking in billions of tenge in investments and forging 130,000 jobs," he said.
Navigating Towards a Central Asian Educational Hub
On April 28, Nurbek's meeting with South Korean Deputy Minister of Education Oh Seok-hwan in Almaty focused on Kazakhstan's aspirations to claim the title of Central Asian educational hub. Woosong University sets forth to open a branch in Turkistan this year, offering 110 scholarships for its inaugural students. Various collaborations are underway, including mechanical engineering training with Dong-Eui University, dual-degree programs with SeoulTech, and a rare earth processing center with Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).
"I'm deeply impressed by the growth of higher education in Kazakhstan. With its significant potential and systemic approach, Kazakhstan is destined to lead the educational markets of Central Asia," said Oh Seok-hwan.
Intriguingly, discussions with the University of Florida touched on potential partnerships in water resource management and agricultural innovation, including discourse surrounding crop modeling systems like DSSAT and sustainable irrigation practices.
- In line with Kazakhstan's pursuit of becoming a Central Asian educational hub, the University of Florida is eyeing partnerships for water resource management and agricultural innovation, exploring crop modeling systems like DSSAT and discussing sustainable irrigation practices.
- By 2029, aiming to educate 100,000 foreign students annually, Kazakhstan's education system is projected to generate billions of tenge in investments and foster 130,000 jobs, as stated by Science and Higher Education Minister Sayasat Nurbek.
- To ensure the continuous growth of bioinformatics knowledge, students in Kazakhstan might look forward to online educational opportunities in 2029, as the rapidly evolving field demands constant learning and self-development.
- Under the banner of education-and-self-development, students from Kazakhstan could potentially study at Woosong University's upcoming branch in Turkistan, which promises 110 scholarships for its inaugural students this year.
