Kazakhstan Strengthens Educational Collaborations with U.S. and South Korean Universities

Reworked Version:

Get ready to march alongside Kazakhstan as they step into a bold new future of learning, igniting partnerships with top-tier US universities to launch groundbreaking research projects and strengthen existing ties. During a whirlwind visit to the US, Kazakhstan's Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, announced some major moves that will reshape the educational landscape in his nation.

Are you ready for the lowdown? Let's dive in!

Hot Diggity Dawg! Big Things Coming from ASU

Well, hold onto your hats, because things are getting wild! Arizona State University is expanding its horizons and planting another flag right here in Kazakhstan at Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University in 2026.

But that ain't all! Arizona State University will kick off research in three new fields of study: bioinformatics, water management, and sulfur-based polymer production. I tell ya, it's like watching a cover band take the stage and knocking the crowd's socks off with their electric energy and unexpected jams. 🤘

In the Mines of Zhezkazgan, a Technological Gold Rush

You heard it here first, folks! Plans are underway to establish a brand-new technical university in Zhezkazgan in collaboration with the Colorado School of Mines and Kazakhmys Corporation. This revolution will unlock new horizons in technical education and research in the region.

A Deal with the Devil: ETS Steps onto the Scene

Minister Nurbek had a bone-chilling meeting with Educational Testing Service – y'know, that legendary test development company behind giant tests like TOEFL, PISA, and SAT – where they discussed a sinister plan to transform Kazakhstan's entire national testing system. According to Nurbek, cunning students will be able to take a single test and secure a certificate, with which they can gain admission to any university in the land. Spooky! 🧟‍♂️

Harvard, You're Wonderful

Things are heating up between Harvard University and Kazakhstan! Minister Nurbek shared that an agreement on a joint research project in the field of library science was reached. This daring collaboration will create a digital platform for digitizing precious and ancient handwritten manuscripts written in Chagatai and ancient Chinese languages, dating back to the 12th to 17th centuries.

To add fuel to the fire, Harvard is also supporting various climate and sustainability research projects around the globe through the Salata Institute Seed Grant Program.

37 Universities, 1 Goal: Take Over the World (Or Kazakhstan, At Least)

Nurbek proudly revealed that a whopping 37 foreign universities have their eyes set on establishing branches in Kazakhstan. In this academic year, the country has welcomed nearly 31,500 foreign students from around the globe, resulting in investments of over 30 billion tenge (US$58.7 million) and the creation of a staggering 40,000 jobs.

By the 2028-2029 academic year, Kazakhstan hopes to welcome a whopping 100,000 foreign students annually, bringing in billions of tenge in investments and generating an additional 130,000 jobs.

A Central Asian Learning Nexus

Noticing Kazakhstan's rapid strides in higher education, South Korean Deputy Minister of Education Oh Seok-hwan expressed his admiration for the nation's progress. In a meeting with Nurbek, they discussed Kazakhstan's aspiration to become a Central Asian educational hub.

Woosong University will open a branch in Turkistan this year, offering 110 scholarships for the inaugural class. Other joint efforts include 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 am utterly impressed by Kazakhstan's rapid advancement in higher education," said Oh Seok-hwan. "With such an immense potential and strategic approach, Kazakhstan will undoubtedly snatch the lead position in the educational markets of Central Asia."

Sources:

Kazinform
Bloomberg
Arizona State University Press Release
Harvard University's Salata Institute
Kazakh students will have the opportunity to study bioinformatics when Arizona State University launches its research in this field at Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University in 2026.
In the year 2029, Kazakhstan aims to welcome 100,000 foreign students annually, a number that could potentially increase to over 130,000 jobs.
Minister Nurbek met with Educational Testing Service to discuss transforming Kazakhstan's national testing system, allowing students to take a single test for admission to any university in the country.
Collaborating with Harvard University, Kazakhstan will create a digital platform for digitizing ancient handwritten manuscripts in Chagatai and ancient Chinese languages, dating back to the 12th to 17th centuries.