Education can change the course of a person’s life, shaping dreams and opening new horizons. The story of Meruyert Bizhanova, a young scholar from Kazakhstan who entered a doctoral program at the University of Oxford at the age of 24, is a striking example of how curiosity, determination, and mentorship can lead to remarkable achievements.

A Passion for Learning from an Early Age

Bizhanova’s love for learning began in early childhood. She recalls that by the time she was five years old, she had already read every fairy tale available in her school library. Reading stories and writing short narratives fascinated her, and books soon became her closest companions.

Her academic development later flourished at Nazarbayev University, where supportive professors encouraged her intellectual curiosity and motivated her to pursue opportunities abroad. She particularly acknowledges the influence of mentors such as Vice-Provost Loretta O’Donnell and professors Tursonjan Tokay, Thomas Duke, Warren Rocco, and Marilyn Plumlee. According to Bizhanova, these mentors taught her the importance of discipline, dedication, and sincerity in academic work.

Graduate Studies in the United States

After completing her undergraduate education, Bizhanova decided to continue her academic journey internationally. She chose the University of Pennsylvania for her master’s studies, aiming to gain globally recognized academic training and deepen her research in the field of higher education.

The University of Pennsylvania is widely known for its strong academic tradition in higher education policy and leadership, which closely aligns with her research interests. During her master’s program in educational leadership, Bizhanova studied international education policy, governance of higher education systems, research methodology, and leadership strategies.

Beyond classroom learning, the university provided opportunities for internships, research collaborations, professional networking, and career development. Studying at one of the world’s leading universities also gave her access to a global academic community and opened new professional possibilities.

Image: personal archive

Why Oxford?

For Bizhanova, the University of Oxford had long symbolized academic excellence. From childhood, she had heard of it as one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Admission to Oxford’s doctoral programs is highly competitive, and thousands of candidates apply each year, but only a small number are admitted. For example, the DPhil in Education, which Bizhanova is studying for, has approximately 200 applications per year, out of which around 38 students are selected. 

Being accepted into Oxford’s doctoral program, Bizhanova says, is both an honor and a responsibility. When considering where to pursue her PhD, she realized that several Oxford scholars were conducting research closely related to her own academic interests. Her professors at the University of Pennsylvania were also familiar with these scholars and encouraged her to apply, recognizing Oxford as one of the leading centers for research on higher education.

Researching the Future of Universities

Bizhanova’s doctoral research focuses on universities in post-Soviet countries and how they attempt to balance teaching responsibilities with the development of scientific research. Many universities in this region inherited complex institutional traditions and governance structures from the Soviet era. Today, however, they face increasing pressure to meet international standards for research universities while maintaining high-quality teaching.

Her research investigates the institutional, cultural, and historical factors that influence this transformation. It also explores the strategies universities use to overcome these challenges, as well as the role of public policy, funding mechanisms, and academic culture. The goal of her work is to propose practical recommendations that could help universities in the region build sustainable research ecosystems and strengthen academic excellence.

The Oxford Research Environment

According to Bizhanova, one of the greatest advantages of studying at Oxford is the opportunity to work with globally recognized scholars. Professors at the university are leading experts in their respective fields and actively contribute to the development of new academic ideas and methodologies. While they maintain high expectations and rigorous academic standards, they also provide valuable guidance to doctoral students.

Bizhanova notes that the intellectual environment at Oxford is both challenging and highly supportive.

Learning in a Global Community

Oxford’s international academic environment allows Bizhanova to interact with researchers from different countries and academic traditions. These exchanges broaden her perspective and expose her to diverse research approaches and methodologies.

Her research also examines the challenges faced by research universities in Central Asia, particularly within the post-Soviet context. She studies how historical legacies affect universities’ research capacity and explores strategies that could strengthen academic development across the region.

Image: personal archive

Applying Knowledge at Home

Despite her international academic experience, Bizhanova emphasizes her commitment to contributing to the development of higher education in Kazakhstan.

She hopes that the knowledge and experience she gains abroad will help universities in Kazakhstan and neighboring countries transition toward stronger research-oriented models. Traditionally, many universities in the region have focused primarily on teaching. Today, however, they must also expand their research missions and play a more active role in society.

Bizhanova’s research aims to help institutions integrate research into their central mission, improve academic quality, and establish sustainable research systems.

Looking Ahead

Bizhanova believes that Kazakhstan’s education system is progressing in the right direction. Students are increasingly receiving high-quality training and developing strong English-language skills, allowing them to participate more actively in the global academic community.

At the same time, she stresses the importance of providing greater support, both financial and institutional, for young researchers.

“The future of science depends on investing in the next generation,” she says.

Bizhanova’s academic journey from a young girl captivated by fairy tales to a doctoral researcher at Oxford illustrates the transformative power of education and the growing global presence of scholars from Kazakhstan.