Higher Education - The Times Of Central Asia

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Higher Education

German University Launches Bachelor’s Programs in Kazakhstan

Germany’s Anhalt University of Applied Sciences has opened a branch campus in Almaty, marking a new milestone in German-Kazakh educational cooperation. The new campus, based at Energo University, is now accepting applications for bachelor’s programs in Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. The initiative is supported by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the German Consulate General in Almaty. According to the ministry, the programs were selected to align with current demands in Kazakhstan’s labor market. Graduates will receive dual diplomas, one from Anhalt University and one from a Kazakhstani institution. A total of 100 state-funded scholarships will be awarded to students who qualify through a competitive selection process. The Almaty campus features modern classrooms and laboratories equipped for practical and research-based instruction in electronics, biomedical science, and information technology. “This is a large-scale initiative for young people in Kazakhstan who are eager to learn,” said Jörg Bagdahn, President of Anhalt University. “They now have the opportunity to obtain a German engineering degree without leaving their country.” Courses will be taught by faculty from Germany, and German language instruction is included in the curriculum. “Partnership with Anhalt University is a strategic step for Energo University,” said Rector Gani Cosmetology. “We are creating a platform to deliver top-tier European education locally.”

Higher Education

Italian University Opens Branch in Kazakhstan to Train Agricultural Specialists

Marche Polytechnic University of Ancona, Italy, has officially opened a branch campus at Zhetysu University named after Ilyas Zhansugurov in Taldykorgan, the administrative center of Kazakhstan’s southeastern Zhetysu region. The inauguration ceremony on July 16 was attended by prominent officials including Zhetysu Region Governor Beibit Isabayev, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, and Italian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Antonello De Riu. Marche Polytechnic University is a public institution that offers a broad range of academic programs in agriculture, engineering, economics, medicine, and biology. The new branch in Kazakhstan is expected to focus on disciplines that align with the region’s agricultural priorities, including agriculture, food engineering, tourism, economics, and digital technologies. Addressing the Region’s Workforce Needs In his remarks, Nurbek emphasized the importance of developing local expertise to support the region’s growing agri-tech and greenhouse sectors. “Our region is in need of agronomists and digital specialists to support the growth of our greenhouse complexes,” he said. “This new branch will help meet that demand with targeted academic programs.” Isabayev highlighted the regional administration’s support for the initiative, announcing 14 scholarships for students during the first stage of enrollment. “Our region is an agricultural one,” he said. “We need skilled professionals who can introduce innovation and advanced technologies into the sector.” A Boost for Bilateral Cooperation De Riu praised the initiative as a significant milestone in Kazakh-Italian academic cooperation. “Collaboration with Zhetysu University is a key part of Italy’s international strategy,” he said. “We will implement joint projects in education and scientific research and share expertise that enhances both institutions. This is not just about opening new opportunities, it's a real step forward in strengthening the friendship and partnership between Kazakhstan and Italy.” Faculty members from Marche Polytechnic University will deliver courses at the new branch, while students will benefit from access to joint research opportunities and international internships. Graduates will receive dual diplomas from both institutions.

Higher Education

Leading French Engineering School to Open Branch in Kazakhstan

The Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education has finalized an agreement with Grenoble INP-Phelma, UGA - France’s premier engineering school specializing in physics, electronics, and materials science, to open a branch campus in Almaty in 2026. The new campus will operate in partnership with Satbayev University, one of Kazakhstan’s top technical institutions. The agreement was signed by vice presidents of both universities in the presence of Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek and French Ambassador to Kazakhstan Sylvain Guiguet. Grenoble INP-Phelma, located in the city of Grenoble, is part of the Grenoble Institute of Technology and is internationally recognized for its excellence in engineering education. The Kazakhstan branch of Phelma will offer dual degree programs in Nuclear Engineering, Renewable Engineering, and Advanced Studies. The initiative aims to train highly qualified specialists in nuclear and renewable energy, fields of growing strategic importance as Kazakhstan prepares to construct its first nuclear power plant. Participating students will have the opportunity to undergo practical training at French nuclear power facilities, which operate 56 reactors and supply more than 70% of France’s electricity. This hands-on experience is expected to prepare graduates for careers in Kazakhstan’s evolving energy sector. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that the Colorado School of Mines will also open its first international campus in Kazakhstan in 2026. That campus will be located in Zhezkazgan, the center of the country’s geological industry. The Colorado School of Mines has already established a dual degree partnership with Satbayev University in geology, petroleum engineering, and mining, which includes joint research collaborations.

International Campus

Colorado School of Mines to Open First International Campus in Kazakhstan

In 2026, the Colorado School of Mines will open its first international campus in Kazakhstan, marking a significant milestone in U.S.-Kazakhstan academic cooperation. An agreement to establish the branch was signed between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Colorado School of Mines, which currently ranks No. 1 globally in Mineral & Mining Engineering according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. The new campus will be located in Zhezkazgan, the center of Kazakhstan’s geological industry, on the grounds of the newly established Ulytau Technical University. Instruction will be in English and will focus on four core bachelor's degree programs: Mining, Geology and Geological Exploration; Geophysical Engineering; and Petroleum Engineering. According to the Ministry, the project underscores Kazakhstan’s growing status as a destination for educational investment and knowledge transfer in technical fields. “We have identified Kazakhstan as a priority country for partnership and development,” said John Bradford, Vice President of Global Initiatives at the Colorado School of Mines. “This agreement will allow us to elevate our collaboration and academic exchange.” Earlier, the Colorado School of Mines signed a dual degree agreement with Kazakhstan’s Satbayev University in the fields of geology, petroleum engineering, and mining, which also includes joint research initiatives. Once operational, the Zhezkazgan campus is expected to attract young professionals to the region, create new job opportunities, and train highly qualified specialists for both Kazakhstan’s domestic needs and the global labor market.

Higher Education

Tajik Students Gain Expanded Access to Internships and Training in the UK

Educational cooperation between Tajikistan and the United Kingdom is reaching new milestones, with fresh opportunities emerging for Tajik students to study and gain professional experience in the UK. On May 31, representatives of Tajikistan’s State Agency “Center for International Programs” held talks with leadership at the University of Greenwich to discuss avenues for academic collaboration and student support initiatives. Building Bridges in Higher Education The meeting took place within the framework of Tajikistan’s broader strategy to internationalize its education and science sectors. According to the Ministry of Education and Science, discussions focused on improving access for Tajik citizens to high-quality education, facilitating professional internships, and exploring financial assistance mechanisms. Particular emphasis was placed on fields such as economics, finance, and management. University of Greenwich officials highlighted their partnerships with major financial institutions, which enable students to gain practical experience and enhance their competitiveness in global labor markets. Greenwich: A Gateway to Global Careers As part of the talks, the two sides explored the possibility of offering scholarships to Tajik students through national and international funding schemes. An agreement was reached to continue discussions and expand academic exchange programs. Experts see this initiative as a significant step in strengthening bilateral educational ties and opening new horizons for Tajik youth. Strengthening Tajik-UK Educational Ties Tajik-UK educational cooperation has grown steadily in recent years. Since 2018, more than 30 Tajik students have received Chevening Scholarships to pursue master's degrees at top British universities. The program, funded by the UK government, remains a key pillar of bilateral academic exchange. In 2022, the British Council resumed operations in Dushanbe, boosting collaboration on English language education and teacher training. Joint projects with the Tajik Ministry of Education aim to modernize teaching methods and improve educational outcomes. Tajik universities, such as Rudaki Tajik National University, are also forging partnerships with British institutions like the University of Central Lancashire, including dual degree programs and collaborative research. STEM education is a growing area of focus: in 2023, British-supported robotics and programming courses were launched for Tajik schoolchildren. Regional Context: Broader British Engagement in Central Asia The UK is expanding its educational footprint across Central Asia. In Turkmenistan, British experts have supported teacher training and curriculum modernization. In the 2024/25 academic year, 12 Turkmen nationals received Chevening Scholarships. The British Council continues to roll out digital education initiatives, such as the Digital Learning project, in the region. In May 2025, Turkmenistan also participated in the World Education Forum in London, joining delegates from over 100 countries to discuss global trends and priorities in education.

STEM

Video: From Hardship to Accomplishment – Meet the Kazakh Woman Supporting Female STEM Students

Kalmakhanova Marzhan Seitkyzy is a young professor in Kazakhstan supporting female students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), offering guidance and helping them navigate the realities of research work. Watch her story: [video width="3840" height="2160" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Конкурс-2.mp4"][/video]