Universities - The Times Of Central Asia

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Science

Air Pollution Research Center Opens at Osh State University with Japanese Support

A new Inter-Institutional Research Center for Air Pollution Studies (IRCAPS) has been inaugurated at Osh State University in southern Kyrgyzstan. The center is part of a five-year joint project between Osh State University and the Tokyo University of Science. Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the $5 million initiative includes full provision of technical equipment for the facility. The opening ceremony, held on November 18, was attended by Professor Nobutoshi Nawa, a leading scientist from the Tokyo University of Science, and Nishigato Kotaro, JICA’s representative in Kyrgyzstan. Osh State University Rector Kudaiberdi Kojobekov stated that the center's establishment represents a new phase in scientific and educational collaboration between Kyrgyzstan and Japan. The center will focus on studying the health impacts of air pollution. Monitoring equipment will be installed both indoors and outdoors in residential areas to assess air quality in Osh, Bishkek, and other regions. Japanese scientists will collaborate directly with Kyrgyz researchers, and the resulting data will be used to formulate policy recommendations for relevant institutions and stakeholders. The project is being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, the Hydrometeorological Service, the International Higher Medical School, the Osh City Administration, and various international partners. Air pollution remains a critical issue in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in its largest urban centers, Bishkek and Osh. Key sources include the widespread use of coal for heating and vehicle exhaust emissions.

Higher Education

Central Asian Countries Agree to Recognize Each Other’s University Degrees

The governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have officially agreed to mutually recognize higher education diplomas issued within the region. Kazakhstan approved the relevant draft on November 12, as documented in an intergovernmental agreement. The initiative aims to create a unified educational space in Central Asia and eliminate barriers related to qualification recognition. Under the agreement, all five countries will automatically recognize university diplomas that are legally valid, officially accredited, and issued by state higher education institutions in any of the participating countries. Recognition will apply in three key areas: Employment in another Central Asian country Internships Continuing education at the next academic level However, qualifications must meet common higher education standards. Recognition may be denied only if substantial differences in the educational systems are identified. The agreement outlines a clear implementation mechanism: each country will appoint a designated authority responsible for diploma recognition and notify the depositary, which will in turn inform the other signatories. If the structure or authority of the appointed body changes, the state is required to issue an immediate notification through diplomatic channels. Despite agreeing on a shared framework, the countries still maintain varying standards for recognizing foreign university degrees. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan have agreed to recognize diplomas from universities in any participating country, provided those institutions are legally operating and issue officially recognized state diplomas. Kazakhstan, however, has adopted stricter criteria. It will only recognize diplomas from regional universities that appear in the top 1,000 of the following international rankings: Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (QS) Times Higher Education (THE) Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) Diplomas from these universities will allow holders from participating countries to work, intern, or pursue further studies in Kazakhstan, subject to an application process. The agreement is expected to ease the movement of skilled professionals within Central Asia and reduce bureaucratic barriers to regional academic and professional mobility.

Higher Education

InnoTech University to Launch in Almaty with Arizona State University Support

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Q Group have signed an agreement with Arizona State University (U.S.) to establish the University of Innovation and Technology powered by Arizona State University (InnoTech) in Almaty. According to the ministry, the creation of InnoTech aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to enhance international educational partnerships and foster the development of innovative technologies. The university is set to become a world-class platform offering academic mobility, scientific collaboration, and practice-oriented training in engineering, IT, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. A distinctive feature of InnoTech will be its dual-degree offering: graduates will receive both a Kazakh diploma and an American degree from Arizona State University. This model is intended to boost the global competitiveness of Kazakh students in the international job market. Undergraduate and graduate programs are expected to begin in 2026, with preparations already underway for the construction of a modern campus in Almaty. [caption id="attachment_39097" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image: gov.kz[/caption] In related news, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Arizona State University, and Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University have signed a memorandum of cooperation to promote academic collaboration. The agreement covers the implementation of internationally recognized educational programs, joint research initiatives, and expanded academic mobility for students and faculty of the Kazakh university. As part of the new collaboration, students enrolled in a dual-degree program will study for three years in Kazakhstan and one year at Arizona State University in the U.S., earning degrees in Computer Science/Informatics from both institutions. Additionally, for the first time in Kazakhstan, an Honors College will be established with Arizona State University’s support. The college will offer enriched academic programs for high-achieving students, including research opportunities and leadership development.

TCA Interviews

TCA Interview: Asia’s First New York Film Academy Campus Opens in Almaty

On 27 September, the New York Film Academy Kazakhstan (NYFA) opened the first branch of the world-renowned American film school in Central Asia. For young Kazakhstani and foreign students, this presents a unique opportunity to gain top-tier knowledge for future careers in the industry. The new campus was established through a partnership between Almaty University of Energy and Communications (Energo University) and the Dala Edge Creative Technology Park, with the opening ceremony attended by Michael Young, President and CEO of the New York Film Academy, and Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan. Gani Nygymetov, Rector of Energo University, spoke to The Times of Central Asia about the opportunities and prospects of NYFA Kazakhstan. TCA: How did the idea to establish the New York Film Academy Kazakhstan campus in Kazakhstan come about? GN: Energo University has been in existence for over 50 years and is one of the leading technical universities in Central Asia, specializing in engineering and energy. In February this year, we presented a new development strategy that includes a mission to remain a leader in energy education, while also expanding into telecommunications, IT, and techno-creative programmes. To achieve these goals, the 16-hectare Dala Edge Creative Technology Park was created near Almaty. Now, a branch of NYFA has opened there, its first campus in Asia. Previously, NYFA campuses were only located in Florence, New York, and Los Angeles. I am confident that the opening of the campus in Kazakhstan will give an additional impetus to the development of creative industries in the region and enable us to train specialists of international calibre. The Creative Technology Park will become a hub for professional training and innovative projects and will support the integration of students and professionals into the film, animation, and game design industries. TCA: Who teaches at NYFA Kazakhstan, exclusively American specialists, or are local experts also involved in the programme? What subjects are taught? GN: American specialists teach students in film directing, screenwriting, acting, 3D animation, visual effects, and game design. All programmes meet international standards, instruction is in English, and modern tools and methods used in the United States are employed. Inviting NYFA to Kazakhstan is part of a strategy to develop the country's academic potential. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education, led by Minister Sayasat Nurbek, is actively attracting leading international universities. Today, more than 40 renowned foreign universities have opened branches in Kazakhstan. This allows talented students to receive high-quality education at home and also attracts students from other countries in the region. Partnerships with international universities, including Anhalt University (Germany), which has also opened a branch at our university, and NYFA, help set high standards of education and expand opportunities for students. In the coming years, we plan to launch our own digital media faculty. [caption id="attachment_37086" align="aligncenter" width="353"] Gani Nygymetov, Rector of Energo University; image: Energo University[/caption] TCA: How many students are currently studying at NYFA Kazakhstan? Are there plans to expand the number of disciplines? GN: NYFA...

Higher Education

From Astana to the World: Kazakhstan Expands Academic Frontier

Kazakhstan is rapidly establishing itself as a regional center for higher education, attracting students from around the world. The number of branches of foreign universities operating in the country is steadily increasing, complemented by a growing domestic academic base, especially in fields such as artificial intelligence. Today, Kazakhstan is viewed as a viable regional alternative to Russia, which has long been considered a destination for affordable, high-quality education. Expanding Options for Students In June, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan unveiled a map of foreign university branches operating in the country. The government is positioning Kazakhstan as a leading academic hub in Central Asia by enhancing international cooperation and expanding opportunities for students. Partnerships have already been established with 39 foreign universities. Currently, 23 branches of institutions from the UK, Italy, China, Russia, the U.S., France, and South Korea operate in Kazakhstan. [caption id="attachment_36320" align="aligncenter" width="1201"] Map of foreign university partnerships; image: Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan.[/caption] Seven more branches are expected to open in the 2025-2026 academic year, namely Coventry University, the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) in Astana, Gazi University in Shymkent, Woosong University in Turkestan, Anhalt University in Almaty, Politecnico della Marche in Taldykorgan, and Dong Eui University in Kostanay. A standout example of this strategy arrived in early September: Notably, on September 3, Cardiff University opened its first campus outside the UK in Astana. It is also the first member of the prestigious Russell Group to begin operations in Kazakhstan. The Russell Group comprises 24 leading UK universities responsible for two-thirds of all research grants and contract funding in the UK, and 56% of doctoral degrees awarded. Cardiff University Kazakhstan is now accepting students for four-year bachelor’s programs in computer science, business management, civil engineering, and geology and mineral exploration. Kazakhstan has witnessed a surge in the establishment of foreign university branches since 2021. These include the Peking University of Languages and Culture at Astana International University, and the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Russia) at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Additional branches include the University of Lorraine (France) at the Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abai, and the University of Anhalt (Germany) at the Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications named after Gumarbek Daukeev. Other notable branches include the University of Hong Kong at Satpayev University in Almaty, Berlin Technical University in Aktau, De Montfort University (UK) in Almaty, and Queen’s University Belfast (Ireland) at Narxoz University, among others. These branches offer programs in mining, water resource management, and mineral exploration and extraction, along with biotechnology, electrical engineering, energy, mechatronics, logistics, chemical technology, robotics, and related disciplines. In 2023, Korkyt Ata University in Kyzylorda launched an Institute of Artificial Intelligence, in partnership with Seoul National University of Science and Technology. It currently offers programs in computer science, cybersecurity, software development, and information systems. An Ambitious Vision Observers note that Kazakhstan’s education drive is unfolding amid growing global competition for international students. Neighboring Uzbekistan...

Education

Cardiff University Opens Campus in Astana

On September 3, Cardiff University in Wales officially inaugurated Cardiff University Kazakhstan in Astana, its first overseas branch campus and the only campus of a Russell Group research university in Central Asia. The event marked a milestone in the growing educational partnership between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom. At the opening ceremony, Kazakh Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek emphasized the country’s ambitions: “Kazakhstan is developing as a regional academic hub. This year, more than 31,000 foreign students came to our country. At the initiative of the head of state, a large-scale strategy is being implemented in higher education and science. One of its areas is the opening of branches of leading foreign research universities in our country. Over the past three and a half years, about 40 foreign universities have come to Kazakhstan, five of them have decided to open their campuses.” Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner, described the launch as a pivotal step in the institution’s global ambitions: “I was delighted to officially open our branch campus in Astana our first international branch campus of Cardiff University. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of academically excellent students later this month. We are the UK’s first Russell Group university to open a campus in Kazakhstan, marking an important step in our future global ambition.” Beginning in late September, the campus will enroll students in four-year undergraduate programs in computer science, business management, civil engineering, and exploration geology. Courses will be taught in English by faculty from both Cardiff University and its Astana campus, with the branch operating under Cardiff’s direct academic governance to ensure international standards are upheld. The newly appointed British Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Sally Axworthy, also attended the ceremony and welcomed the development: “It is a great honour to be participating in the grand opening of Cardiff University here in Astana as one of my first engagements as British Ambassador to Kazakhstan. The opening marks a new chapter in UK-Kazakhstan educational collaboration, bringing more world-class British academic excellence to Kazakh students and further strengthening the ties between our countries.” The arrival of Cardiff University reflects a broader national initiative to attract world-class institutions. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, several other prominent universities are also expanding into Kazakhstan. Russia’s prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) is planning to open a branch in Astana in September 2025. South Korea’s Woosong University is preparing to launch its campus in the Turkestan region this year. Meanwhile, Germany’s Anhalt University of Applied Sciences has already opened a branch in Almaty, and Italy’s Marche Polytechnic University of Ancona has inaugurated its campus at Zhetysu University in Taldykorgan. Looking ahead, France’s Grenoble INP - Phelma, UGA, an elite engineering school, plans to open a branch in Almaty in 2026. In the same year, the United States' Colorado School of Mines is scheduled to launch its first international campus in Zhezkazgan, a key center for Kazakhstan’s geological industry.