Kazakhstan witnesses all-time high in international student enrollment
Kazakhstan is experiencing a significant surge in the number of international students, with over 3,000 Russian nationals currently enrolled in its institutions. This trend is driven by a combination of strategic initiatives, foreign university partnerships, and demographic advantages.
One of the key factors behind Kazakhstan's rise as a regional academic hub is its demographic position. With over a billion people under 25 in Central Asia and Eurasia, there is a strong demand for accessible higher education. Kazakhstan aims to capitalize on this demand, positioning itself as a regional academic centre of excellence.
Another significant factor is the cost-effectiveness of education in Kazakhstan. Compared to Western countries, Kazakhstan offers more affordable education, making it an attractive destination for students, particularly from China where annual costs abroad can be much higher.
The quality and recognition of Kazakh universities also play a crucial role. Institutions like the Kazakhstan National University rank competitively in global university rankings, even surpassing some Chinese institutions, thereby improving their international appeal.
Stable political relations, proximity via Belt and Road Initiative-friendly states, and direct flights, along with welcoming policies, make Kazakhstan an attractive destination for Chinese and other students. Medical programs are particularly popular among Indian students, who constitute the largest group of international students in Kazakhstan.
To attract more international students, Kazakhstan is implementing several strategies. The government is opening 7 new international university branches between 2025-2026, including branches of UK, German, South Korean, Turkish, Italian, and Russian universities in cities like Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent. This creates diverse learning opportunities for students.
There is also a state-led campaign focused on internationalizing education, actively promoting Kazakhstan as a study destination and supporting student startups, especially in AI innovation and research. Partnerships with Western universities include launching joint research centers on critical minerals and technology innovation, enhancing academic quality and global relevance.
Support for student innovation from early learning phases through incubation and acceleration signals an ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurship and advanced skills. Kazakhstan hosts branches of 23 leading universities from countries including the UK, Germany, South Korea, Italy, Turkey, Russia, China, France, and the United States.
These partnerships allow students to access international curricula and degrees while studying in Kazakhstan, enhancing the country’s global academic stature and providing international exposure without the full cost of studying overseas. The government's strategy for transnationalizing education in Kazakhstan includes offering incentives to attract foreign universities, with academic partners entitled to all tax preferences.
The government's efforts are bearing fruit. Last year, Kazakhstan recorded an all-time high of 31,500 international students. For the first time, students from Asia, particularly India and China, have outnumbered those from CIS countries. The government aims to increase the number of international students to 100,000 by 2028 and 150,000 by 2029, reflecting these combined efforts.
Nurbek, the Minister of Science and Higher Education, described the joint project between the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) and Nazarbayev University as the "gem of the gems." Russia's withdrawal from the Bologna process two years ago and Ukraine's decline as a center of academic attraction in the region have also contributed to Kazakhstan's rise.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan's rise as a hub for international students is a testament to its strategic initiatives, cost-effective quality education, and active government support for education internationalization and innovation. The country's ambitious plans to attract more international students reflect its commitment to becoming a leading academic destination in the region.
Education-and-self-development opportunities in Kazakhstan are aggressively expanding, with the government’s plan to increase the number of international students to 150,000 by 2029, reflecting a strong commitment to becoming a leading academic destination. This strategy encompasses a state-led campaign focused on internationalizing education, attractive tax incentives for foreign universities, and the establishment of several international university branches, offering diverse learning opportunities and international exposure within Kazakhstan.
