Kazakhstan aims to triple the number of international students

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that Kazakhstan plans to attract up to 100,000 international students by 2029, tripling the current figure. The statement was made during the International Forum of Strategic Partners “Kazakhstan – Territory of Academic Knowledge”.
According to Tokayev, over 31,000 foreign students are currently studying at Kazakhstani universities — the highest number in the nation’s history. To achieve the new target, the government will simplify visa procedures and create comfortable conditions for international students.
A new employment program will also be launched, allowing top graduates to remain and work in Kazakhstan after completing their studies.
Tokayev emphasized that the opening of foreign university branches aligns with Kazakhstan’s goal to strengthen engineering and IT education. He noted the success of three Lu Ban workshops, Chinese-backed institutes for applied engineering, and highlighted cooperation with Russia’s National Research Nuclear University MEPhI to train specialists in nuclear energy.
The president also pointed to a successful example of international academic collaboration — a joint project between Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona, which developed innovative technology to convert sulfur into advanced polymers.

“This project will boost the development of Kazakhstan’s chemical industry and help solve several environmental issues,” Tokayev said.

He underlined the importance of linking education and science directly to the real economy, stressing that Kazakhstan’s universities should serve as drivers of technological and industrial growth.