Kazakhstan is a country with a deep historical past, established scientific traditions and significant potential for development. The country's scientific and technical base was formed thanks to a combination of the achievements of previous generations of researchers and the achievements of modern science during the period of independence. In this article, we will analyse how Kazakhstan is developing scientific cooperation with other countries around the world.
International cooperation of the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan
International cooperation is a key area of activity for the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
This interaction facilitates the exchange of knowledge, experience and scientific resources, opens up opportunities for joint research projects aimed at solving global problems, improves the quality of scientific developments, strengthens scientific potential and increases influence on the formation of scientific policy.
Within the framework of international partnerships, the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is actively expanding scientific ties, strengthening the country's international authority. An important aspect is cooperation with Kazakhstani researchers working abroad and their involvement in the development of the scientific sphere in Kazakhstan.
The National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the country demonstrates openness to cooperation with foreign academies of sciences, research institutes and international organisations in all areas of scientific progress.
Kazakhstan's cooperation with other countries in the field of science and education
Cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States
Kazakhstan continues to actively establish and develop partnerships with the United States of America. During one of the previous meetings with representatives of the US National Science Foundation (NSF), which is responsible for scientific and technological development, professional contacts were established and effective mechanisms for managing research and commercialising innovations were discussed.
The NSF is a leading independent agency of the US government that supports research initiatives in universities, the private sector, international scientific projects, and education. Such meetings contribute to strengthening scientific and technical partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States.
Double degree programme with the United States
Kazakhstan and the United States are working together to train qualified personnel. In 2022, a dual degree programme for Kazakhstani students was implemented for the first time. Its main idea is to provide parallel education at higher education institutions in both countries. The programme is funded by a grant that fully covers the costs of travel, accommodation, medical insurance in the United States and a scholarship.
Dual degree programme with the United States in Kazakhstan
| University in Kazakhstan | University in the USA | Уровень высшего образования | Level of higher education | Format & notes |
| Narxoz University | Illinois Institute of Technology | Bachelor's degree | Computer Engineering / Digital Technologies | 4+0 / 3+1 / 2+2 + OPT* |
| M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University | University of Arizona | Bachelor's degree | Biotech, Info Science | 1 semester in the USA |
| Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University | University of Minnesota Morris | Bachelor's degree | Computer Science | 4 years |
| Astana International University (AIU) | Webster University | Master's degree | MA in TESL / MBA | 2 years |
*students have the opportunity to remain in the United States for up to three years under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme to gain relevant work experience.
Students who successfully complete the programme receive two degrees – Kazakh and American – which significantly increases their competitiveness in the international labour market.
Cooperation agreement in the field of geology
In 2023, Kazakhstan and the United States signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of geology, as reported by the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development of Kazakhstan. The document was signed during the official visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Kazakhstan.
Yerlan Akbarov, Chairman of the Geology Committee of the Ministry of Industry, held talks with US Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum.
During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities for long-term partnership in the field of geological exploration, after which a corresponding memorandum was signed.
The parties agreed to exchange advanced knowledge and experience, improve the qualifications of specialists, and apply modern exploration methods such as mapping, modelling, and forecasting. There are also plans to hold joint scientific events, including seminars, round tables, and training sessions.
Cooperation between Kazakhstan and China
Kazakhstan and China have a long history of cooperation in science and education. Recent years have seen significant achievements in the development of partnerships in the fields of scientific research, higher education and vocational training. This cooperation includes the implementation of joint scientific projects, research and experiments, as well as academic mobility for students and teachers.
- North-West Polytechnic University. A branch of North-West Polytechnic University has begun operating in Kazakhstan, implementing educational programmes in conjunction with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Master's programmes cover the fields of information technology, materials science and telecommunications, and graduates will receive diplomas from both Kazakhstan and China. In addition, in July this year, a branch of Beijing Language and Culture University was opened in the country, where the first group of 100 students will begin their studies. This creates new prospects for the development of language training and intercultural communication.
- Jingshi Chinese Institute. In 2025, Utebayev University officially opened the Jingshi Chinese Institute (specialising in petroleum engineering technologies), which will focus on training highly qualified specialists in this field. Students will have the opportunity to improve their practical skills and raise their professional level using modern technological solutions. Exchange programmes in China are available for students with a high level of English proficiency. This project is part of the large-scale Belt and Road Initiative.
- Lu Ban Workshop. China and Kazakhstan are actively developing cooperation in the field of vocational education. The Lu Ban Workshop was opened at the D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University. The creation of this project was formalised by an agreement at the state level, as well as between the university and the Tianjin Vocational Institute. The workshop is equipped with modern Chinese technology, and the teaching process is provided by teachers from both countries.
- Confucius Institute. The Confucius Institute is an important platform for promoting the Chinese language and culture in Kazakhstan. Currently, there are five such institutes in the country, located in Astana, Almaty, Karaganda and Aktobe, where about twenty Chinese teachers work. Every year, various competitions, exams and cultural events are organised here, including the Chinese Language Bridge and International Chinese Language Day.
Kazakhstan-China Research and Education Centre
As part of an agreement between the Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Shenzhen University and the National Academy of Sciences under the President of Kazakhstan, a trilateral memorandum was signed on the establishment of a joint medical research laboratory. The opening of this laboratory will be an important step in the development of research projects and will promote the exchange of knowledge and technology.
The partners plan to cooperate in the areas of developing medicines based on natural ingredients, researching genome instability and oncogenesis, studying infectious immunity and inflammatory processes, and creating medical equipment. This unique centre will also facilitate academic exchange programmes, internships for researchers, academic mobility and interdisciplinary research.
Research on environmental and land resource issues
A memorandum of understanding was signed in Beijing between the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This agreement aims to develop cooperation in the fields of agriculture, medicine and space research.
The document provides for joint research in the fields of space, agrobiological resources, ecology and medicine, which will be an important step in strengthening scientific ties between the two countries. Thanks to the support of the leaders of the two countries, the partnership between Kazakhstan and China is expanding not only in the economic sphere, but also in science and higher education.
Particular attention is paid to the creation of the “Kazakhstan-China Scientific Centre” at the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, as well as a research centre that will focus on the implementation of innovative water-saving technologies to combat drought. The aim of these initiatives is to coordinate scientific and educational activities for the sustainable development of agriculture in countries located along the Great Silk Road.
Development of scientific and technical cooperation
On 22 May 2025, a meeting was held between the President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, A.K. Kurishbaev, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Kazakhstan, Han Chunlin.
One of the key issues discussed was the creation of the International Joint Laboratory for Spatio-Temporal Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development (IIL-SAI&SD). This project is being implemented on the basis of a memorandum signed between the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan and Zhejiang University of Technology, with the participation of leading Chinese high-tech companies.
The laboratory, which is planned to be invested with about 1 billion yuan (approximately 70 billion tenge), will be located at the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan. It will become an important platform for joint research in areas such as natural disaster forecasting, precision farming, intelligent agricultural technologies, energy, logistics, geological exploration and the efficient use of water resources.
In the long term, IIL-SAI&SD will promote the expansion of scientific cooperation between Kazakhstan, China and Central Asian countries within the Belt and Road Initiative, ensure the effective exchange of knowledge and technology, and improve the qualifications of specialists and young scientists.
The parties expressed their conviction that this project will be a significant step in strengthening international scientific partnership and will help to introduce innovative technologies in Kazakhstan, China and the Central Asian region.
Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany
The modern Kazakh-German partnership in the field of education and science dates back to the 1990s, when the Kazakh-German University, the first international higher education institution in the country, was founded in Kazakhstan.
German Engineering Institute in Aktau
The Kazakh-German University, in partnership with Yesenov University, is establishing a German Engineering Institute in the city of Aktau.
The main goal of this cooperation is to create a platform for joint educational initiatives, scientific research and innovation aimed at the sustainable economic and social development of the Mangistau region.
To achieve these goals, the Kazakh-German University is actively developing cooperation with leading German technical universities and colleges. The German Engineering Institute will introduce the global German model of applied engineering education and scientific research in Kazakhstan.
The institute's main focus is on developing innovative technologies for the future of Kazakhstan. Key areas include the production of green hydrogen in Mangistau and the development of logistics solutions for the central transport corridor connecting China and Europe via the Caspian Sea. In the field of green hydrogen, the institute will cooperate with the German-Swedish company SVEVIND, which plans to build one of the world's largest mega-parks for wind and solar energy in Mangistau in the near future.
The project is supported by the governments of Germany and Kazakhstan. The Kazakh-German University and the University of Essen work closely with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Academic Exchange Service.
Kazakhstan-German Centre for Research Cooperation
In 2024, the Kazakhstan-German Centre for Research Cooperation (KGRCC) was opened. Its creation was preceded by the signing of a memorandum between the Kazakhstan-German University (DKU) and the National Academy of Sciences. The centre provides students and young scientists with new opportunities to participate in scientific research and large-scale international projects.
The KGRCC will become a key platform for the implementation of innovative scientific projects that strengthen academic and research ties between Kazakhstan and Germany and promote the development of long-term international scientific partnerships.
Cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom
Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom are establishing cooperation in various fields, including education and scientific activities. Official relations between the countries were established in 1992 and have been steadily strengthening since then.
Branches of British universities in Kazakhstan
The Kazakhstan-British Technical University (KBTU), opened in 2001, became the first large-scale educational project between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom and one of the leading technical universities in the country. The university offers students the opportunity to obtain dual bachelor's degrees in partnership with the University of London, including degrees from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and KBTU.
Another important step in the development of educational cooperation was the opening in 2021 of De Montfort University Kazakhstan (DMUK) in Almaty, which implements British educational standards. This is the first British campus to operate in Kazakhstan.
In April 2024, during the official visit of British Foreign Secretary David Cameron to Astana, a number of memoranda were signed aimed at supporting the study of the Kazakh language and opening branches of British universities in Kazakhstan.
Among the agreements reached was a memorandum on the launch of a Kazakh language teaching programme at Oxford University as part of the “500 Scientists” research internship programme. This document was signed between the A. Baitursynov Institute of Linguistics, the Sh. Shayakhmetov National Scientific and Practical Centre “Til Kazina”, JSC “Centre for International Programmes” and Oxford University.
An agreement was also signed between Narhoz University and Queen's University Belfast on the opening of a branch of the latter in Kazakhstan.
In January 2024, both institutions formalised their partnership with a memorandum of understanding, enabling Narhoz students to obtain a bachelor's degree in business management, business economics and finance under 2+2 and 2+3 programmes.
In addition, a memorandum was signed between Coventry University and Astana University to open a branch that will gradually introduce a wide range of bachelor's and master's programmes.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Chief Executive of the QAA and the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan during a reception organised by British Expertise International on 20 May 2025 at the World Education Forum, the largest annual gathering of ministers of education and qualifications, held in London.
The document defines the main areas of cooperation, including joint efforts to develop partnerships between the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan, as well as the exchange of experience in the field of quality assurance in higher education and the relevant systems of these countries.
Kazakhstan, the largest economy in Central Asia and the ninth largest country in the world in terms of area, has a particularly high demand for higher education, as almost 40% of its population is under the age of 25.
Cooperation between the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan in the agricultural sector
The countries continue to develop a strategic partnership in the field of agriculture. In 2024, the volume of trade between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom in the agricultural sector amounted to 50 million US dollars. Kazakhstan intends to significantly increase this figure.
Kazakhstan's Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yermek Kenzhehanuli took part in the 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom. During the event, both sides confirmed their interest in expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector and signed a number of important agreements.
As part of the meeting, a Roadmap for Cooperation in the Agricultural Sector was signed, which provides for joint activities in the field of agricultural science, export and processing of products, as well as the introduction of modern agricultural technologies. In addition, memoranda were signed on water resource management and the localisation of biopreparation production, in particular with the participation of the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
These agreements are aimed at sustainable agricultural development and increasing the industry's ability to adapt to climate change.
Kazakhstan is actively developing international cooperation in the field of science and education, establishing strategic partnerships with leading countries around the world. The creation of joint universities, scientific centres, research laboratories and academic exchange programmes demonstrates the country's desire to integrate into the global scientific community. The focus on modernising education, introducing innovations and supporting young people confirms the government's consistent policy aimed at the sustainable development of the state and strengthening its potential.
