Academic Dialogue Between Kazakhstan and Ghent University Reaches a New Level

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vassilenko held a meeting with the Rector of Ghent University (UGhent), Petra De Sutter. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for expanding cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and academic mobility.

Ambassador noted that Kazakhstan is consistently developing an open and internationally integrated educational ecosystem, positioning itself as a regional academic hub in Central Asia. Around 40 branches of foreign universities currently operate in the country, including dual-degree programs. More than 35,000 international students are studying at Kazakhstani universities, and this number is planned to increase to 150,000 by 2029.

Particular attention was paid to the large-scale political and institutional reforms underway in Kazakhstan. A comprehensive constitutional reform is currently being implemented, aimed at strengthening the rule of law, modernizing the public administration system, and expanding citizens’ participation in socio-political life. The final decision on the draft updated Constitution will be adopted through a nationwide referendum scheduled for 15 March 2026.

The Kazakh diplomat emphasized that the development of science, technology, and human capital is viewed by Kazakhstan as a key element of sustainable development and international cooperation, creating additional opportunities for engagement with leading European universities.

A practical foundation for cooperation between Kazakhstan and UGhent has already been established. M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University collaborates with UGhent’s Faculty of Bioscience Engineering in research and specialist training. Six Kazakhstani researchers have completed research internships at Ghent University, while two PhD specialists continue their academic and teaching activities at L.Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Ghent University also actively cooperates with Nazarbayev University, Suleyman Demirel University, and the Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Both sides expressed mutual interest in expanding cooperation beyond academic exchanges toward joint research projects, co-supervision of PhD programs, and the implementation of innovative initiatives in biotechnology, agricultural sciences, artificial intelligence, and digitalization.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to intensify joint efforts to develop academic mobility, launch new educational programs, and expand research collaboration. They also discussed Ghent University’s participation in academic events within the framework of upcoming bilateral visits and initiatives.

Uversity of Ghent is established in 1817 and one of Belgium’s leading research universities, with strong positions in the humanities, engineering, natural, and applied sciences, as well as an extensive network of international partnerships. The university is oriented toward practice-based research and actively participates in global scientific and educational projects.

The university has more than 41,000 students and 9,000 staff members. All bachelor’s programs are taught in Dutch, while a number of master’s programs are also offered in English. In November 2025, a UGhent delegation visited Kazakhstan, holding meetings with universities in Almaty and Astana and conducting negotiations with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan. The visit provided additional momentum to the development of bilateral academic dialogue. The delegation included researchers specializing in green energy, precision agriculture, agroeconomics, food technologies, plant breeding, artificial intelligence, economics, and social sciences.