The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Coventry University (UK) and Coventry University Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan) was signed in London on February 25th 2026 witnessed by Yermek Kosherbayev, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and other dignitaries from Central Asia and representatives of the UK business community during the Business Breakfast organized by the Kazakh Embassy in London.
The Coventry University Kazakhstan Almaty campus is scheduled to launch in September 2026.
The campus will operate in accordance with the same academic standards and research approaches as Coventry University in the United Kingdom. The University is renowned for its strong engineering school, advanced research infrastructure, and developments in the field of artificial intelligence.
Coventry University Kazakhstan Almaty campus is set to become the leading British engineering university in Central Asia. Its academic courses will integrate global academic standards, artificial intelligence technologies, and engineering disciplines, with a faculty composed of specialists possessing significant industry experience.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses to be delivered include Architectural technology BSc., Construction Project Management BSc., Computer Systems Engineering BSc., Electrical Automotive Engineering MSc., and Control, Robotics, and Intelligent Automation MSc.
The expansion of Coventry University campuses in Astana and Almaty is being carried out as part of a partnership between the Coventry University Group and Primus Education, a company developing international education projects in Kazakhstan, including the branch of one of the UK’s leading independent schools – Ardingly College – in Astana.
«In light of the Head of State's agenda for the implementation of new technologies, Kazakhstan requires engineering specialists capable of working with modern technologies and driving innovation. A new level of training is needed – one focused on international experience and applied technology and know-how. Opening the Coventry University Kazakhstan campus in Almaty is a significant step in this direction, strengthening our human capital and contributing to the country's technological development», said Miras Daulenov, President of Coventry University Kazakhstan, during the signing ceremony.
Coventry University Kazakhstan in Almaty will be the second campus for the Coventry University Group in Kazakhstan. Earlier, in 2024, the first Coventry University campus in Kazakhstan was launched in Astana. Today, more than 400 students from various cities across Kazakhstan are enrolled there in courses such as Business, Computer Science, International Relations, Economics and Finance, as well as the MBA Global Business (Executive) postgraduate programme.
The Astana campus has already established a strong presence in the country’s educational and student life. The Enactus team won 3rd place at the Enactus Kazakhstan National Expo 2025, while campus life is enriched by 23 student clubs spanning arts, sports, and entrepreneurship.
Background: Coventry University was founded in 1843. Today, the University is highly recognised for the quality of its education both in the United Kingdom and internationally – across Europe and Asia. Its educational excellence has been confirmed by the UK Government’s prestigious Gold award under the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), granted to only around 40 out of 130 British universities. According to the THE World University Rankings, the university is among the top 100 universities worldwide for «International Outlook» and ranks third in the UK for its number of international students.
Times Higher Education has published its Central Eurasia University Rankings for the first time, assessing universities across the Turkic world. Nazarbayev University placed fourth among 122 institutions, sharing the position with Boğaziçi University. Higher placement in international rankings enhances global visibility and may expand academic and career opportunities for students and graduates.
The ranking is based on data from the World University Rankings 2026. Despite being founded in 2010, NU remains the highest-ranked university in Central Asia among participating Kazakh institutions. It trails only three Turkish universities: Koç University (founded in 1993), Middle East Technical University (founded in 1956) and Sabancı University (founded in 1994).
«This recognition confirms our standing as a leading university in Central Eurasia», said NU President Waqar Ahmad. «Our vision is to be world class in research, innovation and teaching, while supporting the development of Kazakhstan and the region. Our sharpened strategic focus, strengthened academic leadership and investment in research and innovation, will accelerate our progress towards achieving this vision. We expect the outcomes to be reflected in improved ranking position in the years to come».
While Turkish universities dominate the ranking numerically, NU distinguishes itself through strong international engagement, measured by the number of international students and faculty, as well as research output. This performance is supported by the expansion of its doctoral funding program: NU has doubled the number of PhD grants to 200, introduced additional funding across all disciplines, and extended the application deadline through March 2026.
NU continues to expand partnerships with Turkish universities, advance joint interdisciplinary research and support academic exchange programs. Digital technologies are a priority area. The Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) develops multilingual platforms, including MangiSoz 3 and TilSync, which support speech recognition, machine translation and simultaneous interpretation in Turkic languages.
The pilot ranking includes universities from five member states of the Organization of Turkic States: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Uzbekistan. The list of participating countries and institutions may expand in the future.
NU’s inclusion among the top universities of the Turkic world strengthens its position as one of the region’s key research centers and reflects growing competition among Central Eurasian universities on the global stage.
Toraighyrov University hosted a Winter School for young researchers and young lecturers. The aim of the Winter School was to establish a professional dialogue among young lecturers and researchers in higher education, to promote the effective use of modern scientific and academic trends in teaching practice, and to expand opportunities for the commercialization of research results.
Within the framework of the program, sessions for young lecturers were conducted under the track «The First Steps: teaching tools, experience, and resource readiness». These sessions covered digital pedagogy, assessment systems, modern teaching methodologies, and professional development issues.
The program also included modules focused on academic publications, grant funding, international programs, intellectual property, and the commercialization of scientific research.
During the session dedicated to the commercialization of research results, Aizhan Zheksembayeva, Director of the Department of Investments and New Projects at JSC «Science Fund», explained the requirements of grant programs for commercialization. Industry expert, PhD Aryn Orsariev shared practical case studies on technology commercialization in Kazakhstan, attracting investments, and developing business models.
In addition, sessions aimed at strengthening international scientific cooperation presented opportunities within the Horizon Europe, Erasmus, and other programs, highlighting Toraighyrov University’s efforts to integrate into the European research area.
As part of the Winter School, Aidyn Artykova, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Intellectual Property (Kazpatent), along with institute representatives Nazifa Baktybayeva and Sayat Shiderbekov, Inesh Kenzhina, official representative of Clarivate for the CIS countries, and Rabiga Khojamkul, Central Asia consultant for Informascope, shared up-to-date information in their respective fields.
As a result of the Winter School, participants gained practical skills in developing research projects, preparing grant applications, protecting intellectual property, and commercializing research outcomes. This initiative is aimed at supporting young researchers and enhancing the competitiveness of university science.
During an official working visit to China, Q University and Guangzhou City Polytechnic signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The agreement is aimed at developing a strategic partnership in education, research, and international academic mobility. The document formalizes the parties’ intention to establish sustainable academic collaboration with a focus on practical competencies and the digital transformation of education.
One of the priority areas of cooperation is Online News and Communication (Digital Journalism & Media). The partners agreed to jointly implement educational modules in online journalism, multimedia communication, and digital content creation. The partnership includes the development of joint courses in digital storytelling, data journalism, media management, and fact-checking, as well as the launch of student multimedia projects and faculty exchanges for lectures and practical sessions.
Another key focus of the Memorandum is Information Technology and Digital Solutions. The partnership encompasses the joint development of modular educational programs in web and mobile development, UX/UI design, digital learning platforms, and the application of artificial intelligence in media and business. Planned initiatives also include short-term certification programs aimed at practical skills and market demands.
Nazarbayev University stands as the leading institution in Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region in the internationally respected Leiden University Ranking 2025, which focuses exclusively on research excellence.
In the Open Edition of the Leiden Rankings, Biomedical and Health Sciences subject is ranked 39-44 range globally, alongside world elite institutions such as Cornell, King's College, University College London and University of California - Davis. This is based on the proportion of publications among the top 10% most cited worldwide (the scientific impact indicator).
NU’s strong performance spans all our disciplines. In the Traditional Edition, NU ranks 199 globally for Social Sciences and Humanities and 483 for Mathematics and Computer Science. Physical Sciences and Engineering also feature in the rankings.
The Leiden Ranking, developed by the University of Leiden, is known for its research data-driven methodology, providing an even playing field to young and old institutions. Unlike other university rankings, it focuses solely on research performance by evaluating universities on scientific impact, international collaboration, open-access publishing, and gender diversity in authorship, without relying on reputation surveys or teaching metrics.
In this year’s rankings, just over 1,500 institutions worldwide qualified for the Traditional Edition and 2,800 for the Open Edition, making NU’s success even more remarkable.
The NU President, Prof Waqar Ahmad noted:
«For a 15 year old university, we are delighted that all our subject areas are featured in these demanding rankings. This success is a testament to the university’s drive to be a hub for world-class research and innovation, at the service of Kazakhstan and the region. Our research performance is improving on every indicator».
Professor Ahmad also noted that, in support of this research drive, the University has announced 200 fully funded doctoral scholarships.
In October 2025, NU rose 100 places in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (now 401-500) and has three subjects included in the Shanghai Rankings. In all three of these influential rankings, NU stands as the leading university in Central Asia and the Caucasus region.
On December 11, 2025, Almaty Management University (AlmaU) officially opened the AlmaU AI Lab Center for Artificial Intelligence at the School of Digital Technologies and Economics. The new platform is designed to connect education, science, industry, and entrepreneurship.
The university aims not merely to introduce technologies, but to shape a new approach in which artificial intelligence serves society, the economy, and the development of cities. At AlmaU, this evolves into the concept of «Tolyq AI», derived from the philosophy of Abai’s «Tolyq Adam» – an artificial intelligence model developed under the guidance of ethics, humanity, and social purpose.
«Artificial intelligence is a powerful engine, but not a compass. The direction is still set by humans. We are not afraid that artificial intelligence will replace people. We are afraid of people who work like robots. AlmaU trains creators, not executors», noted AlmaU’s founder and president Assylbek Kozhakhmetov in his opening remarks.
The first task of the new Center is to update education and strengthen the university’s research capacity. AI platforms Oqulabs and Delicatest, developed by Professors Timur Bakibayev and Kuan ysh Abeshev, have already been integrated into AlmaU’s academic programs. These platforms automate the assessment of complex assignments, analyze student behavior to detect dishonesty, and provide objective performance analytics.
The research foundation of the Center has been formed within targeted and grant-funded projects, including programs on technological diversification and digital transformation of the agricultural sector. Through these projects, AlmaU Labs has been equipped with two mini-supercomputers provided by ASUS and ZERDE Business Solutions.
The second key objective is collaboration with the public sector and addressing the needs of the real economy. The first pilot project is being implemented with JSC «Kostanay Minerals». The team developed an AI model for predicting ore moisture levels, which has shown significant economic impact during testing and demonstrated strong potential for production process optimization. AlmaU Labs is also ready to develop solutions for transport, environmental protection, urban safety, and resource management.
«This center has tremendous potential for developing practical solutions for Almaty. Next year, together with AlmaU, we plan to create several successful products to improve the urban environment, with a focus on fostering AI-driven startups», stated Olzhas Zhanabek, Head of the Digitalization Department of the city of Almaty.
The third area of focus is entrepreneurship development. Students from across Kazakhstan will be able to create their own AI products, participate in startup competitions, take part in acceleration programs, access partner data and funding, and implement their solutions in companies and public institutions.
As part of the opening ceremony, AlmaU signed memorandums of cooperation with Almaty HUB, the Almaty City Akimat, Teachers Lab, and Tech People Community. The event also featured a panel discussion on the future of artificial intelligence in education, «AI in Education». Participants discussed the role of ethical AI applications, the digitalization of educational processes, the training of specialists, and the importance of international standards in shaping the future of the education system.
The opening of the AlmaU AI Lab represents a significant step toward advancing the educational, research, public-sector, and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kazakhstan. This initiative accelerates the country’s digital transformation and contributes to the creation of a new educational landscape aligned with international standards.
Kazakhstani researchers have developed and launched the country’s first integrated «green hydrogen» production station, built entirely on domestic patents and engineering solutions. The pilot full-cycle facility operates solely on energy generated from solar panels and wind turbines, and its core components rely on innovative catalysts and system-design principles created by the Laboratory of Renewable Energy at National Laboratory Astana (Nazarbayev University).
The project was implemented in collaboration with Zhejiang H2-Bank Technology Co., Ltd. (China), which helped design and assemble a commercial-scale system using one of the patented electrode materials – an advanced iridium-oxide-based anode catalyst. The membrane with this coating ensures efficient splitting of water molecules in the electrolyzer and increases the system's performance.
The platform demonstrates the complete cycle of green hydrogen production: solar and wind energy are converted into electricity, which then powers an electrolyzer that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored as an energy carrier and can be used in fuel cells, vehicles, standalone generators, and other industrial applications, including fertilizer production, metal smelting, or the oil-and-gas sector. For now, it is planned to be used in laboratories: the system fills a 6-cubic-meter tank in three hours.
«This is a major step toward the practical deployment of green hydrogen pathways in Kazakhstan. What began as powders of photocatalysts and laboratory prototypes has evolved into a functioning, industry-scale system operating in real outdoor conditions», – said NU Professor Nurxat Nuraje.
In the early stages of work, the team focused on identifying catalysts capable of efficiently using sunlight to produce hydrogen – a crucial element for future advancements in practical hydrogen-energy systems. In the final phase of the program, researchers managed to make a strategic transition from laboratory experiments to creating functional prototypes for real industry.
«Collaboration with an industrial partner allowed us to ensure system scalability and compliance with international hydrogen production and safety standards», – Dr. Yerbolat Magazov, a leader of the hydrogen production team, added. «For the university and the national research community, this marks an important milestone – one of the first green hydrogen production systems of this scale in Kazakhstan, demonstrating the potential of locally-developed clean-energy innovations».
In 2024, the Government of Kazakhstan approved the Hydrogen Energy Development Concept through 2030, identifying hydrogen as a central component of the country’s low-carbon transition. The research, conducted by Nazarbayev University, was funded under the Targeted Program of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2020-2025), a national initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of green technologies. As part of the program, scientists collaborate with universities and companies in Kazakhstan and abroad: Atyrau University, Karaganda Buketov University, KMG Engineering, Tokai University (Japan), Wichita State University, and the University of Massachusetts- Amherst (USA).
«The Targeted Program helped us bridge the gap between research and real-world deployment, showing how national R&D initiatives can deliver both academic and practical benefits», – Professor Nuraje said.
Beyond technological achievements, the team has published more than 40 research papers in high-impact journals and obtained seven Kazakhstani patents related to hydrogen-energy innovations. The project has trained a new generation of researchers and created a network of experts, working across the green-hydrogen value chain.
Researchers plan to continue advancing photoactive materials and catalyst science, optimizing system architecture. According to the team, the current integrated system represents only a small model of what could eventually be deployed in cities, rural communities, and industrial parks across Kazakhstan. Each potential deployment, they note, could contribute to cleaner air, a healthier environment, and the creation of new high-tech industries and jobs in the country.
A delegation of the National Center for Higher Education Development of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan took part in a series of UNESCO international events, including the 19th session of the Bangkok Convention Committee, the 6th session of the Tokyo Convention Committee, and the 5th Plenary Meeting of APNNIC.
Kazakhstan’s participation in regional mechanisms for the recognition of qualifications has strengthened its position as an active and reliable partner in international educational integration.
Kazakhstan’s participation in the 19th session of the Bangkok Convention Committee
The Committee reviewed progress on previous decisions, reports of the UNESCO Bangkok Secretariat, and the plans of member states regarding the ratification and implementation of the Tokyo Convention.
In her speech, A.M.Kulumzhanova, Head of the Office for Higher Education Internationalization, emphasized:
✔ the strategic importance of Kazakhstan’s participation in global and regional mechanisms for qualification recognition;
✔ the advancement of digitalization of recognition procedures and the strengthening of the national information center;
✔ the relevance of adopting UNESCO’s updated international guidelines, including documents related to the Global Convention;
✔ the need to build trust among countries in the region through enhanced information exchange, unified standards, and increased transparency of qualifications.
Special attention was paid to the implementation of Kazakhstan’s national action plan within the KFIT III project (2025–2028), aimed at fostering mobility, improving recognition procedures, and introducing innovative digital solutions.
Following the session, A.M.Kulumzhanova was elected Rapporteur of the Bureau of the Bangkok Convention. This significantly strengthened Kazakhstan’s role in the organizational and expert work of regional qualification recognition mechanisms and reflected the high level of trust from the member states.
Kazakhstan at the 5th APNNIC Plenary Session
Y.T.Irgebayev’s presentation at the panel «Plans to ratify the Tokyo Convention»
Deputy Director of the National Center Y.T.Irgebayev presented Kazakhstan’s position at the panel dedicated to the ratification of the Tokyo Convention. In his remarks, he highlighted:
✔ Kazakhstan’s consistent steps toward implementing international mechanisms for qualification recognition;
✔ improvements to the regulatory framework and the strengthened role of the National Information Center;
✔ measures to digitalize recognition processes and combat educational fraud;
✔ Kazakhstan’s contribution to regional cooperation in the Asia–Pacific region.
His presentation was highly appreciated by participants and confirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to deepen cooperation within APNNIC.
A.M.Kulumzhanova’s presentation at the Country Spotlight session
During the Country Spotlight session, A.M.Kulumzhanova delivered a presentation titled «Recognition of qualifications in higher education: A key factor in the development of international educational cooperation».
She outlined:
✔ the historical stages of developing the qualification recognition system in Kazakhstan;
✔ the evolution of the legal framework regulating the recognition of foreign diplomas and qualifications;
✔ the modern recognition model, including digitalization, automation of document verification procedures, and the integration of international standards;
✔ the role of qualification recognition as a key instrument for developing international educational cooperation and enhancing academic mobility.
Her presentation generated strong interest among participating countries and laid the groundwork for expanding partnerships in digitalization and harmonization of recognition processes.
Key outcomes of Kazakhstan’s participation
As a result of the events, Kazakhstan:
✔ obtained the mandate of Rapporteur of the Bureau of the Bangkok Convention;
✔ demonstrated consistent progress in digitalizing recognition procedures and combating educational fraud;
✔ presented national achievements within APNNIC and the Tokyo Convention;
✔ strengthened bilateral and multilateral ties with Central, East, and Southeast Asian countries;
✔ reaffirmed its commitment to implementing international instruments for qualification recognition.
Today in Aktobe, Federico Pugliese, General Director of Plenitude Kazakhstan, delivered a guest lecture at the Heriot-Watt University Aktobe Campus of K.Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University. The lecture, titled «Plenitude Kazakhstan’s Experience in Renewable Energy Development», provided students of the Electrical Power Engineering program with a detailed overview of the full operational cycle and technical processes of a wind power plant.
The Badamsha-1 and Badamsha-2 wind power plants, located in the Kargaly and Khromtau districts of Aktobe region, have become one of the main sources of electricity in the region. With a total capacity of 96 megawatts, these facilities are among the first privately financed wind farms in Kazakhstan. Equipped with modern General Electric turbines, the stations produce hundreds of millions of kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy each year. Plenitude Kazakhstan, the company implementing these successful projects, has also in operation the 50 MW Shaulder Solar Power Plant in Turkestan region, and has recently inaugurated together with KazMunayGas the 50 MW Solar Power Plant, as the first phase of the Hybrid Power Plant Project in Zhanaozen, Mangystau region.
Students asked questions about the engineering aspects of wind and solar power generation, the company’s approach to local workforce training, and career opportunities in the green economy.
The speaker emphasized the importance of «Electrical and Electronic Engineering» programs offered at the Heriot-Watt University Campus in Kazakhstan, noting that studying in English allows future engineers to become competitive at the international level.
Plenitude Kazakhstan is a subsidiary of Eni, focused on renewable energy and decarbonization. The company launched the first privately financed wind power plants in Kazakhstan and is currently implementing solar and wind projects with a total capacity exceeding 200 MW.
A Q-Group delegation visited Arizona State University (ASU) for a series of strategic meetings and events, culminating in the announcement of the launch of the «University of Innovation and Technology powered by ASU».
The new university will serve as a platform for the implementation of advanced educational technologies, the expansion of academic mobility, and the development of joint research and entrepreneurial initiatives.
During the visit, the Q-Group delegation held discussions with key ASU divisions. At EdPlus, the parties explored cutting-edge solutions in digital learning and new models of online education. At Global Launch, attention was given to academic adaptation, international student support, and expanded opportunities for global integration. The meeting with the School of Engineering focused on sharing experience in engineering education, including interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approaches.
The launch of «University of Innovation and Technology powered by ASU» marks a new stage in the development of Kazakhstan’s educational ecosystem, providing Q-Group students, faculty, and partners with access to world-class standards and innovations.