According to Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, based on data announced in the corridors of the Mazhilis on April 27, approximately 22 billion tenge was attracted through foreign students in the 2025–2026 academic year. Currently, about 30,000 foreign citizens are studying in the country.
According to the minister, the branches of international higher education institutions that have come to Kazakhstan are primarily aimed at attracting foreign applicants. This, in turn, strengthens education exports and provides an opportunity to bring additional income to the country.
For example, the cost of studying at the branch of Cardiff University is approximately $13,500. This is about 50% cheaper compared to the main campus. Such a difference is turning Kazakhstan into an accessible educational environment for foreign youth.
Admission requirements are determined independently by each educational institution, but grants are only awarded to Kazakhstani applicants. Foreign students primarily study on a paid basis.
According to the ministry, active work is being carried out at the international level to expand the foreign audience. Kazakhstan has participated in educational exhibitions in China and Azerbaijan, and is currently continuing promotional efforts in Indonesia. In the coming period, work will also be intensified in the direction of Mongolia and Vietnam.
Additionally, due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, interest in transferring to or newly enrolling in Kazakhstan from other countries is growing. This factor is also expected to increase the flow of foreign students.
Overall, branches of international universities are becoming not only a tool for improving the quality of education but also an economically beneficial project.
