Kazakhstan targets 150,000 international students by 2029

Kazakhstan is ramping up efforts to become a regional education hub, announcing plans to attract 150,000 international students by 2029 as part of a broader strategy to meet rising demand for higher education across Central Asia and Eurasia.

Kazakhstan targets 150,000 international students by 2029

With more than one billion people under the age of 25 in the wider region, the government sees strong long-term demand for university education. Currently, most international students in Kazakhstan come from India, mainly enrolled in medical programmes, followed by students from China, Russia, Pakistan, Turkey, Germany and the United States.

To support its expansion goals, Kazakhstan is partnering with Western universities, opening foreign branch campuses and establishing joint research centres, particularly in fields linked to critical minerals. At the same time, the government is investing in artificial intelligence and deep-tech education, backing student-led startups through funding programmes that span early learning, incubation and acceleration.

Officials say the combination of international partnerships, research investment and entrepreneurship support is intended to strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a key destination for global students in the coming decade.

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