Prestigious UK University Expands Access for Student Enrollment
Cardiff University Establishes Kazakhstan Branch in Astana
A significant event marked the opening of the Cardiff University Kazakhstan Branch in Astana, the country's capital, attended by key figures including the Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, Sayasat NURBEK, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kazakhstan, Kate LITCH, and Dr. Paula SANDERSON, Chief Operating Officer of Cardiff University, among others.
Speaking at the event, the Minister highlighted Kazakhstan's ongoing initiative to welcome leading foreign universities to set up branches, in line with the Head of State's instructions. This strategic move has already made headway through partnerships with prestigious institutions like Cardiff University, a member of the Russell Group and consistently ranked among the world's top universities.
Dating back to August 2024, the collaboration between Kazakhstan's Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Public Fund "Qualified Education Center," and Cardiff University found its beginning with a delegation visit to Wales. This historical event paved the way for a tripartite memorandum that paved the path for the establishment of the new branch. Subsequent visits in November 2024 and February 2025 further solidified agreements and finalized academic programs.
Slated to open in September of this year, the educational campus will cater to over 2,000 students and be managed directly by the parent institution. Conceived as a center for academic excellence, scientific research, and international projects, the branch is poised to attract esteemed professors from Cardiff University, as well as talented students from Kazakhstan and abroad.
The branch will launch with a Foundation program focusing on STEM fields and business, with bachelor's programs in computer science, business management, civil engineering, geology, and mineral exploration set to begin from 2026. Applicants for the Foundation program must meet specific admission requirements, including an Academic IELTS score of no less than 5.5, a high school GPA of no less than 4.0, and a UNT score of 50 points or higher for those hoping to secure a state grant. All teaching will be conducted in English, with UK-based academic staff in place.
In addition, students will enjoy academic mobility and comfortable accommodation in dormitories provided by the campus. Concerns about governance and due diligence surrounding the branch's partner organization, the Qualified Centre for Education – Public Foundation, have been raised but remain unaddressed as the university has chosen not to release their due diligence report.
The Cardiff University Kazakhstan Branch signifies Kazakhstan's larger effort to internationalize its higher education system and attract international students and faculty to the region. It's expected to play a vital role in addressing the growing demand for higher education amid a demographic surge in the country.
The Cardiff University Kazakhstan Branch, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, aims to provide online education opportunities for students interested in STEM education and self-development. With the branch set to open in September, it will offer a Foundation program focusing on STEM fields and business, preparing students for bachelor's programs in computer science, business management, civil engineering, geology, and mineral exploration from 2026. The university has also emphasized the importance of learning English, as all teaching will be conducted in English, with UK-based academic staff in place.
