Ermek Kosherbayev Meets with Students and Scholars at Kozybayev University

Kozybayev University welcomed Ermek Kosherbayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He toured the university’s infrastructure, reviewed scientific developments, and met with students enrolled in double-degree programs jointly offered with the University of Arizona. Together with Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, he also visited the new, modern dormitory with a capacity of 1,200 students, one of the largest in the country. The guests were briefed on the ongoing transformation of the only regional university into a research-focused institution.

A key element of this transformation is the strategic partnership with the University of Arizona, which Kozybayev University became the first in the country to implement following the directive of the Head of State. Currently, the partnership operates through five double-degree and eleven joint programs, with over 1,200 students from Kazakhstan, the USA, and Russia enrolled. Later this year, the “first wave” of students will travel to Tucson for a semester at the University of Arizona’s main campus. The students shared their experiences with the guests, noting that collaboration with American partners opens up significant opportunities. Graduates earn two diplomas, enhancing their career prospects and providing experience in international teams. Deputy Prime Minister Kosherbayev also met with Kozybayev University researchers, who presented their scientific projects. This year, the university’s research revenue has grown to 1.3 billion tenge.

With strong support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the university is currently implementing several major research projects in sulfur polymerization and processing, genomics of Kazakh flora and fauna, water resources and agronomy, and knowledge and technology transfer. Speaking via video link with international students studying at Kozybayev University, as well as students currently completing research internships at KAUST in Saudi Arabia, Ermek Kosherbayev wished them success in their studies and encouraged them to contribute to Kazakhstan’s development upon returning home with new knowledge.