Science Without Borders: Our Students Travel to Arizona

Kozybayev University Has Been Preparing for This for Over Three Years! Today marks an important milestone for the entire higher education system of the country: Kozybayev University sees off its “first wave” of 29 double-degree students to study at the main campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, USA.

By the directive of the Head of State, the strategic partnership with a leading American university—the University of Arizona—was launched first in the country in Petropavlovsk. At that time, applicants from various regions of Kazakhstan believed in the project. Today, more than 1,200 students are enrolled in double-degree programs in biotechnology, information systems, and inclusive education, not only from Kazakhstan but also from the USA and Russia. Kazakh students study on scholarships, which cover tuition and living expenses for a semester in the USA, as well as visa, insurance, and travel (airfare) costs.

This collaboration opens up great opportunities for talented youth. Science without borders, internationally recognized diplomas, and access to global research—this is the new future of higher education in Kazakhstan!

On the day of departure, students were accompanied by their closest family members. A branded university bus will take the students to Astana. In a friendly atmosphere with university leadership, staff, and faculty, the fourth-year students shared their emotions and plans. They admitted that the trip is very exciting and places a significant responsibility on them toward their country and alma mater. A program curator will accompany the students for a month to help them adapt to the international environment and settle in at the new campus.

“This year, we set a record enrollment for the double-degree programs with Arizona—152 students. This is an enormous window of opportunities! Kazakhstan hosts 35 branches of leading global universities. Today, all graduates of Kazakh schools have an excellent chance to receive a quality education without leaving the country, including at universities ranked among the world’s top. In April this year, a large delegation led by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, visited the main campus of the University of Arizona to discuss arrangements for our students in Tucson and their academic process. Many of the students are likely already planning where they will work. In this regard, the university will continue working throughout the academic year to assist them in employment with leading companies in Kazakhstan,” said Chairman of the Board–Rector Erbol Issakaev.

Next year, the students will return home with two diplomas, significantly expanding their career opportunities. The Kozybayev University–University of Arizona collaboration project has received full support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and local executive authorities. A modern academic and laboratory building, two new dormitories, and continuously improving material and technical infrastructure, along with expanded scientific collaborations, have been established.

All of this makes Kozybayev University not just a university, but a true academic hub for the northern region. Students from 16 countries are already studying here, and this international reach expands every year. Petropavlovsk is becoming a magnet for youth—a center of growing opportunities and prospects!