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The Center for International Programs hosted an official meeting with a Ghent University delegation led by Rector Prof. Petra De Sutter and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Erik De Maeyer.
The event was attended by Serik Kalkamanov, Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Adil Kusmanov, Chairman of the Board of JSC “Center for International Programs”; Abay Rakhmet, Deputy Chairman of the Board; Assel Sadyk, Head of the International Cooperation Department; as well as leading scholars and administrative representatives of Ghent University. The delegation included experts in artificial intelligence, bioengineering, engineering sciences, statistics, geoinformation technologies, and international studies.
During the meeting, Serik Kalkamanov outlined the key priorities of Kazakhstan’s international policy in higher education, highlighting the importance of expanding academic mobility, establishing overseas campuses, and advancing joint research initiatives.
Adil Kusmanov introduced participants to the center's key programs, including the “Bolashak” International Scholarship and the “Scientific Internships” program. He also noted that Ghent University is one of the main Belgian partner universities of the Center and is included in the recommended institutions list for both programs.
Representatives of Ghent University outlined the institution’s research areas, academic infrastructure, and opportunities for transdisciplinary projects, including Sustainable AI, big data analytics, bioengineering, materials science, and smart mobility solutions. Prof. Michael Ruzhansky (School of Sciences, Department of Mathematics) shared his experience working with Bolashak scholarship holders and highlighted the strong potential for further scientific collaboration.
The parties also discussed the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in 2023 and valid until 2027. Under this agreement, Ghent University provides a 50% tuition fee discount for Master’s and PhD programs when a cohort of at least five students is admitted up to two years for Master’s programs and up to four years for doctoral studies.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides confirmed their commitment to further developing academic and research exchanges, launching joint projects, and expanding the participation of Kazakhstani students and researchers in Ghent University programs.
It should be noted that the delegation had previously met with the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, where they discussed prospects for expanding research cooperation, developing academic mobility, and implementing joint educational programs.
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