LANGUAGE PROGRAMS, UNIVERSITY BRANCH OPENINGS: WHAT AGREEMENTS WERE REACHED DURING THE UK FOREIGN SECRETARY'S VISIT

During the official visit of UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron to Astana, several memorandums were signed aimed at promoting the Kazakh language and establishing branches of British universities in Kazakhstan.

Among the key agreements is a memorandum to launch a Kazakh language program at Oxford University as part of the «500 visiting scholars» scientific internships program. This agreement was signed between the A.Baitursynov Institute of Linguistics, the National Scientific-Practical Center «Til Qazyna» named after Sh. Shayahemtov, the Center for International Programs JSC, and Oxford University. The program includes collaboration with various colleges and departments through the Oxford Birsöz Initiative CIC.

Additionally, an agreement was reached between Narxoz University and Queen’s University Belfast to open a branch. In January 2024, both parties officially formalized the partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding that provides for dual degree programs at Queen’s Business School. Narxoz students can earn bachelor's degrees in business management, business economics, and finance through 2+2 and 2+3 schemes.

Furthermore, a memorandum was signed between Coventry University and the University of Astana, outlining the establishment of the «Coventry University Kazakhstan» branch. This branch plans to gradually introduce a wide range of undergraduate and master's programs.

Earlier this year, Kazakhstan's Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, conducted negotiations in the UK regarding the implementation of these memorandums and presented the first edition of the Oxford Qazaq Dictionary, developed on the instruction of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.