Astana, Kazakhstan – October 30–31, 2025. Kazakhstan’s higher education landscape is transforming at remarkable speed. As the country embraces global standards, innovative partnerships, and cutting-edge learning technologies, it is positioning itself as an emerging regional hub for international education.

The shift is clear: from sending students abroad to bringing world-class universities to Kazakhstan — the nation is redefining what access to quality education means in the 21st century. Transnational education (TNE) is at the heart of this transformation, blending international expertise with local ambition to create opportunities that prepare young people for a rapidly changing world.

At the forefront of this movement is Coventry University Kazakhstan (CUK) — the first British university in the capital — which recently welcomed Professor Paul Noon OBE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Innovation) and CEO of CU Services Ltd, for a series of high-level engagements dedicated to advancing international collaboration, educational innovation, and strategic partnerships.

Over two days, Professor Noon met with policymakers, industry leaders, and fellow educators, contributing to strategic roundtables and representing Coventry University at the 2nd International Forum of Strategic Partners: Kazakhstan – A Territory of Academic Knowledge, held at the Independence Palace in Astana.

During his visit, Professor Noon emphasised Kazakhstan’s growing importance on the global higher education map.

“Coventry University operates in multiple countries. And I think Kazakhstan is one of the most dynamic places to be opening campuses, to be working with government and to be recruiting students,” said Professor Paul Noon OBE. “This is one of the most exciting markets we know around the world.”

On October 30, Professor Noon joined the Roundtable under the Council for Strategic Partners on “Kazakhstan as a Regional Hub: Transnational Education Quality and Accreditation”, hosted by Coventry University Kazakhstan. The event brought together all strategic partners of the ministry, including government officials, accreditation bodies, and leaders of international branch campuses to discuss quality assurance and innovative pathways for sustainable TNE growth. The British Council and the British Embassy in Kazakhstan provided valuable support to the initiative, reinforcing their commitment to advancing mutual cooperation in higher education.

As noted during the discussions, the days when talented students had to go abroad are almost over. Transnational education enables Kazakhstan’s brightest minds to access British-quality degrees without leaving home, helping to retain national talent and align education with the country’s economic and industrial priorities.

Drawing on Coventry University’s extensive experience in developing global campuses across Egypt, Morocco, Singapore, China, and Poland, Professor Noon highlighted that success in transnational education lies in listening, learning, and adapting.

“Each country has its own needs and requirements, and universities are there to serve the population, the economy, and industry — whether through teaching, research, or enterprise,” he said. “Here in Kazakhstan, as in all our partnerships, it’s about understanding how we can best support the economy, the students, and the industries that drive growth.”

He further underscored the importance of maintaining quality and trust across all operations:

“It’s about ensuring integrity — the quality of our degrees, the training we deliver to industry — and making sure it fits the needs of the local market.”

Professor Noon also praised the Kazakhstan Ministry of Science and Higher Education for its openness to innovation and commitment to fostering international collaboration:

“Kazakhstan is doing a very, very good job of encouraging universities to be innovative, to come out to this market, to try new things. We couldn’t have moved as quickly as we have without the ministry’s energy and support — and we are very grateful for it.”

He highlighted Coventry University’s long-standing relationship with Kazakhstan, built through partnerships with the Bolashak scholarship programme, which provided valuable insights into the local economy and workforce needs.

“We worked with Bolashak for five or six years before opening our campus here,” he said. “That gave us a deep understanding of what industry was requiring. It’s always about learning and listening, and then responding — this is not one way, it’s absolutely two-way.”

Today, Coventry University Kazakhstan continues to contribute to the country’s evolving higher education system, offering internationally recognised degree programmes and fostering academic exchange and innovation. Through collaboration with government bodies and local partners, the university supports Kazakhstan’s broader efforts to align education with global standards and economic priorities.

“Coventry University Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its role in shaping the future of higher education in the region,” said Miras Daulenov, President of Coventry University Kazakhstan. “Professor Paul Noon’s participation in strategic roundtables and international forums reflects our shared mission — to foster innovation, ensure quality in transnational education, and build bridges between Kazakhstan and the UK. Together, we are developing globally recognised programmes that empower students and contribute to sustainable national development.”

As Kazakhstan moves forward with its goal of attracting 100,000 international students by 2029, initiatives such as Coventry University Kazakhstan illustrate how global partnerships can strengthen national education systems and expand opportunities for students in the region and beyond.

Coventry University Group is one of the UK’s leading modern universities, ranked 14th among Modern Universities in the UK (The Complete University Guide 2026), rated Gold overall in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), and awarded 5 QS Stars overall for excellence in teaching, research, employability, and facilities.

Coventry University Kazakhstan (CUK) — the first British university in Astana — is officially licensed as a campus of Coventry University, UK. Drawing on the university’s global expertise and academic standards, CUK offers undergraduate programmes in Business, Computer Science, International Relations, Economics, and Finance, as well as postgraduate programmes including the MBA Global Business (Executive) and Continuing Professional Development courses.

Full information: www.coventry.edu.kz