Cardiff University has announced the establishment of a new campus in Astana, Kazakhstan, set to open later this year. This milestone marks a significant step in the university’s ongoing global development and its commitment to delivering world-class education in Central Asia.
According to the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Cardiff University Kazakhstan will initially launch foundation programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Business in 2025, with undergraduate programs set to follow in 2026.
The university is developing the Astana campus in collaboration with the Public Foundation Qualified Centre of Education (QCEF), a not-for-profit organisation.
Cardiff University has also been working closely with the Kazakh government, which has committed to supporting student access through up to 500 fully funded scholarships in the first three years. This initiative will help ensure that talented Kazakhstani students can benefit from the high-quality education offered at the new campus.
Cardiff University Kazakhstan will contribute significantly to the government’s vision of expanding access to diverse educational pathways, offering both local and international students world-class academic programs. Once fully operational, the campus is expected to accommodate more than 2,500 students annually, strengthening the region’s skilled workforce and supporting economic development.
Commenting on the announcement, Cardiff University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner, stated: “We are excited about the opportunities that the Cardiff University Kazakhstan campus will create. It is clear from our extensive discussions with the Kazakh government, investors, and other stakeholders that this initiative will be truly reciprocal and mutually beneficial.”
Kuanysh Kuchekbayev, Director of QCEF, emphasized the strategic significance of the project: “The opening of Cardiff University’s branch in Astana is a strategically important project that will have a direct impact on the training of highly qualified specialists capable of addressing global challenges and contributing to the sustainable development of the region’s and the country’s economy.”
The Cardiff University Kazakhstan campus is set to become a landmark initiative in higher education, fostering innovation, research, and academic collaboration between the UK and Kazakhstan.
