The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a major advisory agreement to help expand student housing infrastructure in Kazakhstan through a new public-private partnership initiative centered around Satbayev University.

The agreement, signed with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Satbayev University, aims to develop modern, affordable and resilient student accommodation using a design-build-finance-operate-maintain public-private partnership (PPP) model, The Caspian Post reports via ADB.

The deal was signed by Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, Satbayev University Rector Meiram Begentayev and ADB Country Director for Kazakhstan Utsav Kumar.

Under the project, the ADB will provide transaction advisory support, including feasibility studies, project preparation, marketing and tendering assistance aimed at attracting international investors.

Officials say the initiative is expected to become a pilot model for future student housing projects across Kazakhstan under the country’s new 2025 PPP Law.

The need for additional accommodation has become increasingly urgent at Satbayev University, which currently provides dormitory space for only around 2,300 students despite having more than 10,000 enrolled. About 80% of students come from outside Almaty, placing heavy pressure on the city’s private rental market.

ADB officials say the project is designed not only to improve student welfare and access to education, but also to encourage greater private-sector participation in Kazakhstan’s social infrastructure sector.