Kazakhstan has ratified the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education - widely known as the Tokyo Convention - marking a major step toward strengthening international academic cooperation and diploma recognition.

According to UNESCO, the decision reinforces Kazakhstan’s leadership in promoting fair, transparent recognition of qualifications across Central Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Aligning with Global Standards

By joining the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education, Kazakhstan advances efforts to bring its higher education system fully in line with international standards. The Convention enhances mutual trust between national education systems, simplifies recognition procedures, and supports greater student and academic mobility.

The move aligns with Kazakhstan’s ambition to position itself as a regional education hub - a vision outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his 2024 article “Renaissance of Central Asia: Towards Sustainable Development and Prosperity.”

New Opportunities for Graduates

Minister of Higher Education and Science Sayasat Nurbek said the ratification will simplify mutual recognition of diplomas, giving Kazakh graduates broader access to study and employment opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.

At the same time, Kazakhstan’s universities are expected to become more attractive to international students, boosting competitiveness and strengthening the country’s human capital in the global knowledge economy.

Adopted in 2011 and entering into force in 2018, the Tokyo Convention modernized regional recognition systems by embedding principles of transparency, quality assurance, and fairness. Member states commit to assessing qualifications based on learning outcomes rather than procedural barriers.

A Regional First

Kazakhstan becomes the first country in Central Asia to ratify the Convention. Dr. Amir Piric, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office in Almaty, described the step as a strong signal of openness and commitment to international standards.

Kazakhstan will officially become a State Party three months after depositing its instrument of ratification with UNESCO.