Kazakh Parliament Ratifies Agreement to Launch Russian University Branch in Kostanay

The Kazakh parliament has officially ratified the agreement with Russia that paves the way for the establishment and operation of the Kostanay branch of Chelyabinsk State University.

The agreement, signed in Astana on November 27, 2024, aims to ensure that the branch operates at full capacity and further solidifies cooperation between the two countries in higher education, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Under the terms of the deal:

Academic programs will be conducted in Kazakh, Russian, and other languages, in compliance with Kazakhstan’s state educational standards and Russia’s federal requirements.

Both countries commit to licensing and accrediting the branch, enforcing state oversight in education, and establishing uniform admission criteria for students.

Officials anticipate the ratification will enhance academic collaboration across borders and further Kazakhstan’s effort to internationalize its higher education system.

This development follows a broader trend of international academic partnerships in Kazakhstan, such as the recent opening of a Cardiff University branch in Astana.