Kazakhstan Launches First-Ever Central Asian University Branch in Russia

Kazakhstan has become the first Central Asian nation to open a university branch in Russia, marking a significant milestone in regional academic cooperation.

The new campus of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), based at Omsk State University, officially began operations in 2024, The Caspian Post reports per Kazakh media.

A high-level delegation led by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek visited the campus to inspect its facilities and review student admissions procedures. The visit included a tour of the admissions office, academic buildings, and the library.

During the visit, KazNU Rector Zhanseit Tuimebayev detailed the university’s efforts to establish the branch, highlighting the institution's commitment to cross-border academic collaboration. Nurbek also emphasized the growing experience of Russian universities operating within Kazakhstan, pointing to a broader trend of educational integration between the two countries.

The Omsk branch currently offers three bachelor’s programs: Kazakh language and literature, customs affairs, and international law. The university anticipates enrolling between 200 and 250 students for the 2025 academic year.

Mishustin hailed the initiative as a promising development in bilateral education ties and encouraged young students to take advantage of the new academic opportunities.