Massachusetts Institute of Technology May Open Its First Central Asian Campus in Kazakhstan

A branch of the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) could soon open in Kazakhstan.

Science and Higher Education Minister Sayasat Nurbek confirmed that negotiations with MIT are already underway, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

The minister noted that major US universities are facing financial pressure due to reduced federal support. “Harvard, Columbia, and others are in a difficult situation. That’s why leading universities are increasingly looking toward partnership opportunities with us,” he said.

Nurbek also highlighted that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to create a university dedicated to artificial intelligence - and Kazakhstan is now exploring the possibility of launching it in collaboration with MIT.

Earlier, President Tokayev emphasized that the future AI university should have a special status and involve top global institutions as partners. The government is expected to present concrete proposals by the end of the year.