Study Abroad in Central Asia: Cardiff University Welcomes Students to New Kazakhstan Campus

Cardiff University Kazakhstan Inaugurated, Marking Strategic UK–Kazakhstan Higher Education Partnership

Cardiff University, UK, has officially launched its first overseas branch campus in Astana, Kazakhstan, becoming the only Russell Group university currently operating in Central Asia. This landmark development reflects the institution’s strategic commitment to global education, international students, and the expansion of higher education through transnational partnerships. The new campus, known as Cardiff University Kazakhstan, will offer four-year undergraduate programmes in Computer Science, Business Management, Civil Engineering, and Exploration Geology, each beginning with a Foundation Year in STEM or Business and delivered in English by faculty from both Cardiff and Kazakhstan.

The inauguration ceremony, held on 3 September 2025, brought together senior officials from the Government of Kazakhstan, leaders from Cardiff University, Wales, and representatives of the new campus. The event featured a cultural programme celebrating the shared heritage of Kazakhstan and Wales, including traditional Welsh harp performances and Kazakh national delicacies.

Over 300 students have already enrolled, a remarkable achievement given the project’s rapid development within a single year. The campus will operate under Cardiff University’s governance, ensuring academic rigour and offering students access to modern student accommodation, academic mobility, and career development opportunities. This initiative forms part of Cardiff University’s broader internationalisation strategy, Our Future Together, which promotes education and research collaborations across China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States. The Kazakhstan campus not only strengthens Cardiff’s global presence but also supports Kazakhstan’s ambition to become a regional leader in overseas education and the knowledge economy, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence

Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Larner described the launch as a defining achievement in Cardiff’s internationalisation agenda. She noted that the first cohort of academically outstanding students would commence studies later in September, joining degree courses designed to foster academic excellence and career development. Professor Larner emphasised the alignment between Cardiff’s institutional goals and Kazakhstan’s ambition to become an international university hub, driving national progress through education and research. Acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the initiative, Professor Larner extended thanks to colleagues in Cardiff and Astana, as well as to partners at QCEF and the Kazakh government. She expressed hope that the new campus would catalyse enduring ties between the UK and Kazakhstan, enriching the study abroad experience for students and promoting global competencies.

Dr Paula Sanderson, Chief Operating Officer of Cardiff University, highlighted the rapid progress of the project, noting that over 300 students had already enrolled within a year of its inception. She praised the dedication of staff and described the Kazakhstan strategy as one of the most ambitious she had encountered in the field of transnational education. Dr Sanderson underscored the country’s emerging role in the knowledge economy, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, and affirmed Cardiff’s pride in contributing to this vision. From late September 2025, Cardiff University Kazakhstan will offer four-year undergraduate programmes in Computer Science, Business Management, Civil Engineering, and Exploration Geology. Each course begins with a Foundation Year in STEM or Business, delivered in English by faculty from both Cardiff and its Kazakh counterpart. The campus will operate under Cardiff University’s governance, ensuring rigorous quality standards and offering students access to student accommodation, academic mobility, and modern facilities.

British Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Mrs Sally Axworthy MBE, attended the ceremony and described the launch as a landmark in UK-Kazakhstan educational cooperation. She welcomed the arrival of British academic excellence in Central Asia and expressed optimism about the long-term benefits for students and institutions alike. The event also featured a cultural showcase celebrating the shared heritage of Kazakhstan and Wales, including traditional music, cuisine, and performances that reflected the spirit of international university collaboration. Cardiff University reaffirmed that its expansion into Kazakhstan forms part of its broader strategic plan, Our Future Together, which promotes master’s programmes abroad, global education, and reciprocal partnerships in regions including China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States. Cardiff University’s presence in Kazakhstan marks a transformative step in advancing global education through strategic international collaboration.

Editor’s Note

The opening of Cardiff University in Kazakhstan marks a historic step in higher education. Cardiff is now the only Russell Group university with a branch campus in Central Asia, a clear sign of its growing international presence. The new campus is central to the university’s strategy, Our Future Together, which seeks to expand transnational education, postgraduate opportunities abroad, and global partnerships. This development also reflects Kazakhstan’s own ambition to become a regional hub for higher education and the knowledge economy. The launch of four-year undergraduate programmes in Computer Science, Business Management, Civil Engineering, and Exploration Geology, each beginning with a Foundation Year and taught in English, underlines the academic strength of this initiative. A governance model led directly by Cardiff ensures that academic quality and career pathways remain strong. Students will benefit not only from high-quality teaching but also from modern residences, academic mobility opportunities, and tailored support services. The project goes beyond education, fostering cultural diplomacy through the sharing of Kazakh and Welsh traditions at the launch. Leadership voices have underlined the achievement. Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Larner described the opening as a milestone in Cardiff’s global ambition, while Chief Operating Officer Dr Paula Sanderson praised the scale of teamwork involved and the bold vision behind the project.
The presence of British Ambassador Mrs Sally Axworthy MBE at the ceremony further highlighted the significance of the venture for UK-Kazakhstan relations in education and research. The wider implications are clear: UK universities abroad are not only creating new student pathways but also shaping global competencies and building research links. 

Skoobuzz observes that the establishment of Cardiff University in Kazakhstan serves as a clear example of how higher education can foster international connections while supporting shared prosperity.