Astana has officially welcomed the opening of Cardiff University Kazakhstan, the first overseas campus of Cardiff University and the only Russell Group campus in Central Asia. The launch marks an important milestone in the development of international education and the strengthening of strategic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Governments of Kazakhstan and the UK, as well as the leadership of Cardiff University and Cardiff University Kazakhstan. Distinguished guests included Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan; Sally Axworthy, UK Ambassador to Kazakhstan; Professor Wendy Larner, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University; the Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary of Cardiff University; Dr. Paula Sanderson, Chair of the Board of Directors of Cardiff University Kazakhstan; and Patrick Young, Chair of Cardiff University Council.

“Kazakhstan is emerging as a regional academic hub. This year alone, more than 31,000 international students have come to our country. Under the initiative of the Head of State, we are implementing a comprehensive strategy in higher education and science. One of its key elements is the establishment of branches of leading international research universities in Kazakhstan. In the past three and a half years, nearly 40 international institutions have entered the country, five of which have chosen to open major campuses,” said Minister Nurbek.

The Minister emphasized that branches of leading foreign universities have already begun operating across different regions of Kazakhstan, with long-term agreements in place to ensure their transformation into research universities that meet international standards.

“It is a great honor for me to open the Cardiff University campus in Kazakhstan. This is our first international campus, and we look forward to welcoming our first cohort of academically strong students this month. We are proud to be the first Russell Group university to establish a campus in Kazakhstan. Today’s opening is the result of extensive work and close cooperation. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of Kazakhstan for its support in realizing our shared goals,” said Professor Wendy Larner, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University.

Cardiff University consistently ranks among the top universities globally. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it is placed 181st, while the Complete University Guide 2026 ranks it 22nd in the UK. According to REF 2021, 91% of its research is rated as internationally excellent or world-leading. Membership in the Russell Group further affirms Cardiff’s status as one of the UK’s foremost research universities.

Starting in September 2025, Cardiff University Kazakhstan will begin enrolling students in four-year bachelor’s degree programs:

✔ BSc Computer Science

✔ BSc Business Management

✔ BEng Civil Engineering

✔ BSc Exploration Geology

All programs are delivered in English and taught by faculty from both Cardiff University and Cardiff University Kazakhstan. The campus operates under the direct governance of the home university in the UK, ensuring British standards of quality. Students will benefit from academic mobility between campuses and will be provided with modern student accommodation.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-london/press/news/details/1062744?lang=kk