ALMATY – Kazakhstan is shifting from one-off initiatives in international higher education to a systemic state strategy. Since September 2025, new branches have begun operating in partnership with Arizona State University, Cardiff University, Coventry University, Woosong University, MGIMO, Marche Polytechnic University, and Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. International education as an economic sectorKazakhstan increasingly views international higher education as an economic driver. Regional governments are also involved, providing buildings, land, and grants, turning international higher education into a tool of regional development. In the past three years, five Kazakh university branches have opened abroad, including Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Bishkek, Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Osh and the joint IT Faculty of ENU in Dushanbe.